Intake improvement for 4th gen I30

[Sentientbydesign]

Hola Nico peeps!

I have a 96 I 30. I got rid of the airbox a couple of years ago and really missed it last summer when my fuel economy made me feel like I was driving SRT8 (without the power!).

I can't find an affordable CAI for the vehicle anywhere. I've been thinking about customizing something, but the clearance is limited. I can't cut through my hood and the wheel well idea is just stupid since there is really low air pressure in the wheel wells.

Has anybody come up with a solution that doesn't involve $300 or an air conditioner grill?

Also, I have 255k on the car. Any advice on improving the condition of things? I'd love to break down the engine and rebuild it, but I'm limited on funds, down time, and advanced mechanical experience.

TIA for your input

[rxm6]

Hmmm....you can always rebuild a motor. I was once very determined to get my E30 M3 back on the road and I ended up rebuilding the motor from the block up in 20 hours, 6 cups of coffee, 5 red bulls, and a bucket of chicken wings. But you say that you lack the mechanical experience necessary, thats a bummer. I would imagine that an engine rebuild is very expensive when you factor in the time it takes to actually do it and that price of the parts to do it. Plus, who would rebuild your engine? You and I both love the engine, but does a mechanic love it enough to rebuild it? I would think in your case, the best bet would be to find an engine out of a wrecked A32 (maxima or infiniti) and just swap it back in. This, I would imagine, would be a much more cost effective solution on someone who is tight on funds.

For the mean time, keep up on your maintenance. I would hope that your mechanical skills that you do have would allow you to replace a spark plug, a fuel injector, check for compression, change your oil, change your coolant, etc. Keep up on the minor stuff that causes big problems if left unheeded. Plus, you end up saving alot of money by doing things yourself and after a while that savings really starts to add up in the form of goodies for the car.

As for the CAI, I don't know. I mean, I thought about it for 5 seconds and it seems to me the short ram is really the best option until I go forced induction. Also, I think the short ram is better for torque anyhow. The cai is better for upper end power. It all really depends on what you want. I suppose you could do something custom and figure out a way to stick the filter in front of the radiator but think of all that distance the air would have to travel to reach your engine. HAHA! Why can't you cut through your hood? I think a small funnel in the hood with some black mesh would be tasteful and functional.

Well, hope this helped.

[Sentientbydesign]

Thank you for your comments. Atleast one person cared to comment lol.

I would love to do the rebuild. I just don't want a disassembled I30 for the next 6 months if you know what I mean. Are you a mechanic or did you rebuild your engine out of pure genius?

I will probably take your advice and do the engine swap when time and money permits. One of my goals (Far far far into the future) is to customize the car outside of A32 specs. I'd like to modify the drivetrain to include AWD and probably a supercharger as well as stiffening the chasis with hidden titanium. I'll leave the overall looks alone as I don't want lots of attention. I think I'll also work on customizing the underbody to allow for better aerodynamics as well.

All of that when the mechanical know-how meets up with my imagination. I know most people will try to disuade me from customizing the car to that point and tell me to buy and EVO, but I like the I30. I used to love taking on the little ricers and them never knowing what's coming to them until it's too late. I kept up with a Celica GTS today and it made me happy. And about a month ago I out maneuvered a G35 coupe with a sad driver who only knew how to push the accelerator, but not how to take turns.

As for the CAI. The short ram kills my fuel efficiency to ridiculous levels during the Cali summers. We hit the low 100s for a good chunk of the summer. Add that to the hot engine and you have the recipe for very low O2 mixes.

I'd love to cut into my hood, but I still can't fathom a way to keep water off of the filter. Covered scoops are only good if it's dry or you're not moving. What do I do if it's pouring rain and I'm going 80 on the FWY? I really don't want a scoop either. Something like the mesh wouldn't be bad if I can work around the water problem.

[rxm6]

I live in Cali too. Good to see another I30 lover around these parts. Lot of Maxima love, but I never see I30 love. You should come visit and do some of the mountain roads I live and breath on in the Santa Cruz mountains.

Am I mechanic? No. Everything I've learned was from trial and error on the 8 cars I've owned since I was 16...I'm 21 now. Plus a few mechanic courses at the local college, a few engine seminars, and whole hell of a lot of frustration. Rebuilding a engine isn't actually that difficult. It just takes a great deal of patience and in the case of the s14 (the m3 motor) a butt-load of painstaking precision. Well...now that I think about it, I did work at a BMW/Porsche shop while I was in college and they taught me a lot.

