Cold Air Intake already there... ?

[mmcdonald]

Okay, so I installed the K&N air filter awhile ago and noticed that the intake ran over the core support and into the fresh air outside of the engine bay.

Someone had posted something showing this set up with an aftermarket piece, but we already have this.

My question is, since there is already cold air routing for the intake, do we need any add-ons here? Perhaps tube profile is an issue? Maybe aesthetics?

[DocJohn]

My question is, since there is already cold air routing for the intake, do we need any add-ons here? Perhaps tube profile is an issue? Maybe aesthetics?

I've asked myself the same question...
The Injen prototype short ram intake for the Gen 2 V6 showed some modest gains in torque (+10.2 ft-lbs ) and HP (+9.3) on the dyno.
The Injen set-up also appears to delete Intake Air Control (IAC) valve #3 which is located in front of the filter box and opens fully to allow air flow when the engine speed is more than 3,200 rpm and the opening angle of the throttle valve is more than 30 degrees.
I would be interested in seeing some comparisons of 1/4 mile and 0-60 times with this new intake vs. the stock box with a K&N or TRD filter. When looking at intake performance, there are different air flow dynamics in play when the car is in motion as compared to strapped to a dyno.
I have little doubt that the Injen short ram "breaths" better than the stock set-up, but from looking at the prototype photos, I strongly doubt this short ram is getting a colder (denser) air charge than the stock setup when the car is in motion.

[VVTiGuy]

I agree the intake charge may not be as cool as the stock airbox, but the air must flow through a maze with the stock box before it gets to the motor. I have been to the track with my TRD filter and will definitely go back when I get the intake.

[Swiftoy]

Can the air intake valve on the stock box be modified to stay open or completely removed? What would the gains be from this. Just a thought.

Swiftoy

[DocJohn]

Can the air intake valve on the stock box be modified to stay open or completely removed? What would the gains be from this. Just a thought.

Swiftoy

I don't really know for sure, but it would probably be more trouble than its worth. You would have to figure a way to supply a constant signal (voltage) to the Vacuum Switch Valve for IAC #3 to keep it open all the time, or bypass the vacuum line to the VSV and actuate IAC #3 directly.
Why bother? IMO it would be better just to go with the Injen short ram intake (when ever it finally goes into production). One of the two main things the the Injen appears to do is delete (remove) IAC #3 entirely so you get full air flow at all times, it also provides a wider, less convoluted and less restrictive air flow path to the throttle body.
I'll probably buy the Injen intake when it becomes available and give it a try. If I really don't like it, I can always go back to the stock set-up.

[mmcdonald]

Okay, that's what I want to hear: "wider and less convolueted." That would be an issue for air flow and power loss.

I am not sure which I would rather have, though, a wider and less convoluted warm air intake, or the stock intake with cold air.

Keep us posted if you get that shorty DocJohn. I would like to get that, too if your experience is positive.