Air box mod DIY

[breeze]

I'm not going to tell happy experts anything, but I would just like to make a couple of observations since I am an engineer.

 

1. engineered air volumes increased by removing large items inside the air box retards air flow-through, and

2. the snorkel inside the air box maintains a more constant temperature which equates to better performance: reducing engine intake temperature variations (i.e. - from startups to running expressway speeds on hot or cold days either one.)

 

Personally, I think it's a well engineered design. Every truck's configuration, owner's driving style, and location's weather are different though, so being a happy camper comes first. Drive Safe!

Edited July 28, 2017 by breeze

[ASD Dad]

Do you even own a NV yet or are you still researching these to death?  If you did and you removed the air box lid you would understand that both of your statements are incorrect.  You've had some really odd posts with engineering from a distance statements.  I get to deal with engineers daily in my job and many in your profession drive me nuts, they go off books and not real world.

 

This mod has been around over a decade and has actual measured test results to back it up, not just seat of the pants or wishful thinking.

 

Again - if you read the directions for the mod and if you were to look at the air box in the non brand new 5.6 Nissan motors then you would understand that both of your statements hold zero validity for the mod.

[breeze]

Do you even own a NV yet or are you still researching these to death?  If you did and you removed the air box lid you would understand that both of your statements are incorrect.  You've had some really odd posts with engineering from a distance statements.  I get to deal with engineers daily in my job and many in your profession drive me nuts, they go off books and not real world.

 

This mod has been around over a decade and has actual measured test results to back it up, not just seat of the pants or wishful thinking.

 

Again - if you read the directions for the mod and if you were to look at the air box in the non brand new 5.6 Nissan motors then you would understand that both of your statements hold zero validity for the mod.

 

Where are your 'butt-dyno' results documented at? Lip service and toilet paper do not count.

 

Pressure, volume, and temperature have direct thermodynamic relationships: PERIOD. Louder exhaust sounds and consciously easing off the throttle help spammers sell a lot of things on the web. There are few if any improvements you can make to increase performance of an OEM EFI motor except for perhaps exhaust shields to eliminate engine temperature variations (and proper maintenance.)

 

I don't know what you are selling, but I'm not interested in your lip service.

[ASD Dad]

Wow, you really need a better hobby vs. trolling forums.  As I am 99% sure, you still do not own a NV and you have never looked at the 5.6 motors airbox and lastly you still have not read a single word about the mod.  Most of your forum posts are bashing other brands and talking about theories based purely off book science vs. real world like factoring drag coefficient into MPG claims when 90% of the real world results you see will be based on your right foot on the right pedal.  Sure you can get the slipperiest vehicle out there or you can even tweak the NV.  Once guy on here filled in the gaps on the bumper and did some other aero mods to make it more slippery and they helped him tweak the best MPG he could.  You can do all the tweaking you want, your right foot will still control most of your gains or losses in day to day driving. 

 

Let me make some things about this mod crystal clear for you...

 

1) The airbox mod is FREE, I am not selling anything and it shows me that you still have not read a word about the mod or the post.

 

2) The mod has been around since I think 2004 when the Titan came out.  Yes, a whole 13 years of the same mod being done.

 

3) I take Zero/Zip/NO credit for the Free modification done to the airbox.  It was around long before I ever considered a Nissan van or truck.

 

4) If you ever decide to read what the mod does you may understand things a little better but let me break it down for you...

 

A) There is a trumpet shaped snorkel inside the box.  That trumpet is there for one reason only - NVH reasons.  That has been confirmed by more than one Nissan tech.

 

B- The mod does nothing to change the ability of the box to pull in cool air.  You are not removing the entire snorkel.  You are removing the trumpet.  The airbox is still connected to the pipe pulling in cooler air from outside of the engine compartment.  

 

C) Why?  If you owned one or read the mod you would know that with the trumpet in it directs all the air to one strip of the air filter.  If you live in a dusty environment or you just wait long enough to show dirt on the filter you would see that a 1-2" strip of the filter is highly dirty (where the trumpet exits) and the rest if the filter is clean.  That is not efficiently using the air filter.  

