Custom R36 Cold Air RAM intake - Almost $0 DIY or small fee to get it done

[Elmura]

gldgti - I searched that phrase and visited every link for two pages of Google results. Nothing in those stated what you state above. Anyways, we're getting too far off topic, probably best for a new thread to discuss the engineering merits of different approaches. Suffice to say, for the purpose of this thread - a small performance tweak without detriment can be had by keeping the MAF plastic grille but removing the screen mesh behind it on the R36 due to the small restriction it applies. Other vehicles without a plastic grille probably should leave the metal screen in.

I'd be happy to discuss the fluid dynamics on another thread with links to test reports. Just link me in on the new thread somehow (or PM me).

[gldgti]

Quite right too. Search devahldavis air flow through screen.

[eurobahn5]

Hi, I was inspired by your idea so I decided to give it a go. I did'nt do every step but hopefully what I did will make some difference.

[Elmura]

Great stuff. Some questions:

1. What generation is your car / engine as my R36 is a MY10 and doesn't have the mesh screen shown in your duct. I'd strip / cut that away. Another engineering overkill. You have a filter and a box to catch rubbish.
2. Does your car have a top mounted intake over your grille? If so, opening this up reduces restriction further. If not, leave it.
3. What adhesive did you use
4. What did you use to seal off the big gap created after bending it down? Did you contour whatever you used to prevent turbulence?

[eurobahn5]

Hi, my R36 is the old 2008, it did'nt have the mesh, i put it in, but i might take it out, i'm just overly cautious about debris entering the engine, although i guess the filter will ultimately block it out. As for the top intake, i might again still chop those vents out as well. I used areldite to hold the re-postioning of the flap, plus another piece of black plastic cut into shape, as for smoothing the area in regards to turbulence...well, i havnt done anything about that yet, i'll have to think about it...

[snerlo]

Eurobahn,
I have an 08 model as well so mine will be the same as yours. I see that you have a BMC filter there. Make any difference? The reason I ask is that I bought one second hand for quite a reasonable price but I am waiting to purchase a cleaner kit before I put it in mine. Just curious as to whether they make any difference. Main difference is maybe fuel economy but you never know!!

[Elmura]

Is there any difference betw the BMC & K&N? I've just bought a Passat CC V6 with K&N fitted. There are rumours, don't know if proven, that the oiled cotton filters aren't safe because, according to rumour, they let more dust in by virtue of their higher airflow.

[eurobahn5]

I bought my BMC filter for $50 new. It works fine but no real noticeable power gain to rave about !

[Elmura]

I just examined a GruppeM intake. Besides sound, and a slightly better airflow, these are NOT cold air Ram intakes. They are not sealed from engine bay heat. Ram intakes, by definition, force cold air into intake. They have to be in a position of high air pressure as you drive and be SEALED. The GruppeM is neither a cold air, nor Ram intake!!! I think I'm going to design and make a proper high performance intake for the R36, Passat CC V6, CC V6 2012+, and Passat V6 .
Just need to find a manufacturer. Worldwide potential.

[kamold]

I just examined a GruppeM intake. Besides sound, and a slightly better airflow, these are NOT cold air Ram intakes. They are not sealed from engine bay heat. Ram intakes, by definition, force cold air into intake. They have to be in a position of high air pressure as you drive and be SEALED. The GruppeM is neither a cold air, nor Ram intake!!! I think I'm going to design and make a proper high performance intake for the R36, Passat CC V6, CC V6 2012+, and Passat V6 .
Just need to find a manufacturer. Worldwide potential.

Colour me interested in the first batch...