air filter

[sb359]

CAN our trucks be driven without the black cover over the airfilter housing for better fuel mileage, I have to drive 400 mi. tomorrow all paved highway.

[Mark Rinker]

By removing the cover, you'd be drawing HOT underhood air only. The idea is to draw cooler, more dense outside air into the engine. Also, the cover serves a secondary purpose of aligning the filter with the air tube and holding it in place. It could become dislodged without the cover, allowing unfiltered air to enter the engine.

No benefits that I can see to removing the cover.

Idea: Try driving 5mph slower than you are accustomed to and measure the effects on fuel economy.

[EdHale]

I have slowed down from 75mph (18.5mpg) to 65mph (20.8mpg) driving back and forth to the lake on weekends - 210 miles each way. This is all highway and I hardly notice the slower speed, after the first trip anyway. It is worth it to me. Ed

[Hook_'em_Horns!]

By removing the cover, you'd be drawing HOT underhood air only. The idea is to draw cooler, more dense outside air into the engine.

Suggested by another member here, I picked up from Lowe’s, a 2-1/4” x 42” piece of foam weather-stripping for window A/Cs for about $2.

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/834/phot0013bmx1.jpg

It fits perfectly, wedged between the box and fender on the side, and between the box and the Radiator support up front. Starting at the vertical side near the coolant tank, I then moved horizontally toward the front, and around the corner toward the radiator.

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/7048/phot0014bjt3.jpg

About midway of the box, there is a perfect vertical flat piece at the edge of the front air intake, to wedge against going down toward the inner fender to complete the seal. This final gap is wider than the others so, just fold over the remaining strip to double in size.

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/2289/phot0017bal7.jpg

It’s just the right length with no trimming involved and nothing but cool air for the intake. I’m going to run it tomorrow and check for a difference, it’s been pushing 100*f daily here now, and who knows how hot it is under the hood.

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/6122/phot0021bfa8.jpg

I may still need to cut some additional inlets in the forward facing side of the box, we’ll see.

[Hook_'em_Horns!]

The additional hole must be cut in the forward facing side to make this work. Inside and just to the right is the cold air slot going down in between the front bumper and the inner fender.
http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/8848/phot0001bqq4.jpg

Pulling heavy, under load, I've gained 1mpg but my throttle response has increased significantly. But, the BIGGEST overall change has to do with the elimination of excessive fan activity with the Motor and Allison running cooler with Colder condensed air for the intake.

Cheap, inexpensive alteration to the stock air-box for a Cold Air Intake. The only problem is, this new found Erie silence going down the road, like it's winter or something!