 

D) Removing the trumpet simply makes the box more efficient and adds a minuscule amount of volume.

 

That is IT!!  As for tests, that is up to you look up, you love research and numbers from other sites.  There are several large Titan forums and a couple Armada forums and as I said, they started this and they have done this for 13 years and they have Measured test results.  I am talking about MAF readings, pressure readings and actual dyno readings.  Are you going to see big gains?  Nope.  Add in a second mod that draws in cold air from the grill then yes, you will see measurable HP/TQ results on a dyno.   

 

Lastly - you claim there is little to do to increase Performance on a OEM EFI motor.  If you are talking MPG, you are correct.  Todays vehicles are very well tweaked to get the best MPG they can, even high performance cars.  If you are insinuating there are no tweaks to increase Horsepower or Torque then you are grossly mistaken.  Without even getting into forced induction there are so many mods you can do to increase actual power and torque they are too numerous to mention.  Your MPG may tank but we're talking performance...  

Edited July 31, 2017 by ASD Dad

[breeze]

Wow, you really need a better hobby vs. trolling forums.  As I am 99% sure, you still do not own a NV and you have never looked at the 5.6 motors airbox and lastly you still have not read a single word about the mod.  Most of your forum posts are bashing other brands and talking about theories based purely off book science vs. real world like factoring drag coefficient into MPG claims when 90% of the real world results you see will be based on your right foot on the right pedal.  Sure you can get the slipperiest vehicle out there or you can even tweak the NV.  Once guy on here filled in the gaps on the bumper and did some other aero mods to make it more slippery and they helped him tweak the best MPG he could.  You can do all the tweaking you want, your right foot will still control most of your gains or losses in day to day driving. 

 

Let me make some things about this mod crystal clear for you...

 

1) The airbox mod is FREE, I am not selling anything and it shows me that you still have not read a word about the mod or the post.

 

2) The mod has been around since I think 2004 when the Titan came out.  Yes, a whole 13 years of the same mod being done.

 

3) I take Zero/Zip/NO credit for the Free modification done to the airbox.  It was around long before I ever considered a Nissan van or truck.

 

4) If you ever decide to read what the mod does you may understand things a little better but let me break it down for you...

 

A) There is a trumpet shaped snorkel inside the box.  That trumpet is there for one reason only - NVH reasons.  That has been confirmed by more than one Nissan tech.

 

B- The mod does nothing to change the ability of the box to pull in cool air.  You are not removing the entire snorkel.  You are removing the trumpet.  The airbox is still connected to the pipe pulling in cooler air from outside of the engine compartment.  

 

C) Why?  If you owned one or read the mod you would know that with the trumpet in it directs all the air to one strip of the air filter.  If you live in a dusty environment or you just wait long enough to show dirt on the filter you would see that a 1-2" strip of the filter is highly dirty (where the trumpet exits) and the rest if the filter is clean.  That is not efficiently using the air filter.  

 

D) Removing the trumpet simply makes the box more efficient and adds a minuscule amount of volume.

 

That is IT!!  As for tests, that is up to you look up, you love research and numbers from other sites.  There are several large Titan forums and a couple Armada forums and as I said, they started this and they have done this for 13 years and they have Measured test results.  I am talking about MAF readings, pressure readings and actual dyno readings.  Are you going to see big gains?  Nope.  Add in a second mod that draws in cold air from the grill then yes, you will see measurable HP/TQ results on a dyno.   

 

Lastly - you claim there is little to do to increase Performance on a OEM EFI motor.  If you are talking MPG, you are correct.  Todays vehicles are very well tweaked to get the best MPG they can, even high performance cars.  If you are insinuating there are no tweaks to increase Horsepower or Torque then you are grossly mistaken.  Without even getting into forced induction there are so many mods you can do to increase actual power and torque they are too numerous to mention.  Your MPG may tank but we're talking performance...  

 

*** Personal attack deleted ***

Edited August 24, 2017 by ASD Dad
Personal attack

[jaredg]

*** Personal attack deleted ***

 

That's poor form, Breeze.