You do know, that they do sell cross bracing for the a32 already, as well as a whole bunch of other stuff too. I was reading your sig, and you still have a little way to go for suspension upgrades to get the car to handle better. Go to http://www.blehmco.com and get a lower tie bar, go to http://www.cattman.com and grab a rear anti sway bar, go to http://www.paradox-systems.com and get a rear strut brace (though many will argue you don't need it) plus there is a lot more stuff you can do. Let me know if your interested in some more links, I've done alot of research on handling improvements because I'm a corner junkie (read my sig)

As for the hood problem...look at some cars that have something like that and see how they do it. Or I will look because I'm interested too.

[Sentientbydesign]

Thank you for the resources. I can't afford any of them right now, but I love the options. I need to figure out my alignment situation first. I have a lifetime alignment at discount tires and it won't stay. They'll align it, I'll drive it and it will start drifting soon thereafter and I nice about avoiding pot holes and the like.

They said it could be my rack and pinion bushings, but don't know for a fact. I replaced my lowercontrol arm bushings with the energy suspension type because the complete LCAs were over $200 a piece from the dealer. I don't think that should be causing the problem, but I'm not sure what is. I want to replace all of the bushings for the front end (ie. tie rod ends), but I haven't been able to find them all or know which ones are good and which ones to stay away from.

I also "popped" one of my ball joints while replacing the LCA bushings. I really need to find a full time job!!!

[rxm6]

HAHA yes a full time job is something of necessity! It's really bad for me, when I have a day off and I'm bored what do I do? Watch TV? No. Play Games? No. Do something productive? Of course not. I go driving!!! And waste a whole bunch of gas.

Anyway, I drift to the right a little bit. And when I had my Volvo S60 it drifted to the right as well...straight off the lot. I think that all FWD cars drift a bit in either direction. I know all the RWD cars I've driven (except the Charger and the Blazer...both American) have eventually drifted to either the right or left because the steering is so loose. But on the M3, the 930 (with a full tank of gas), and the Fiero, I could travel down the highway a good 1/2 mile before I had to touch the steering wheel. But I've never been able to do that in a FWD car.

How excessive is the drift? Is it as soon as you let go of the steering wheel you jump to the left? Or is it a gradual drift left? Also, you mention abnormal tire wear. This could be causing your current state of drifting. I remember when I had a blow out on my I30, the tire shop just replaced the blown out tire. So after that, the car always drifted to the right more than usual due to the uneven wear patterns from each tire. So, that could be one cause. Secondly, with 245k on the clock...you NEED to replace your bushings, mounts, and anything rubber. If they have never been replaced, by this point they are cracked and mangled and probably hard as a rock. In another 10k I'm going to be replacing my mounts with urethane mounts. They are much stiffer than the stock ones, they are durable, and they help eliminate wheel hop. So, if I were you, I would save up and eventually by new everything in either urethane or the OEM parts. And don't cheap out either, something might be a little expensive, but you avoid other costs later.

One final thing...you might want to save up and buy another 4th gen I30 for maybe 4k or 5k...I've even seen some go for 3k. And then you can use either one as a parts car and make a nicer car. Also, I'm sure an engine with 100k less on it would be nice too.

[Sentientbydesign]

I've been thinking about buying another 4th gen. The problem is the money right now. Two months ago I was making $2600+/month. Now I've got great pay, but it's part time and inconsistent. I've got a few other things lined up, but trying to juggle classes and a full time job while also helping my wife out when she's not working is a pain.

I'd like a 99 I30. One with around 100k on it. That way I know I'd have a few years with it and no worries. I can't find it in myself to go to a maxima. I know they are essentially the same car, but the styling and attention to detail on the I30 makes it special.

The drift is gradual, but still noticeable. When I get on my brakes, I have to hold my steering wheel straight or slightly to one side or else it dives. Most FWD cars have torque steer, but that's not what I'm experiencing. Torque steer should only affect steering on take off, not while driving at a constant speed.

Have you had any experience replacing rack and pinion bushings? I think I'm going to get a Chilton manual and see what else is made of rubber down there. Hopefully it won't cost me an arm and a leg.

One day, if I get that 99. I want to treat it like you would an HP or Dell computer. Strip it of all the crap and replace what you want to keep with the good stuff

[Beancooker]

and the wheel well idea is just stupid since there is really low air pressure in the wheel wells.

There is more than enough air in the wheel well to supply the car. You will not reduce the air pressure in there, unless you silicone shut every seam on the wheel well. I know that it seems like there would not be enough air, and starve the car, but that is simply not true. That is the most common place for a true CAI, and it works.

[Sentientbydesign]

Beancooker. Read this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cold_air_intake

The ideal placement for a CAI is near the radiator or on the hood if you can get past the shear layer of air.

I've known of muscle cars which have taken the wheel wells off in order to lighten the car and offer better airflow to the intake and found that they were starving the car of oxygen because of the vacuum formed.

