Some New Mods For My Citybug

[REFZ]

Today I installed an one-touch module for the electric window (passanger side).

The drivers side already has an one-touch module.

 

But I also installed two extra switches so I can open and close both windows from the center console.

 

http://www.citybugclub.nl/Images/Mods/OneTouchKnop01.jpg

 

http://www.citybugclub.nl/Images/Mods/OneTouchKnop02.jpg

 

Last week I also installed an induction kit (open air filter).

The setup is not finished completely because I also want to install a cold air feed.

And I want to make a cover for the standard air filter housing.

 

http://www.citybugclub.nl/Images/Mods/InductieKit01.jpg

 

http://www.citybugclub.nl/Images/Mods/InductieKit02.jpg

 

http://www.citybugclub.nl/Images/Mods/InductieKit03.jpg

[ShetlandC1]

Hi REFZ, i would be interested to hear of any differences in performance...

 

 

1. Induction Kit without cool air feed.

 

2. Induction Kit with cool air feed.

 

Over standard air filter system, Cheers.

[TurboSlag]

i'v been running an induction kit for a while - the cold air feed makes zip difference, so i binned it. I think this was partly because there's such a huge volume of free air around the engine anyway, and partly becuase cold air is less able to support atomised fuel without issues of condensation. Folk assume that because stonking cold air feeds are de rigeur on turbo cars (where the huge heat caused by the compression of the intake air causes problems and a colder intake is genuinely beneficial) it's importnt on a normall aspirated motor, when it's really largely irrelevant without a blower.

 

Mine certainly gives a punchier midrange, albeit at the probable expense of power at the top end of the rev range, but as I rarely let the needle get to the redline (peak torque is at 3600rpm, so revving to the stratospher is just pointless) it ain't an issue.

 

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z79/The_Endorser/107%20Pictures/img684.jpg

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z79/The_Endorser/107%20Pictures/img688.jpg

[ShetlandC1]

Smaller engined cars can actually lose power when an induction kit instead of an airfilter is fitted. It can be challenging to deliver COLD air (which carries more oxygen) to the engine as the temperature under the bonnet can get quite high and and a 20 degree rise in temperature can rob you of up to 3% of your power!

 

Under bonnet temperatures can quickly rise to double this. An intercooler can be added which is sprayed with Co2 and reduces the temperature of the air intake. It should be noted that in some small engine non turbo applications the car will feel less powerful with an induction kit - in these instances the best option is a direct replacement panel air filter which goes in the standard airbox.

 

Sucking warm air in from the engine is a great way to lose power.

 

Make sure you have a cold air feed pipe to get cool air from outside of the engine bay - cold air carries more oxygen.

 

So the best air induction kits come with a cold air feed pipe and are fitted in an air box which shields the intake air from the high under bonnet temperatures – the best compromise between the standard air intake box and the induction kit. Some kits have a long pipe which the filter sits at the end nearest the bonnet which really does help cut down the noise and improves the intake temperature.

 

Induction kits that protrude under the front bumper which claim to get more air forced in through the pressure built up on the front of the car as it cuts through air do not have significant power gains, other than the benefit of the cold air from outside the engine bay, - the RAM effect takes speeds of over 100 mph before a benefit is realised - they are however a great way to collect many botanical specimens of fly's, moths and bugs in the air filter!

 

NB: Be careful where you site the cold air feed - the last thing you want is to be sucking water into the engine every time you splash through a puddle.

 

If the induction kits air filter is enclosed in a box with a cold air feed, then more power can be obtained avoiding the hot under bonnet air (Carbon fibre boxes are very good for their heat shielding and durability). It's also a good idea to wrap the exhaust manifold with a heat resistant material to keep the under bonnet temperatures down and tasteful vents can be added to the bonnet to take away the heat.

 

Induction kits sometimes come with a guarantee of "more power". In reality though, the power gains are so small, on small engined cars, they would not be noticable in real life.

Secondly the power increase tends to be at the higher end of the rev range and your low down power band will suffer.

 

So to summarise, if you have a large engined car (or an engine with good low to mid range torque) fit an induction kit with a cold air feed. If you have a small engined car or one with little power in the lower rev band fit a direct replacement sports panel air filter.