Stock duct modification

AHarada · 08-09-2009, 10:55 PM

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.

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.

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

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

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

Then please....show us yours.

08-09-2009, 10:55 PM	#1
AHarada Rotary Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 162 Rep Power: 18	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. 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. Some black paint and voila, you have a functional duct for use with the smaller SMICs. 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.

08-10-2009, 01:47 AM	#2
scotty305 Rotary Fan in Training Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Culver City, CA Posts: 84 Rep Power: 18	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?

08-10-2009, 02:50 AM	#3
AHarada Rotary Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 162 Rep Power: 18	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.

08-10-2009, 09:34 PM	#4
cewrx7r1 The Judge Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 196 Rep Power: 18	We original owners from 1992 have done something similar over 10 years ago. Welcome to the club.