I'm not at all disagreeing with you. As I get older, I do kind of "black box" stuff like this since there really are multiple variables involved with the 2 issues of concern; air flow/restrictions and IATs. Those were my target issues putting together my 800hp shelby mustang. FWIW re metal vs plastic air boxes; the answer depends on the weight of the metal airbox vs the plastic. Metal airboxes can retain more heat energy than the plastic of equal size/weight, when added to the heat transfer ability of the metal, make metal much less desirable. But this argument misses what's really important. IATs on boosted engines is most impacted by supercharger/turbo efficiency (less for turbos) and intercooler efficiency. From where I stand, it appears that the greatest gains with the RR will be from a better intercooler and larger/with less severe bends, piping beyond the actual airbox. Unless you are just into looks and don't want to mess with those other needs, you're really just wasting your time and money.No one is arguing, your comments are being challenged. I’d suggest; if you’re not looking to be challenged, then don’t present an opinion as an absolutely statement. Additionally, you’ve just contradicted yourself in your second paragraph of the comment above.
Heat soak is cumulative, especially at low or slow speeds. If you’re not moving a larger volume of air thru the radiator, pushing heat out thru the bottom of the engine compartment, ambient engine compartment rise. Moving the ambient engine compartment air is then dependent solely upon the fan to pull air into and thru the engine bay. If you’re not replacing the ambient air in the engine quickly, heat soak will increase much quicker.
Metal air boxes, aluminum etc, act just like an oven when heat soaked. Unless it’s exchanging engine bay ambient air at a higher rate, it will heat soak and hold higher temps. This is one of the reasons most all OEM air-boxes are made of some type of; heat resistant, polymer plastic. It’s also less expensive. Snow me a metal air-box or intake, produced by any major OEM auto manufacture?
The other reason some aftermarket manufactures design metal intakes and air boxes are; they don’t have the capability or capacity to 3-D design or injection mold. It’s not because a metal intake is a better design, operate cooler or produce a more efficient air flow. A smooth interior, polymer air intake will.
Additionally, smaller turbocharged engines produce higher operating and ambient engine compartment temps, especially with twin turbochargers.
Even when shutting off the engine, engine oil, coolant and ambient temps will rise for the first 15 minutes, due to radiant and reflective heat from the block, turbochargers and crankcase and coolant system.
If you’re not using any reflective surface to reject the engine bay heat, it will eventually heat soak. Heat soak will effect hp production more in a NA engine, than a turbocharged or supercharged engine.
How about some real world dyno numbers that a simpleton like myself can understand. Love the idea of an improved intake/airbox. But I’m guessing the gains per dollar here are low. That being said it looks great. Opinions are like… everyone has one.
I’d be surprised if there’s a difference. FP didn’t even change the filter in this calibration package like they have in the past for other platforms. I anticipate there’s ample flow for the tune and air/fuel mapping they utilize with the OE intake and filter.
Thoughts on Carbon Fiber intake and air boxes? Saw one just came out that fits twin K&N filters… from everything I’ve read and understand so far, that hypothetically could make a slight improvementNo one is arguing, your comments are being challenged. I’d suggest; if you’re not looking to be challenged, then don’t present an opinion as an absolutely statement. Additionally, you’ve just contradicted yourself in your second paragraph of the comment above.
Heat soak is cumulative, especially at low or slow speeds. If you’re not moving a larger volume of air thru the radiator, pushing heat out thru the bottom of the engine compartment, ambient engine compartment rise. Moving the ambient engine compartment air is then dependent solely upon the fan to pull air into and thru the engine bay. If you’re not replacing the ambient air in the engine quickly, heat soak will increase much quicker.
Metal air boxes, aluminum etc, act just like an oven when heat soaked. Unless it’s exchanging engine bay ambient air at a higher rate, it will heat soak and hold higher temps. This is one of the reasons most all OEM air-boxes are made of some type of; heat resistant, polymer plastic. It’s also less expensive. Snow me a metal air-box or intake, produced by any major OEM auto manufacture?
The other reason some aftermarket manufactures design metal intakes and air boxes are; they don’t have the capability or capacity to 3-D design or injection mold. It’s not because a metal intake is a better design, operate cooler or produce a more efficient air flow. A smooth interior, polymer air intake will.
Additionally, smaller turbocharged engines produce higher operating and ambient engine compartment temps, especially with twin turbochargers.
Even when shutting off the engine, engine oil, coolant and ambient temps will rise for the first 15 minutes, due to radiant and reflective heat from the block, turbochargers and crankcase and coolant system.
If you’re not using any reflective surface to reject the engine bay heat, it will eventually heat soak. Heat soak will effect hp production more in a NA engine, than a turbocharged or supercharged engine.
Carbon fiber is the most preferred material for high end air boxes. Light weight, strong, and good thermal properties. Most of your exotic cars run carbon fiber air boxes. Who makes one for the RR?
Indicarbon just released one. Twin intake with K&N filters included.
Carbon fiber intakes are; expensive, overkill for any OEM application and provide minimal advantages over aftermarket polymer plastic intakes. Yes, they’re lighter, they have slightly better heat rejection, however these are minimal differences. The cons for their use are; maintenance of the CF itself and this is where they loose out to the polymer units.
What part of the NW are you in?
Central Oregon (Bend)
