Materials for Heat Insulating (Custom Air Box)

[DiegoRF]

Hi, im thinking in doing an Air Box for the CAI, just need to know what is the bests materiales to Heat insulation.

I find a lot of products in this page http://www.thermotec.com
but im not sure which one would be the better to use.

So, if someone has another options please help thanks.

 

[Racebrewer]

When it comes to transmitting heat, aluminum is pretty bad as heat passes through easily. In metals, stainless steel resists heat transfer but is hard to work with.

Most plastics are pretty good in resisting heat transfer and would probably work well. Carbon fiber or fiberglass / polyester resin boxes work also.

Of course, you could always make an insulated aluminum box. Spray insulation-multiple layers-etc. Not to mention spray coatings like VHT or ceramic sprays.

Lots of ways to skin a cat (mea culpa Kitties).

John

 

[DiegoRF]

Thanks Racebrewer, I explain it wrong.. I want to do an Air Box for the ShortRam Intake.

This is something I draw. tell me what do you think about it.

I found this that can be used here

I was asking for what material the box that doesnt allow the heat transfer thanks .!

So Aluminiun number 1
and then i can paint it with spray coatings or cover the box with Adhesive Backed Heat Barrier (here)
Am I right?

 

[Racebrewer]

Hi Diego,

Unfortunately all I can see is a red X

Just to clarify, aluminum is the worst material as it will transfer heat. That is why they use aluminum foil in cooking turkeys.

Plastic transfers heat the least.

Take a look at the plastic tubing/pipe and fittings used for plumbing or electrical wiring. It can be found in Home Depot or Lowes. You'll get better air flow with a smooth surface rather than the rough surface in the flexible tubing in your link.

On my Integra, I first built a short ram intake with a big K&N filter using 3" plastic tubing. Of course that sucked hot underhood air so I built a fiberglass box for the filter. I fed the box with cold air from the fender well using a 4" plastic pipe.

I like the looks of that adhesive thermal barrier. I may get some of the gold to put on my Integra oil pan where the header goes past it.

John

 

[DiegoRF]

Ok, thanks

another try

 

[Racebrewer]

Cool. It looks good although using it as a "ram air" means that everything will be drriven at the air cleaner. Any bugs, dirt, water, bottle caps, etc, etc..... will be directed right where you don't want it. That is done at Drag Strip Racing where things are pretty clean on the track. On the street????????

BTW, even a perfect ram air system doesn't add much power, just a percent or so in terms of increased power at a 100 MPH. Cold air by itself adds about 1 percent for every 10 degrees in dropped incoming air temp.

A bell mouth on the end of the tube where the air comes in will also help air flow. A straight tube ending has horrible flow characteristics.

One of the best intakes of this type is the Mugen system for Integra Type R's based upon dyno testing. It combines every good aspect of an intake that you could think of. Tuned length, cold air, short ram intake, bell mouth, etc, etc. Try Googling it.

John

 

[DiegoRF]

It looks good although using it as a "ram air" means that everything will be drriven at the air cleaner. Any bugs, dirt, water, bottle caps, etc, etc..... will be directed right where you don't want it. That is done at Drag Strip Racing where things are pretty clean on the track. On the street????????

Yes, thats the only reason Im not sure on doing it. I was thinking in using some kind of mesh at the top end where the air comes out..

ummm I have read that its not too much gain in hp, but its some type of obssesion i have on doing it, and try it to feel the difference, any way Ill can take it off whenever a want.
First I will start with the box, try it for a time, and then I will see.

Diego

 

[Mazdamatic]

you could always modify the intake manifold and copy the bmw csl box.

have the original vent (the one by the logo) led straight into the intake manifold where a nice wide panel filter is.

so basically like OEM cept going straight into a new manifold. instead of thru the filter then into the ecu then into the mani.

just a thought.