CAI/SRI gain vs. loss

[panic]

I'm still trying to suss out how the original Gen 2 V6 air intake system works...

Both the low and high speed ducts to the air filter box pick up cold air above the radiator support, so temperature isn't that bad. I suspect (based only on mine, and some photos I've seen) that the inlet scoop could be a bit more streamlined, and larger, but it's also not flush with the radiator support surface (there's a gap that allows air to leak between them - I duct-taped mine for the moment. The area ahead of the support should not have any air leaks at all - all air should go through the radiator or the scoop).
Following accepted practice, if the actual TB diameter is 70mm (confirm?), this means that you want at least that total area (38.5 sq. cm. or 5.96 sq. inches) regardless of shape and somewhat larger to allow for friction losses, let's say I'd like to see +20%? or 7".



The 2 duct openings appear to be only about 1" tall (minimum, the front is slightly larger) and 9" long (except for the splitter). I would estimate the area as a bit larger than 6" (I have a program that analyzes area from bitmap color).

Does anyone have the internal area of both ducts?

[panic]

More: if you feel inside the duct, there's a big sharp edge on the upper/rear wall as it turns down.
There's no question that this is an "active" surface with high velocity air movement, and that this edge reduces flow volume.
I think I can remove it if I take the duct apart, but before I commit to this (hard to scrape up the little molecules from the floor and tease them back in place) I had an unnerving thought:

What if the purpose of the lip is to induce a reversion wave (any reflecting surface does this), and change the apparent tuned length of the duct?

Anyone heard anything?

I'm included to think this is simply how the plastic piece was molded and too much trouble (hand work) to clean it up at the factory.

Does anyone know what kind of adhesive works on the duct (ABS cement, etc.)?

[gnegroni]

I wonder if the 2.4 and the 3.3 inlet size is the same...

[yaddadaimsayin]

very interesting. did you reach a conclusion yet? I'm interested in knowing what you found out.

[gnegroni]

Panic, any ideas? As far as I go, I got nothing...no $$$, no works.