Removing Air silencer

[Bob L.]

I notice a lot of you folks list you've removed the air silencer. Can you elaborate? WHat is it, what does it do where is it and how will it improve the car by removing it?

 

[91 SHOplus]

It'll do nothing for your performance, but it'll sound awesome when the secondaries open!

It looks like the cone of a trumpet, and it sits in your front fender, behind the airbox. Since you have a 90, just jack up the car and remove the front tire and splash sheild. (Using all standard safety precautions, of course)

Reach up inside and pull the cone out. Re-install splash shield and tire.

 

[SinisterSHO]

At first I removed only the horn, then I started looking, and then I took off the entire outter airbox portion. Should I have left this on?

 

[revhardSHO]

Opal Frost ATX:
At first I removed only the horn, then I started looking, and then I took off the entire outter airbox portion. Should I have left this on?

no, You actually get better flow with the outer airbox removed...

 

[jelloslug]

IMO it sounds even betterwith the entire box removed thumb

 

[Zap]

Is there any risk to removing the horn or even the entire outer section? In the freak chance I have to drive through a huge puddle or something, I don't want to risk engine damage!

 

[SinisterSHO]

Zap:
Is there any risk to removing the horn or even the entire outer section? In the freak chance I have to drive through a huge puddle or something, I don't want to risk engine damage!

I think thats the advantage of the airbox, now I'm just making an assumtion here. But if you did hit a big enough puddle, wouldn't the depth of the air box hold the water out of the rest of the intake?

 

[stevetatro]

Isn't the outer airbox what captures and directs the cool air into the inner airbox?

Seems without it you'd be minus some necessary air.

I'd leave it in. It doesn't sound THAT good without it!

 

[SHOZ123]

stevetatro:
Isn't the outer airbox what captures and directs the cool air into the inner airbox?

Seems without it you'd be minus some necessary air.

Are you implying Ram Air? How fast do you have to go to build up a positive pressure in front of the MAF of an engine that is ingesting over 300 SCFM?

 

[SHO_Driver]

stevetatro:

I'd leave it in. It doesn't sound THAT good without it!

Yes it does!

 

[Speedy_91_SHO]

SHO_Driver:

stevetatro:

I'd leave it in. It doesn't sound THAT good without it!

Yes it does!

I second that it does sound good with it out. I removed the whole outer box. I frequently check after it rains to see if any water has gotten into the box. I have never found water in the box. That is what the splash guard is for. I don't think that having the extra box in there would catch any more air than without it. Being that it is in the fender where air really isn't pushed inThere would'nt be very much of a "ram" effect anyways. It might catch a little more, but not enough to make a signifigant difference. The only reason for this mod is to make sound, not performance in any way, negative or positive. Some go farther and enlare the hole in the fender and in the stock air box. I plan on doing this after winter......This sucks, I am removing my car back to stock for winter. frown

 

[Hack]

Zap:
Is there any risk to removing the horn or even the entire outer section? In the freak chance I have to drive through a huge puddle or something, I don't want to risk engine damage!

I removed the air silencer in my 89 about nine years ago. I live in Western Washington and I'd say we get our fair share of rain and puddles here. I have never had any problem because it.

 

[EBOLA6]

Will removing the cone or outer box prevent me from passing smog inspection (visually)?

Can i remove this on a 93 ATX by removing front wheel and splash shield or is that only for earlier models?

thanks

 

[Hack]

Ebola6, There is no smog testing where I live (yet) so I am not positive, but I doubt it would be a problem. To see that it is missing they would have to open your air box in the engine bay or jack the car up and pull the drivers wheel and fender liner out.

Even if they did this, it should not matter. I doubt it is considered emissions equipment. Its main function is to reduce NVH levels. Can you believe that some idiot at Ford thought that we don't want to hear an aggressive intake growl? headbang

All the Gen Is and Gen IIs are the same in this regard. Also, for another freebie mod, do a search for 'throttle body coolant bypass'

<small>[ October 10, 2003, 03:43 AM: Message edited by: yellowSHO ]</small>

 

[stevetatro]

SHOZ123
Are you implying Ram Air? How fast do you have to go to build up a positive pressure in front of the MAF of an engine that is ingesting over 300 SCFM?

I don't at all think there's any additional pressure. I do think it could be the best way or directing the cold air into the box (or open cone for those that have one installed). Correct me if I'm wrong, but only if you have facts!

I know you've tested and experimented with the SHOs a LOT, so I'll take what you say as gospel in this case ;^)

I also believe that you have directed some 4" duct from the front of the car through the fenderwell and into the airbox. Is that still your current setup? If so, you obviously find there's some benefit to not JUST removing the outer airbox, right?

Later.

<small>[ October 10, 2003, 07:00 AM: Message edited by: stevetatro ]</small>

 

[91 SHOplus]

yellowSHO:
....To see that it is missing they would have to open your air box in the engine bay or jack the car up and pull the drivers wheel and fender liner out. Even if they did this, it should not matter. I doubt it is considered emissions equipment.

They wouldn't see it, and it's not smog equipment anyway. This intake cone's only job is to control sound. It does nothing else in terms of performance, emissions whatever. It is purely sound.

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All the Gen Is and Gen IIs are the same in this regard. Also, for another freebie mod, do a search for 'throttle body coolant bypass'

Not so, Yellow. The Gen2 cars have it much easier in terms of removing the cone. Unscrew your amber corner light. Reach in and yank! No jacks, no nothing. Way easier than on a gen 1 car.

As to the coolant bypass mod, that's debateable. You may want to do a search on that subject to form your own opinion.

<small>[ October 10, 2003, 11:03 AM: Message edited by: 91 SHOplus ]</small>

 

[SHOZ123]

stevetatro:
I don't at all think there's any additional pressure. I do think it could be the best way or directing the cold air into the box (or open cone for those that have one installed). Correct me if I'm wrong, but only if you have facts!

I know you've tested and experimented with the SHOs a LOT, so I'll take what you say as gospel in this case ;^)

I also believe that you have directed some 4" duct from the front of the car through the fenderwell and into the airbox. Is that still your current setup? If so, you obviously find there's some benefit to not JUST removing the outer airbox, right?

Later.

I don't have any actual aerodynamic facts. But I do know from my past job as an air flow tester on ventilation at workstations that any obstruction will decrease the flow.

Yes I still have the 4" duct going to the airbox. It is worth at least 20 Bling Bling HP....

 

[Hack]

91 SHO Plus, Thanks for correcting me on the ease of removal. I have never owned a Gen II so I have never removed an air silencer on one.

 

[shodo]

*sound of door slamming as I go out to pull cone before baby wakes up*