I'm a math major with plenty of engineering education.

You seem to just be on a roll contradicting or berating all of my posts. Please do as your mother told you and keep it shut if you don't have anything nice to say. Or maybe you should spread your obnoxiousness amongst other members and not direct it towards me.

[rxm6]

The only experience I've ever had replacing rack and pinion is with a 1990 BMW 750IL. Frankly, that's like having no experience at all. Their engineering differed from everything I was taught and it was, pardon my German, a ***** working on it. I have to say, at least Nissan is much more intuitive than other car makers. I have to complain about some things they did, but overall a nice simple job.

Well I think a nice 99' goes for about 6k to 7k with about 100k on the clock....so SAVE SAVE SAVE!!!

Also, don't fight kids. You are both right in some respects. Their is low air pressure in the wheel wells of certain cars because of their design characteristics. Also you do get higher air flow from placing it near the radiator, but then you run the risk of inhaling all that warm air. Placing it on the hood or in the front of the car is essentially giving you a ram charger effect at higher speeds and that's why people do it. The wheel well won't give that to you as much as say, putting the filter in front of the radiator, but it still accomplishes the role of CAI. Now I'm not arguing for either of you here because I don't know for certain. I don't know about air pressure in the wheel wells of A32's.

[Sentientbydesign]

I agree. I think I've come up with an idea that should work. I could mount a small, stylish scoop on the hood and have another avenue for air through the wheel well. Thereby creating a ram-air effect at high speeds, but also having a secondary air passage in the event that the scoop filter gets wet.

I'll have to try a few options out before I figure something that will work with the cramped engine compartment.

If I can land a stable job, I think I'll finance a 99. Maybe I'll ask my dad for help with the down payment. Last time I told him I needed a newer car, het tried to buy me an accent! I told him that an infiniti or nissan would outlive a korean car by two or three life times, but he tried saying that the accent was a good car because it had a 10yr 100k waranty. I laughed at that point.

The real funny part is that he has 4 nissans

[Beancooker]

Beancooker. Read this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cold_air_intakeThe ideal placement for a CAI is near the radiator or on the hood if you can get past the shear layer of air.

I've known of muscle cars which have taken the wheel wells off in order to lighten the car and offer better airflow to the intake and found that they were starving the car of oxygen because of the vacuum formed.

I'm a math major with plenty of engineering education.

You seem to just be on a roll contradicting or berating all of my posts. Please do as your mother told you and keep it shut if you don't have anything nice to say. Or maybe you should spread your obnoxiousness amongst other members and not direct it towards me.

First off wikipedia is not a good source of info. ANYONE can post info there, factual or not. I also don't see where that article pertains to what I posted above?

Second, I am not berating you or belittling your posts. I may be contradicting some of the things you post, since we obviously have a difference of opinion. I don't think that the majority of true CAI's that are manufactured would be done, trying to create a vacuum, and starve the car of oxygen.

Third, muscle cars remove the inner fenders, to lighten the car, and aid in an effort to keep the under hood temps down. Saying that with the inner fenders in place that you are starving the car of oxygen is absolute bulls**t. There is enough air flow through the front grill and from under the block. Not to mention that pulling air from behind the radiator will give you a warm or hot air intake. Your stock box, or a GAB is shown to give better gains than a WAI. Have a talk with Brian Catts (800-759-9920), owner of Cattman performance about the gains and losses from pulling air in from the fender.

I'm sorry if I offended you, but you are a little bit misinformed. I do not appreciate that crap you posted about me being obnoxious, and to keep my mouth shut. BTW, my mother is dead, so lets keep her out of this.

If you really have a problem with me, feel free to contact Greg (AZhitman) or Matt (audtatious) Their email addy is in their profile.

[Beancooker]

I agree. I think I've come up with an idea that should work. I could mount a small, stylish scoop on the hood and have another avenue for air through the wheel well. Thereby creating a ram-air effect at high speeds, but also having a secondary air passage in the event that the scoop filter gets wet.

I'll have to try a few options out before I figure something that will work with the cramped engine compartment.

If I can land a stable job, I think I'll finance a 99. Maybe I'll ask my dad for help with the down payment. Last time I told him I needed a newer car, het tried to buy me an accent! I told him that an infiniti or nissan would outlive a korean car by two or three life times, but he tried saying that the accent was a good car because it had a 10yr 100k waranty. I laughed at that point.

The real funny part is that he has 4 nissans

Now back to the subject originally posted.

It sounds like you have a good plan. Try out the scoop idea, and let us know how it works. I do know that if you have too much intake tubing, it will affect performance negatively, so I don't know if I'd go with a dual setup (hood and fender).

C'mon, you don't want to mod a Hyundai? At least we agree on something.

