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-   -   Stock duct modification (https://rotarycarclub.com/showthread.php?t=8765)

AHarada 08-09-2009 10:55 PM

Stock duct modification
 
Many of the smaller SMICs use the stock duct. This includes the GReddy, SRmotorsports (what I have), the RE SMIC, ARC, and probably others that I can't remember at the moment. Since there isn't an upgrade for the stock duct, we must make do with what we have. With the huge holes in the stock duct, and the fact that it doesn't even extend into the mouth of the bumper, makes me believe that the IC doesn't get any airflow through it whatsoever. So when using the stock duct even with the stock IC, modification is a MUST!

First was to plug up the holes. I cut off the entire side of the duct where the AC drier used to be with a dremel. Then I fiberglassed up that huge hole that was left.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...0718091724.jpg

For the hole that the stock intake used to pull air from, i taped up a piece of cardboard over this hole to make a flat shape, and fiberglassed over that.

The next step was to extend the duct, to make it exposed to the mouth of the bumper to pick up air. I made a shape out of duct tape, then fiberglassed over that. Here, I used about 5 layers of fiberglass cloth on the straight part, and 3 on the sides. It is very very solid.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...0809092053.jpg

Some black paint and voila, you have a functional duct for use with the smaller SMICs.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...0809092057.jpg

Now I could have spent some time sanding the fiberglass to smooth out the surface and make it look nicer, but i left this part out.

The product I used with a fiberglass patch kit used on cars and boats, etc. made by Bondo. It had the perfect amount of material to complete this project, as well as some left over to do other stuff (fix broken interior pieces etc.

Now the duct extends down into the mouth of the bumper by about 3 inches. It only blocks radiator area by a negligible amount.

scotty305 08-10-2009 01:47 AM

Nice work, I've always wished I was better at working with fiberglass/CF. Have you been keeping an eye on IAT's so you'll have some before/after data?

AHarada 08-10-2009 02:50 AM

This was the first time I have ever worked with fiberglass. It didn't come out too pretty, but that wasn't really a concern. I can't comment on IATs yet as I haven't driven the car with this on yet. I also recently changed the sensor to the fast reacting one. I am extremely confident that this will be much more effective than the duct beforehand though.

cewrx7r1 08-10-2009 09:34 PM

We original owners from 1992 have done something similar over 10 years ago.
Welcome to the club.

Signal 2 08-11-2009 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cewrx7r1 (Post 93896)
We original owners from 1992 have done something similar over 10 years ago.
Welcome to the club.

Then please....show us yours.


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