Beyond the Stock Air Filter and Air Box
Addressing the next area of restriction, K&N engineers looked at the vehicle’s air box (the container that houses the air filter) and any hoses or duct work connecting it to the engine. Because the air must first travel through this system before it reaches the carburetor or throttle body, the overall size and shape of the system has a profound effect on air flow. Air, like water, does not like to turn corners nor does it react favorably when confronted by an obstruction such as a sharp bend in a hose or a baffle. In many cases, the air box and/or the hoses and duct work used to create the air filtration system is just as restrictive as the original paper filter element. In some extreme cases, the air box and/or the air delivery system is the greatest source of restriction. The inlet to the air box is a good example. In many instances this opening is one half the cross sectional area of the throttle body or carburetor opening. It would be like trying to run a marathon while breathing through a soda straw.
An original-equipment cylindrical air cleaner box covering a throttle body or carburetor is another example. Most often, these round air cleaner housings are sealed to the outside air. The engine must then breathe through a snorkel attached to the perimeter of the housing. At times the snorkel is fed through a network of hoses and scoops.
To directly address the problem, we introduced a line of air intake kits, the most popular of which is our Fuel Injection Performance Kits (better know by the acronym, FIPK). These kits replace both the air box and the restriction. Our FIPKs vary in design because they are application specific meaning each kit is engineered to fit a particular make, model and year of vehicle. FIPKS utilize a 360-degree filter design which provides increased surface area to promote air flow.

 

I have simplified it for you, a picture is worth a thousand words

 

I really liked the analogy re the running / straw, but in this instance with the hummer. I see the stock airbox is sealed but drawing air in through a relatively small (but cold) inlet in the fender. In the K and N photo in the thready, presumably the sides of the box seal against the hood, so the box is a tad larger, but still relying on cold air through the same small inlet- or am i missing something ? Or does the K and N not seal against the underside of the hood, and it just takes air in through the engine bay ?

 

I can't tell you how tightly the k&n seals against the underside of the hood, as i can't see through the hood...

I am sure it is not gap less. .

At this point, you are grasping for a lifeline, i think I pretty much laid out my case, that a k&n type cai, provides much more air to the engine...

конец истории

 

Grasping for a lifeline ? hmmm I was actually looking for some education on the subject as I am not ignorant enough to think i know it all and would rather inquire as to assume.

Pretty much what you just did.

 

Well, you know the old sayin' you get what you pay for (probably a Reason K&N's usually cost a lil' more than the rest is cause they're the #1 selling cold air intakes/filters in the World on ALL Vehicles)! NUMBERS Don't Lie! How Many others even Dare to Mention ANY kind of Extra HP or Performance Numbers OTHER than the K&N!

 

Exactly, i dont know too many people, who as soon as you mention cai, that won't recommend k&n, and their entire line is based on non seal air boxes, they have to be doing something right, and most important, they are trusted by the aftermarket world..

 

MOST of the time when somebody talks about Another Brand it's Usually because that's the One they bought & are just trying to Justify their Purchase! But, like i said they Can't Produce Actual Numbers, all they can do is try & tell you why THEY think it's Better (most likely cause it was Cheaper & maybe looked better to THEM)! But, to Each his Own it's their Vehicle!