[hooptey]

Hi guys,

For those of you who don't know about my project, here's the short of it- I noticed that with some clever cutting of the trim under the left wiper, cold air could be routed into the engine compartment (and filter housing) with the addition of two custom plastic pieces.

Since then, I have broken my ankle and just now got around (hopping around) to getting it fit on my E and took a few pics before dark today.

I don't have under the hood pics, as I only took a few quick shots with my iphone. Yeah, I don't have a proper digital cam, but if/when I do a final write-up, I'll take good pics and document as I should.

Anyway, I've got two shots. First from far away, to show that the scoop basically blends in with the windshield trim, and is largely unnoticed. Closer up shows the shape/location of the scoop much better.

As for performance numbers, I don't have an actual dyno sheet to show, but I do have so rather relevant readings from my ScanGaugeII. All readings were taken at 83degF at about 85% humidity here in central Florida. Element was traveling at 55mph on cruise, straight and level, no A/C, windows/sunroof closed. Ellie is a 2003 4WD EX.

Stock intake setup:
MAP (Manifold Air Pressure) Reading: -12.6psi
Intake Air Temp Reading: +50degF over ambient

Hood scoop setup:
MAP Reading: -8.5psi
Intake Air Temp Reading: +15degF over ambient

I would like to add the following notes:

-Don't misconstrue the 4.1psi difference in ram air effect as some sort of major boost. This is manifold pressure, meaning this is indicative of the available air to the intake valves. Yes, there's a performance increase, but considering the base HP of the Element, it's probably not a huge deal. These numbers will probably improve with my second version as this was mostly a fitment test and didn't include a gasket on the bottom of the scoop to totally seal it to the rest of the intake.

-The IAT readings show about what you'd expect with a cold air intake. I was forced to use 3" aluminum duct to route from the scoop to the filter box, so this could possibly be improved with a material that doesn't heat soak so easily.

-This particular set of pics shows my modified left wiper arm. It was bent upward and then back down to provide clearance to fit a number of scoop designs that I was fitting. You see the end result in the pics, which doesn't require the wiper mod.

-This particular shape is sort of a hybrid between the hood scoop and snorkel looks. I plan on a wider and flatter version for the sportier types, and a taller air-gulping snorkel version to be tested as well.


If this ever goes into production, please let me know what people would like to see.

 

[Serj22]

Woah, that's interesting. Not seen anything like that yet, and you're right, I didn't notice it for a long while. I went "there's no hood scoop here, he must've uploaded the wrong pictures" but when I saw it, it was cool. I only have a few questions:
-Does it have to be removed from the hood to open and close it?
-Is it attached to the hood?
-Or is it attached to the rain vent?
-Does it make any altercations on your vision from inside since it's off center? I.e, does it make you seem like you're always drifting to the right?
-Do you mind if I steal that idea to just make one for myself?

 

[rhurt]

Nice job on the scoop. I buy that the intake temp is slightly lower. But I hate to break it to you, but there is no way that your map readings are accurate. If you did in fact increase the pressure by 4 psi, you would have a huge power gain, but unfortunately you did not. The MAP readings are very sensitive, and vary with a huge number of inputs, especially engine load and throttle position. Most likely the readings were taken with some difference in these variables, and are therefore not comparable. I can tell you from someone who has built a forced induction system, it will take more than a hood scoop to make a significant change to your manifold pressure.

You might have better luck measuring the pressure at full throttle at a given rpm.

 

[rotomoto]

^^^what he said. MAP readings will vary wildly with only small variations in throttle position. Interesting project, though!

 

[Nasty Toaster]

nice work. look forward to reading more about it.

 

[Island E]

This should be interesting when it rains.

You won't hydrolock your engine, and actually it'll clean carbon off your pistons and valves due to the steam cleaning effect.

Other people will go insane and be all paranoid about the possibility of sucking in even a drop of water.

 

[hooptey]

Update- questions answered

As for the MAP sensor reading, I'm not sure how/why it's showing a 4psi difference... I kept the following things controlled, and they were verified via scangauge:

Outside Temp/Humidity
Speed
Throttle position
Engine load
Accessory load (no a/c, etc)

Do you guys have an idea for coming up with a better controlled test so I can see what the actual MAP variation might be?

Also, to answer a few:

-Yes, feel free to steal this idea. I only thought I may produce a few pieces for people that can't manufacture their own plastic parts.

-Hydrolocking hasn't been a concern of mine. In an excessively heavy downpour (which we get frequently in central florida) I pulled in to my university's garage and immediately removed the filter housing cover to inspect. The water had already drained out through the bottom and I was able to see the line from where the water had been. Very little volume at all, with no pooling.

-Visual perception hasn't changed for me. I did, however, design it so that the sides of the scoop align parallel with my line of sight down the hood from the driver's seat, instead of parallel with the sides of the Element.

-Removal is easy. I have it held in place with 4 plastic body fasteners, the kind that you press in the button in the middle and you can pull right out. As long as I have a pen or key with me, I can pop it off before opening the hood in about 5 seconds.

 

[Serj22]

Ah, so you pop it off before opening the hood. That makes sense now. I'm thinking of making a mold of a roof flange for ducting. It already has that general shape, then just plastic form it and make it... mine would be more round though, since it's not an Element. I would think you could mass produce and sell this, so good luck.

 

[boxedup1]

has a similiar idea like the gruppe s intake for the ep3 civic. it picks up air from the cowl area which is a high pressure area. the gruppe s is made of carbon fiber though.it might help you if you look at there set up as well

 

[racerc2000]

how did this project turn out? any new pics or progress? when i get some more money together i will be ordering a gruppe m air box. or making one simmilar.

btw is a scoop really needed? the cowl is vented to that one side as is

 

[igotyou16]

Nice to know this. Good luck on your project.

 

[Island E]

I don't think your vacuum readings are psi. Actually I'm almost positive of it. Vacuum readings usually are represented by inches of mercury ("Hg). A 4" difference is almost nothing.

So people expecting to see any kind of crazy power gain due to a "boost", there might be a little something, but it really won't be noticeable.

Not trying to rain on the parade, just trying to clear up some possible confusion.

 

[Menteng]

This looks good hooptey, I'd be interested on a wider/lower version of this scoop. Do you have under the hood pics?