I noticed that after replacing my AEM with the factory intake(with a bypasssed resonator box) and resetting the ECU, that the car is WAY more responsive. The low RPM throttle response is much better, and even in the high RPM range it seems better as well.

I believe this change is caused by the air filter box, of the factory system, simulating a larger intake plenum. And if this is the case, could this effect be be increased even more by increasing the size of the box?

 

I'd say so. I thought that was the whole idea behind the ARC intake as it had a plenum closer to the TB.

 

Same with the Mugen CAI

 

The Arc uses that oval shaped pipe from the filter box to the TB right?
That shape is supposed to promote laminar air flow right?

 

What is that?

 

could this be a reason Realtime R use the NSX air box???
BTW how much is an NSX air box
what do you have to do to make it fit
TIA

 

That refers to non-turbulent airflow.

 

So...does this mean you just reinstalled the factory airbox with no resonator?? When I first did that in my car, it felt like it lost just a little bit of low end, but got some top end. The Icebox installation solved the resonator-less low end problem and added some to the top end as well (4 whp)... And yes, I think because of the principal you stated the Mugen CAI will produce gains over the Icebox...as soon as I have some cash I'm taking out the A/C and buying it.

 

I always thought of the ARC system as a way to wedge a larger airbox and plenum into the same area as the stock airbox:





As far as performance, my recent trip to the dyno with my untuned B16A showed a nice surge around VTEC in both HP and torque; at 5500rpm, I gained approx. 10hp and 5ft/lbs torque over a typical B16A with AEM and H/E mods. Top end, I was down about 4-5hp.

Throttle response has always been great IMO with the ARC.

 

No, I reinstalled the resonator too, but put a plastic tube inside of it to "bypass" the resonator portion. The air goes straight thru, from the factory air pickup location. (It makes a cooler noise too!)

 

i must say this...the mugen intake is kinda expensive, but it is definatly worth it..i noticed alot more throttle response...low and top end...and noticed no tq or hp loss..you pay for what you get..it's been ahwile since ive been to a dyno..i need to go soon..

 

Too bad there's no real way to measure throttle response.
Besides the "butt-dyno"

 

yeah that would be pretty cool...however i did dyno w/ the mugen cai and it was great. i just havent been to a dyno in awhile.. along with my mugen i/h/e it's worked pretty nice for me....

 

True, but since my "butt-dyno" says that the Icebox improved throttle response, my "logic-dyno" says that the Mugen will improve it further.

Who wants to buy A/C for their Integra?!

 

Hey Dion....on the way back last Friday night I stopped to see what kind of air temp differences would be without the cover of the Icebox on....I noticed that the temp was apprx. 2-3C degrees higher without the top on (and it was damn cold out too) while cruising at 70 mph on the highway. But back to the main point...without the top on the car felt like a dog down low...felt like a completely different car.

 

Who want's to buy my Thermo-tec wrapped AEM?

 

A Legend airbox does just as well and is easier to find and cheaper.

The problem is the joint between the box and the intake tube opening. Realtime uses an accordian joint. Secondly, you have to either use a foam filter or k&n that fits...not a stock filter. Now do you put a velocity stack somewhere along there?

 

???

 

Here's a interesting tidbit from a engineer(BS in fluid dynamics) here at work. The oval shaped pipe from the air filter box to the resonator is that shape for reasons other than fitting in the space its in. I discussed intake theory with him hor 2+ Hours today!

 

don't use the K&N filters. buy a foam filter.

 

Don't sell your A/C.
With proper installation Mugen CAI can fit with it.
Paul.

 

"don't use the K&N filters. buy a foam filter."

What's wrong with K&N?

 

foam filter flows better but definitely do not filter as good as paper filter (K&N). It's personal preference. You can run open intake too, which gives you even more flow.

 

The sales pitch the guy gave me when I bough my first K&N. (A million years ago, for a mustang of all things)
Him: "Here's the difference between a K&N and a standard paper element filter. Pick up your shirt and blow through it. Pretty Easy right? Now blow through a piece of binder paper..Not so easy right? Well there ya go! K&N's better!"

Me: "But they don't make paper element filters out of binder paper?"

Him: "Believe what you want..But I know the K&N's better. Why do you think it's got a million mile warranty??"

Me: "Cause it can be cleaned, while the paper ones can't"

Him: "(To next customer) "Can I help you?"

 

hehe. Reminds me of every single car salseman I've ever talked to