[Logan76]

Your a moron, Noah may be too nice to say it, but I wont hesitate. A CAI isnt going to reduce your fuel economy, that's one of the dumbest statements Ive heard, youve got a high mile car, and probably isnt upkept like it should be. Not trailing too far behind in the "dumbest statements Logans ever heard in his life list" Is you claiming your car wont get enough air with your filter located in your wheel well...Thats why almost 90% of mustang owners have their intakes there? they are purposely starving their vehicles of air...

[Sentientbydesign]

Beancooker:Your posts are obnoxious. You are the only member, I've ever had problems with.

If you read the "applications" portion of the wikipedia article, it specifically addresses our "discussion".

I don't care if you think my statement is bull****. The situation was what it was. I'm not here to make up stuff to keep myself or you entertained.

I created this thread with the intent of getting positive suggestions for a true CAI. Not the WAIs that are sold everywhere for the A32.

If you don't like what I'm saying, fine. But again, I'm looking for suggestions. I'm not looking for someone to tell me that my ideas are wrong, or that I'm full of $#IT.

Logan76: I NEVER said that a CAI would reduce my fuel economy. I said that my WAI does during the summer time. I live in SoCal. Our summers hit 105-110 easily. HOW DARE YOU insult me without even reading my post correctly. Talk about dumb.

For all of you that have gotten on the Flame wagon like little 6 y/o girls, my intent is to find a better option than the wheel well CAI. So maybe 8hp is possible from the fender, why not go for 10 or 12 by mounting it somewhere else?

That's the nice thing about it being MY car. I can do what I want to it. I just wanted some input. You know, the typical NICO type of input. Where we share knowledge, help each other out, act civilized? Remember any of that?

[rxm6]

I laugh at the sillyness.

Now as for CAI...I was taking a gander under my hood and I think a good place for a CAI would be right under the battery...if you take out all the stock intake tubing. I dunno how you you get piping down there but if you could..you would be getting a lot of cold air. Another thing to do would be to move the battery to the trunk and place an air dam between the radiator fans and the SRI creating a cold air SRI.

[MinisterofDOOM]

First, re-read the bold portion of Beancooker's previous post. I don't want to see any more hostile posts. Feel free to contact any of us (Maxima moderators) or NICO admins OFF-board if you've got any issues. I think you'll agree with me that it's in everyone's best interest to keep this thread on-topic. Thanks.

Second, I highly suggest searching for posts by member "Q45tech" concerning intake mods. Try all sorts of key words "intake," "airbox," etc. A lot of this exact stuff has been covered fairly thoroughly by him and the other Q guys. No, the Q's not a Maxima, but the same principles apply to our cars. Tech KNOWS his stuff, so you can trust his posts. His posts should be able to answer pretty much any question you have.

[Sentientbydesign]

I appreciate the recommendation. I tried using the search option, but I always end up with non-applicable information.

I think we can agree that every car is unique in it's own ways. That being said, the A32 does not have much room in it's engine compartment. I'd assume that the Q doesn't either with that V8. I'll go search, then come back to my thread if I don't find anything pertinent.

[audtatious]

Nathaniel, not sure what the issue here is, but Noah is one of the Maxima Moderators and it is his job to follow Maxima related threads. I saw no attack in his responses and your replies were uncalled for. One of the great things about the NICO Maxima forum is it has been kept from being a bashing grounds by Mods and members alike. If you have a personal issue with Noah, that's fine. Just please keep it off of here. This thread could have been (and still can be) a good discussion of intakes. Let's keep things on course and keep the hostilities out.

Thanks

[rxm6]

One of the great things about the NICO Maxima forum is it has been kept from being a bashing grounds by Mods and members alike.

Yeah..we don't want to be like the Bimmer people.

[AZhitman]

I'd add that chasing 3 hp through placement of a CAI is ultimately a complete waste of time.

There are TONS of other ways to pick up that 3 hp

Regardless of WHERE you place the intake, it will not experience "vacuum" or less than atmospheric pressure (14psi of nature's own supercharger).

I'd suggest, though, fabricating a box around the intake filter, and mounting the opening of the box directly in the path of incoming airflow.

Keep it away from the engine bay, away from the radiator and away from the condenser.

Keep in mind also that ambient air temps are lower a foot off the ground in hot climates, so you're probably wasting your time. The lower the intake, ther hotter the air, and again, that takes us back to it really NOT mattering much.

Get a phenolic intake spacer, isolate the manifold from heatsoak, switch to synthetic fluids, take 10 lbs of crap out of the car, add 3 psi to each tire, increase airflow out of the upper hood cowling, switch to a lighter wheel / tire package.... All easy ways to add the equivalent of 3 hp.