Being a Wire NooB, I had included this question in another post, but I was told I should break multiple Qs into multiple posts, so here it is separated.

I've still got the stock airbox/filter on my 98 Rodeo (V6, Auto). Seems like switching to a hi-flow filter might be a good upgrade. I've seen the Calmini kit, but wondered what you folks have done in that dept? Are there other manufacturers offering kits (like K&N, etc.) for my truck I should look at? Or do you guys recommend fabbing your own set-up from a generic cone filter? (or even retaining the stock airbox).

THX,
Tom

to summarize...

stock = ok, K&N = better, cone = best

-Rob

Well I went ahead and did this mod, fabbing my own set-up from some commonly available aftermarket parts. It's running great - no excess noise, and the engine seems to breath a little better than the stock airbox set-up, esp. with my freer-flowing cat-back exhaust.

Thought I'd share the solution.

I bought a Spectre PowerAdder hi-flow cone airfilter. It's adjustable to fit 3, 3.5 & 4" diam intake connections. (only $25, an oiled-cotton model with similar filtering/flow to K&Ns). Of course, the diameter of the airbox-to-MAF sensor connection on my '98 Rodeo is 3.25" - which is why I'm guessing you can't find a pre-designed Spectre, K&N or other hi-flow filter available to fit it - all the typical aftermarket stuff is typically either 3" or 4". (This might also explain why the CalMini kit is kinda pricey).

So I couldn't just bolt-on the filter, I needed an adapter. I was able to create an adapter from a length of 3" I.D. hard rubber connector tubing - I was able to stretch it to fit over the alum. MAF sensor inlet on the engine side, and on the filter end, it's outer diameter fit into the filter body with a nice tight fit. Tighten up the two worm clamps and it was in. I was able to position the filter inlet pointing right up to the stock fresh-air inlet by the driver's front fenderwall, and with the open-front face on this filter, it's gets a nice direct feed (and the whole filter sits above the inner fender, so it's not near any direct heat from the motor.) I still need to fab a better fender mount for it, and I'll likely add an alum. plate to block the back of the filter from the engine even more, but all in all it turned out pretty nice and relatively inexpensive.

Tom

An easy way to adapt it for the cone is to have a muffler shop bend you some pipe

you have any pics of this? i'd like to do what you did.

This thread is worthless without pics. Show us pics.

Joe

Ask and ye shall receive... ;-)

Just took a pic for ya. I'm pretty happy with it after 3+ months of use.



FYI, I was going to fab a plate-bracket to isolate it more from the engine for temp and support reasons, but I haven't. It sits far enough above the fender and it's fed cool air via the inlet that was for fresh air to the factory airbox, plus the intake hoses are rigid enough to keep it in position even when bouncing around.

HTH,
Tom