Dave_N

Aside from installing a cold air intake, is there any simple ways to improve airflow to the engine? I've noticed that there is a white mesh just before the mass airflow sensor. I guess it's there to prevent dust from getting on the MAF, but it also restricts airflow. Has anyone tried taking the meshy thing out? Also, can the airbox be modified to allow for more airflow?

Dwayne J

MAF screens serve probably more to straighten and even out airflow across the whole cross section then they do catch debris. There are some applications the GM does not put a screen in because the intake tract is straight enough to not need the screen to straighten airflow.
There there is the fact that molesting the MAF by removing the screen or porting or anything screws up the calibration so the pcm does not have accurate airflow readings anymore. Aftermarket MAFs generally just underreport airflow to try and manipulate the WOT fueling which is a BAD BAD way to manipulate fueling.

__________________
Dwayne
96 Caprice with AI 200cc package
Best et 11.5
Best MPH 116
Just another taxi

kingnutin

To sum it up, the engine isn't exactly choking as it is stock, its not going to use any more air just because its available. The only way you're going to make any real difference, is to either modify the heads and/or valvetrain, or go with forced induction.

__________________
1978 Caprice Classic Landau
350 2-bolt, stock 4bbl
Stock rebuilt TH350
Edelbrock performer cam + intake
Dual 2 1/2" Flowmaster exhuast (waiting to be installed)
Edelbrock IAS Classic shocks
95 9C1 3.08 posi
4 wheel disc brakes!
16x8 American Racing Baja's with 225/60/16 Pirelli P4's

Dwayne J

Probably a good time to point out that with the HP wars in full swing since what the 90s OEMs have really stepped up their game and left a lot less on the table with "basic boltons" than what there once was available.

Ignition "upgrades" are pointless too as 100K mile tuneups and emissions standards have them making the ignitions systems VERY good too.

So as said you need to do something to cause the engine to move more air.

__________________
Dwayne
96 Caprice with AI 200cc package
Best et 11.5
Best MPH 116
Just another taxi

Dave_N

So if I understand what you guys are saying, then there really isn't anything much worth doing to improve airflow to the engine, because the engine isn't designed to use anymore air? Is an engine tune a worthwhile investment?

C.E.Divine

What they are saying is that something like a cold air intake or similar isn't much worth it. It would net you a little power, but the stock heads, intake manifold and cam don't need any more air than what the stock air intake provides. If you took the heads and ported and polished them, then your stock air intake would be more of a choke point, like pinching a garden hose right at the spigot. At that point, a new air intake would be a worthwhile investment.

kingnutin

A PCM tune is worthwhile, don't expect a big power gain, more just improved response.

__________________
1978 Caprice Classic Landau
350 2-bolt, stock 4bbl
Stock rebuilt TH350
Edelbrock performer cam + intake
Dual 2 1/2" Flowmaster exhuast (waiting to be installed)
Edelbrock IAS Classic shocks
95 9C1 3.08 posi
4 wheel disc brakes!
16x8 American Racing Baja's with 225/60/16 Pirelli P4's

ImpSS07

What motor do you have in your car?

edit: never mind, I see in your other thread you have a LTZ.

Dave_N

I guess my car is plenty powerful as it is. Maybe it could just be a little more responsive when accelerating.

MixedImpala04

Don't waste your money, the car wasn't meant to be fast, make it look cool and put a sound system and enjoy it!

Stratman66

BLASPHEMY!

Dwayne J

I don't know much about the specifics for your platform but if you had a b-body I would respond to this by saying get a little higher stall converter and or gears. I really don't know anything about those mods as they pertain to FWD though.

__________________
Dwayne
96 Caprice with AI 200cc package
Best et 11.5
Best MPH 116
Just another taxi

kingnutin

I would just suggest a PCM and TCM tune, that will improve response quite a bit. I don't know if gears can be changed, or what TC options there are.

__________________
1978 Caprice Classic Landau
350 2-bolt, stock 4bbl
Stock rebuilt TH350
Edelbrock performer cam + intake
Dual 2 1/2" Flowmaster exhuast (waiting to be installed)
Edelbrock IAS Classic shocks
95 9C1 3.08 posi
4 wheel disc brakes!
16x8 American Racing Baja's with 225/60/16 Pirelli P4's

Dave_N

Thanks for all of your helpful input. Here's what I did:
I bought a k&n drop in air filter from Part Source, since they are on sale for $54. I then cleaned out the airbox and cut out the end to allow more air to flow. I also let the filter oil dry before putting in the filter. My car drives perfect. Thanks again for the help. :-)

Dave_N

I just took my LTZ on the highway this morning, to test out my new K&N drop in air filter and modified stock airbox and all I can say is 'holy shit,' my car is super fast now! Acceleration is a breeze now. I don't normally push my engine past 3500 RPMs, because I don't want to overwork the engine, and with K&N filter, I don't have to.

The transmission shifts perfectly now between 2-3000 RPMs. I think my old Fram filter was really holding back my car. I noticed that the engine sounded louder too, but not to the point of hurting my ears (I have really good hearing). It feels really good when you know that you made a good purchase.