I'd like to do a little experimenting with the goal of lowering Intake Air Temperature with minimal modifications to the stock setup. This is not an attempt to increase HP or MPG (although it should help both, if successful), only to get IATs down to a reasonable level, to avoid having the ECU pull timing. Please make suggestions.
Any permanent mods should be easy to perform by an intermediate DIYer with "standard" home shop tools. Any temporary mods (eg, thermocouples) should be easy to put back to stock condition. I have ordered replacements for the filter boxes and ducts, so they can be modified extensively if need be.
I need to install some thermocouples to get a baseline and measure results. Measuring engine compartment temp shouldn't be difficult, but I'm not sure how to go about measuring the the temp of the air in or near the intake manifold.
At first glance, it looks like drilling a hole in the duct, just before it enters the manifold, would be easiest. Does anyone know of an easily un-doable way to get a t/c inside the manifold?
After getting some baseline readings, I plan to install some insulation on the filter box and ducts. Any suggestions on type of insulation to use? I'm thinking something that is flexible, less than 1" thick, and having a reflective outer cover would work best. Maybe something like an exhaust blanket, only lighter weight. Tentative budget for insulation is $25-50 per side.
From there, I may explore extending the filter box inlets to an area of cooler air. Depends on how well the insulation works.
Hints, tips, and suggestions are welcomed.
PS: Yes, this is another of my obsessive projects - much like trying to figure out what causes the occasional pause when starting.
