Guys. This has been brewing in my mind for a while. Wondering what y'all think about this idea to get more FILTERED air flow into my turbo motor.

I'm pushing about 25 psi through my built b16. At these pressure levels, I don't care what type/brand/kind it is, A SINGLE AIR FILTER IS USELESS. They all restrict flow and hurt performance a TON. (Tried many options)

I have a theory that if I use the right tubing and merge collector I could rig up a setup using multiple air filters instead of just one. Maybe 2, or three air filters merged into one large diameter intake tube, clamped onto the turbo inlet like normal. Would this increase my surface area enough to provide the high RPM air flow my turbo/engine needs at these psi levels? Has anybody ever tried anything like this?

I'm not interested in the run filter/run no filter discussion. Running no filter is not an option as I daily this vehicle and I need the turbo to last. I have driven the car through dirt clouds in the construction zones near my home almost every day. Thanks.

 

At my power level taking the filter off resulted in 10-15whp. Not worth it vs eating dirt and debri

 

People have made air filter boxes too which are the same concept. Instead of guessing how much flow (or number of filters) you need contact the manufacture for the flow rating and calculate how much CFM your engine ingests.

 

exactly, I'd rather lose a few hp and not risk damaging my turbo and built motor. all expensive and time consuming things to rebuild/replace

and like muck said, figure out how much airflow your motor needs and find a filter that will flow that amount of air. problem solved, no need for multiple filters and complicated piping

 

IDK, diesels use a **** ton more air and seem to get away with 1 filter. Granted they are huge. But I agree, build a filtered box

 

I merged dual filters just for the bling of it. Gets alot of comments and is fully functional. I bought a twin filter merge kit for a newer dodge truck with 3" polished aluminum for like $50.
Unless you are in some dustbowl dive of a track, just screen it off for passes, never filter if you KNOW you got 10-15 more ponies!

Here is a pic of it being mocked up. Tiny tabs with screw clamps provide a great anchor from the radiator threaded bosses.

 

At what level does the filter hinder performance. Honestly on my buddies DA integra we made 406whp with the filter on. Pulled the filter off and made the same hp and torque curve stayed the same.

 

When the turbo outflows the filter haha... If people are having issues with one filter then you are doing it wrong. Most of the legit companies will give you formulas or specifically list the CFM flow of the filter. This isn't wizardry or mad science or something, just some basic mathematics that need to be done. :-)

 

all that twin filter kit does is suck up hot air from the radiator, not to mention the piping getting heat soaked from the 200 degree air coming off the rad. seems like it would hinder performance greatly

and no, never not run a filter for 10-15 more hp, It's just idiotic, unless you like replacing compressor wheels all the time

 

I got this filter it looke like it would flow much more than a cone it's from air airade

 

Air filters only hinder power if it is on a much larger turbo, meaning it has more to do airflow and turbulence. There will be losses or gains due to filter inlet design, or pre-turbo pipe work rather than element type or surface area on a turbo car. The pipe ends up being the most significant, so best is to keep the pre-turbo pipe as short as possible. The filter itself, by diameter, will always outflow the pipe for its intended size.

The only time I would venture into an air filter is for a cold air setup that is close to tire or picks up a lot of debris, or if I am living in a very dusty area.

So I usually run no filters, a mesh or a nice velocity stack w/ mesh. Seems to be the most versatile for almost any application, and have been doing that for the past 15-16 years