Tried to fit a 535i airbox... (lotsa pics)

[static]

.. and it ain't fittin' easy

1. lower part is touching alt and hoses underneath that go to the res. Also it kinda interferes with TB levers/cable, but could be mounted to clear them (i hope)


2. so looks like teh bottom part needs to slide a bit towards the rear, as otherwise the top doesn't clear the hose


3. this is what my underneath looks like



4. so i slid the bottom a bit away from the rad and thgats how it looks with top on


5. Notice how retardedly close (and awkward) the outlet is to the TB


6. so close to the hose. I figured i can perhaps cut a piece from the top to be able to slide the box more forwards and clear the hose - then fiberglass the hole (so it would kind of go around the contours of the hose)


7. from the pass side angle


8. and another



needless to say the fitment is pretty :giggle:, so we shall see

[amdspitfire]

any snorkel for fresh air?

[static]

seeing how the apperture directly hits the rad side, i guess i'll have to make one (probably on the bottom)

[e30_kid89]

it would fit much easier with the guys running m42 rads....i think... heres the pic again for comparision??

[Bmjpv]

a/c install

I've been working on this for the past week.I know it will work, but here is what I've done so far. Removed the abs (thicker) mounting bushing and installed some a/c mounting bushing (thinner)to move abs unit further towards inner fender. I've got the a/c box bottom cut flat tappering forward which lowers and lines up with the stock fresh air neck. I've also had to remove and reangle upwards (about 20degs) the inlet radiator neck.I'm not using the stock plastic tanked radiator and am able to modify as needed. I'm using uv resin with glass cloth to mold in areas. UV resin is very trick,look into it. I'll post pics along the way. joe

[amdspitfire]

I've been working on this for the past week.I know it will work, but here is what I've done so far. Removed the abs (thicker) mounting bushing and installed some a/c mounting bushing to move abs unit further towards inner fender. I've got the a/c box bottom cut flat, which lowers and lines up with the stock fresh air neck. I've also had to remove and reangle upwards (about 20degs) the inlet radiator neck.I'm not using the stock plastic tanked radiator and am able to modify as needed. I'm using uv resin with glass cloth to mold in areas. UV resin is very trick,look into it. I'll post pics along the way. joe

what are you trying to accomplish with this airbox?

[Bmjpv]

filter

What I want is the coolest incoming air and I'm getting this off the orginal outlet next to radiator . I get the largest surface area that I can, and a toned down induction system. I like that somewhat factory look too.


joe

[static]

^^ aren't we all looking for the same things with this box?

(it's funny how ricers tend to ditch their airboxes for cones and we try to do the opposite - retrofit the stock airbox)

[asubimmer]

^^ aren't we all looking for the same things with this box?

(it's funny how ricers tend to ditch their airboxes for cones and we try to do the opposite - retrofit the stock airbox)

so a cone filter makes you a ricer? why do most race cars have cone filters then?

[static]

so a cone filter makes you a ricer? why do most race cars have cone filters then?

don't feel like arguing, but logically:
"all ricers upgrade to cone filters" != "whoever upgrades to a cone filter is a ricer"

counter-proof: "I use a cone filter but i am not a ricer" :finger:

it's just that using a cone filter inside a hot engine compartment WILL make you loose power (from my first hand experience anyway), since warm air is less dense than cold. Of course one can place a cone filter in an area where there is only cold air - but it's a bit hard to do on a swapped e30.

[asubimmer]

so build or buy a heat sheild...

but most race cars don't even bother w/ a heat sheild. Honeslty you have other things to worry about. Put a cone filter on there and be done w/ it.

[matt]

^^ aren't we all looking for the same things with this box?

(it's funny how ricers tend to ditch their airboxes for cones and we try to do the opposite - retrofit the stock airbox)

Funny and smart.

so a cone filter makes you a ricer? why do most race cars have cone filters then?

Define most race cars?

don't feel like arguing, but logically:
"all ricers upgrade to cone filters" != "whoever upgrades to a cone filter is a ricer"

counter-proof: "I use a cone filter but i am not a ricer" :finger:

it's just that using a cone filter inside a hot engine compartment WILL make you loose power (from my first hand experience anyway), since warm air is less dense than cold. Of course one can place a cone filter in an area where there is only cold air - but it's a bit hard to do on a swapped e30.

I am going to put an airbox on mine so that I can use a paper filter. They are FTW.

so build or buy a heat sheild...

but most race cars don't even bother w/ a heat sheild. Honeslty you have other things to worry about. Put a cone filter on there and be done w/ it.

Again, define "most race cars." Most good racecars have ducting to the engine intake, or an airbox. Most clubracers have heatshields.

What is more important than power? :woowoo:

[Bmjpv]

a/c

The cars that run up front in a race spend the time and do this right! Everone else is a also ran or a backmarker ( back marker means your going to get lapped). This all takes time to do it right but I think I'll get what I want in the end. I'll try to show progress tomorrow with pics.
joe

[static]

^^ awesome, can't wait

[Bmjpv]

Here are the pictures as i've promised.

Bottom half of airbox sitting on framerail:


Inlet Snorkel for lower half:


Upper Half Mounted with e36 Elbow in place:


Side shot to show airbox and radiator positioning/modifications.


Upper Half Flipped Over to show rubber Elbow Fitament:


Spacer off TB that was made from an e36 gutted MAF:


i'm about 90% done i just need to get some lathe time to massage the inside of the adpater and open it up to allow it to fit better over the TB.

For the rubber elbow I cut a hole in the upper airbox and made the diameter very snug to the elbow to eliminate any leakage. the actual MAF will be a euro 3.5"/540i type and will be placed inside the upper airbox half.