Quote:
Originally Posted by wanker
Surface drag has many factors including the air temperature (i.e., density), velocity, compressibility etc.
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Correct, and if it's reduced surface drag and a smoother air flow you are trying to accomplish then congratulations. However, if it's horsepower you are trying to accomplish (as with an intake), then you want more air as opposed to smooth air, as well as some turbulence (see: volumetric efficiency) to aid in mixing with fuel, which is heavier than air.
What do you think a turbo does? Makes the air really smooth going into the engine, or crams a crap ton of air into it without worrying about how "turbulent" it is.
This is where most people go wrong. Yes, usually when trying to reduce drag, smoother = better. But you're not trying to reduce drag here, you're trying to increase volume. More air = more power, smoother air !=(necessarily) more power.