New Intake Elbow Install

[WTP07]

So, like most people, I thought the black rubber OEM intake elbow was not only Fugly, but HP-inhibiting too. So I ordered the cast aluminum intake elbow that I am sure most of you have seen on Ebay. $35 plus shipping later, it arrived today.

Before:


The new, unmolested elbow looks like this: ( I forgot to take a pic as I took it out of the box, so this one if from their ad)



After measuring, it was found to be too long in both directions ( I have the SLP CAI) , so some trimming was in order. After a little touch with the chop saw:



Some clean up with the die grinder and some time in the sandblast cabinet:



Some "Argento" (Silver) powdercoat:



A little heat later:



(note that I got a bit too much powder in a couple of spots...still working out the pressures on the new PC'er...)

Some clear and more heat later:



Installed and in place:



Looks much better, sounds much better. S.O.P. dyno still to be determined. (-7 and snowing like a MF outside right now)

All in all, for a $40 tweak, I am pretty happy.

As an added bonus, I now have a full OEM airbox for sale, with reasonably new K&N drop in filter, complete, for $100 + shipping.

Cheers,

Randy

[QuickTop]

looks good and clean. awesome job.

[meissen]

Very nice!

[BP_Z28]

I approve

[dawdaw]

clean and cheap! win win in my books.

[popo8]

Re: New Intake Elbow Install

very nice man!


Larry (Popo8) Co-owner
LTXtech.com

[JoeliusZ28]

Looks good and you are correct about the stock elbow being a restriction.... However, this one isnt going to be much better unfortunately.

[Fox Slaughter]

Joel just wants everyone to chop up their front end to put in a LS1 intake.

[WTP07]

Looks good and you are correct about the stock elbow being a restriction.... However, this one isnt going to be much better unfortunately.

Having examined the inside of both of them, I am going to respectfully disagree.

The inside of the cast aluminum elbow is smooth as a baby's butt. The OEM rubber one had protrusions, valleys, peaks and chasms to choke a horse.

As far as I know, smooth=better airflow. But I am willing to be schooled if you have some info I am missing!

[Fox Slaughter]

Having examined the inside of both of them, I am going to respectfully disagree.

The inside of the cast aluminum elbow is smooth as a baby's butt. The OEM rubber one had protrusions, valleys, peaks and chasms to choke a horse.

As far as I know, smooth=better airflow. But I am willing to be schooled if you have some info I am missing!

See my post above.
Joel has the LS1 intake.
Its a straight shot into the intake, as opposed as to having the elbow.

[WTP07]

Yep, I can see where straight is better than 90° turns for sure.

[JoeliusZ28]

I dont recall my stock elbow having many ridges other than where the silencer was, but yes its the 90 degree angle that is the restriction. Improving intake airflow and headlight functionality seems to have been the engineers primary reason for changing up the front end in 98 (ls1 lid required a taller hood unless you cut some things like i did).

[Fox Slaughter]

You also have to lay the radiator back and cut into the radiator support I thought?

[JoeliusZ28]

Thats correct, i didnt think he would be interested in a full detail write up

[Fox Slaughter]

Step 1: Get a LS1 Lid.
Step 2: Get an LS1 car.
Step 3: Install lid on LS1 car.
Step 4: Enjoy.