Edited August 24, 2017 by ASD Dad
Removed attack

[Randucci]

.

Do you know the kit number of the Airaid you used? When I go to the Airaid website, they only list Nissan Frontiers, no other models for 2016. Thanks.

 

 I sent a message to Airaid and received this back:

 

Thanks for your interest in AIRAID products. You are registered to receive notifications featuring products for a 2016 NISSAN NV2500 5.6L.

This email was sent to inform you that currently we do not offer any products that have been specifically identified for use with for your vehicle. We regularly add new products and product applications and we will notify you if any products become available for your vehicle. We appreciate your feedback.  We use product requests like yours to help us determine what new products to develop in the future.

 

I see there are a few models for the 2015 5.6L Titan, is that what you are using?

Edited December 9, 2017 by Randucci

[ASD Dad]

.

Do you know the kit number of the Airaid you used? When I go to the Airaid website, they only list Nissan Frontiers, no other models for 2016. Thanks.

 

 I sent a message to Airaid and received this back:

 

Thanks for your interest in AIRAID products. You are registered to receive notifications featuring products for a 2016 NISSAN NV2500 5.6L.

This email was sent to inform you that currently we do not offer any products that have been specifically identified for use with for your vehicle. We regularly add new products and product applications and we will notify you if any products become available for your vehicle. We appreciate your feedback.  We use product requests like yours to help us determine what new products to develop in the future.

 

I see there are a few models for the 2015 5.6L Titan, is that what you are using?

 

Are you looking for the drop in filter or cold air intake?  I have the AEM Dry drop in.  I had an Airaid cold air intake.  I have a review with photo on this site if you want the intake - 

 

http://nissannvforum.com/topic/772-airaid-mxp-intake-review/

 

If you want a drop in, the 5.6 Titan/Armada filter drops in.  

[Randucci]

I was looking for the intake system (I already have a K&N filter). I looked at your Airaid review link, but it doesn't say what the Airaid part number is or which model Nissan it was from you adapted. Was it for a Titan? There are (8) part numbers shown on the Airaid site for a 2015 Titan with the 5.6L. Thanks.

[ASD Dad]

I was looking for the intake system (I already have a K&N filter). I looked at your Airaid review link, but it doesn't say what the Airaid part number is or which model Nissan it was from you adapted. Was it for a Titan? There are (8) part numbers shown on the Airaid site for a 2015 Titan with the 5.6L. Thanks.

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006B7YDK4/

 

Bought that exact one and a 4" Dia coupler at Lowes.  Without a coupler or some other lengthening mod none will fit, the engine bay is wider than the Titan.

[TuranBros]

I will definitely be giving this mod a shot. Not for horsepower or fuel economy gains though...only so that I will never have to pay $48 for a Nissan air filter again!

 

I experienced the same issues stated above with only one section of the filter getting extremely dirty while the rest looks brand new. All this after only 10K miles. Tried every auto parts store under the sun to find an aftermarket replacement with no luck whatsoever so I was forced to go to the nearest stealership. Well, they lived up to their name and whacked me over the head for almost $50 bucks for a piece of paper wrapped in plastic. Never again though! Thanks to the original poster for the tips. I'll be trying my hand at this long before this new filter gets dirty.

[TuranBros]

I will definitely be giving this mod a shot. Not for horsepower or fuel economy gains though...only so that I will never have to pay $48 for a Nissan air filter again!

 

I experienced the same issues stated above with only one section of the filter getting extremely dirty while the rest looks brand new. All this after only 10K miles. Tried every auto parts store under the sun to find an aftermarket replacement with no luck whatsoever so I was forced to go to the nearest stealership. Well, they lived up to their name and whacked me over the head for almost $50 bucks for a piece of paper wrapped in plastic. Never again though! Thanks to the original poster for the tips. I'll be trying my hand at this long before this new filter gets dirty.

