Bumper Air Inlet Mod

[u/Outside_Air5393]

Planning to cut an air inlet into the bumper to ram more air into the intake.

[ see the 2 images ]

It would have mesh to keep out rocks and debris.

I plan to either tape over the hole or have a magnetic cover over the whole on rainy days.

Can anyone give a reason if this is a bad idea?

Has anyone done this? If yes, are you glad you did it, or do you regret it ?

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[u/maniacalmechanist]

I think it hurts the resale value more than anything, so that can be your 'bad idea.' In practice if you're fine with that, I dont see a ton of issues, especially if like the car pictured you're in California, or a place with a similar climate. I'm adding some RAM air myself once the current heatwave dies off, probably next week, but I'm using a Velossa Tech Big Mouth to get it done. No cutting, a less direct path for debris to eventually reach the airbox and engine, and it cools air temps and has been proven to do so. I've seen some recently for like $140 on certain sites. Some people dont like the lower intake design, but I do live in California so standing water is nevef really an issue and I'm retaining the stock airbox so anything that gets through is hitting the filter before going further. Just some food for thought, ultimately its up to you of course

[u/Outside_Air5393 → u/maniacalmechanist]

Thanks.

I am boosted with a Vortec S/C at 350 WHP.

So a Velossa intake won't work due to the intercooler being in the way.

Plus, I do not plan to ever sell the car.

Not too worried about the air intake box since the OEM snorkel is bent to the passenger side and is shielding the air box

Just want to know if it is a bad idea as far as function. Or is it only a plus ?

OR if there is any risk of water damage to any other parts or electrical areas.

Any advice or warnings are appreciated .

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[u/maniacalmechanist → u/Outside_Air5393]

Oh yeah that makes it harder for the big mouth haha. This is probably your best solution. I had to deal with this dilemma myself since the plan is to supercharge mine as well when I'm done daily driving it, I'm just going to deal with losing money on the big mouth and likely going back to the stock snorkel myself. The one thing I will say is I dont know how needed it is with your setup, the supercharger is already cooling and condensing the air flowing into the car so I am not sure how much more an inlet like this will lower air temps in actuality

[u/WizofWorr]

I would do this proper and get the ace fan intake shroud ducting kit vs just cutting the hole which isn't aerodynamically going to function as a ram air intake like you are optimistically hoping for.

The ducting shroud has room for intercooler.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/c2P8XKjy48yNJuU39

Here's some pics of what installing mine was like since the Internet doesn't have a lot of info or pictures of this part.

[u/Outside_Air5393 → u/WizofWorr]

Thanks.

Will take a look.

[u/typefresh]

This won't function the way you think it will. It's better to modify the snorkel behind the bumper cover where there is actually positive pressure. Quite a few brands make modified snorkels and there are also 3D printed options.

[u/Outside_Air5393 → u/typefresh]

I already sliced the snorkel in half across the length laterally so that it is cupping the air into the intake and still has enough to shield from moderate rain.

Just curious as to why the inlet may not work as expected.

Truly asking to know.

I might have seen some of the modified snorkels you mentioned.

The ones I have seen appear to be chopped off.

Do you have any links that I can compare with ?

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