[BiggerWrench]

Im new to the forum so I don’t wanna start off on the wrong foot starting a “my intake is better than yours” argument, but my opinion is based on my experience as a service technician, engine lab technician, and SCCA solo2 driver. I’ve hotrodded many cars over the years and have seen firsthand how bolt on mods have a negligible (and even negative) impact on MPG as well as overall performance. Engine makers spend millions of dollars developing engines to be as fuel efficient as they reliably can be in a cost effective package. You can’t beat a stock well maintained engine in terms of mpg and overall longevity and performance. 1/2mpg gain can easily be written off to installing a clean filter, temperature swing, fuel variance.

 

Bolt on intakes and exhausts without a tune will flow more air through an engine which will in turn inject more fuel to not run lean. With a proper tune focusing on fuel economy might yield a mpg gain but you just spent all that saved gas money on dyno time.

 

Tinkering is fun, by all means that’s what got me started in my career, but learning along the way has really made me realize how hokey aftermarket companies are in their claims.

[ASD Dad]

Im new to the forum so I don’t wanna start off on the wrong foot starting a “my intake is better than yours” argument, but my opinion is based on my experience as a service technician, engine lab technician, and SCCA solo2 driver. I’ve hotrodded many cars over the years and have seen firsthand how bolt on mods have a negligible (and even negative) impact on MPG as well as overall performance. Engine makers spend millions of dollars developing engines to be as fuel efficient as they reliably can be in a cost effective package. You can’t beat a stock well maintained engine in terms of mpg and overall longevity and performance. 1/2mpg gain can easily be written off to installing a clean filter, temperature swing, fuel variance.

 

Bolt on intakes and exhausts without a tune will flow more air through an engine which will in turn inject more fuel to not run lean. With a proper tune focusing on fuel economy might yield a mpg gain but you just spent all that saved gas money on dyno time.

 

Tinkering is fun, by all means that’s what got me started in my career, but learning along the way has really made me realize how hokey aftermarket companies are in their claims.

 

Welcome to the site!  I was a Solo 2 racer for about 15 years.  Mainly did the NeOhio Region but also did NASA events at Nelson Ledges, Mid Ohio and BeaveRun.  I mainly raced in Street Prepared and later in the ST classes.  Took regional championships in my MR2 Spyder and RX8.  Qualified for Solo Nats but never made it due to funding.  Nice to see another cone dodger, I have not raced in a decade now unless you count indoor karting now and then!  I am definitely not a ASE certified tech or engineer.  I did do all my own work and have helped build from the ground up several road race cars with friends.

 

I 100% agree that if a simple bolt on would yield positive results that the parent automaker would be doing it out of the box.  They are always striving for more MPG or HP/TQ for little to no money.  

 

That said - there are proven multiple dyno run (back to back) results for many bolt ons that Do work in one way or another.  My Spyder had a similar snorkel to the NV but it was even more restricted.  It also had a convoluted exhaust in order to fit a giant muffler to keep noise to a min.  Doing several back to back runs on the same day while swapping things out and even back in proved that there were given gains by changing to a free flowing exhaust layout and changing the intake setup.  

 

One issue you do run into is the ECU can learn that over time there is more air flowing and adjust to get things back to where it thinks it should be.  You need to reset the ECU so it has to relearn or you can add on a bypass ECU or flash it with a new tune.  Uprev is a popular Nissan tune that is flashed after tuning on a dyno.  

 

With THIS mod - the biggest issue I had was that the way it was designed it only directed airflow to that one edge of the filter.  Removing the filter you can easily see that the one edge where the snorkel ended was very dirty while the rest looked clean.  On the Titan forums there were several Nissan techs that claimed the snorkel design was for NVH reasons.  I dont care about NVH!  Removing it simply allows more of the filter to be used effectively (and adds a negligible amount of air volume as well as noise volume).

 

Will it add 10hp and 10mpg?  Nope.  Not even close.  Does it hurt MPG or HP?  Not that I have seen.  I have seen Nissan Titan dynos that show it has a tiny bump in HP/TQ.  Does my filter now look more evenly dirty?  Yes!  

Edited August 9, 2018 by ASD Dad