Yes, this is a POLL, and I could post it as such, but I wanted to encourage any additional info anyone might be inclined to offer. Hope we get lots of comeback on this, Im sure theres a lot of curiosity shared. Ive done lots of reading and all, Id just like to see results.

On a 2.7l in particular:

1) Gas mileage:
Better, Worse, no diff.
2) Performance increase (ie on long highway grades):
Better, worse, no diff.

Thanks guys. Dont wanna start carving things up for no reason.

I'm kinda curious too. So many of these engine mods, whether DIY or the latest marketing hype (ie throttle body spacers) seem to have a placebo effect. I'm interested in empirical data, actual logs of mpg and any kind of real testing.

The deckplate is virtually no-risk and very low cost, so it's not as bad as laying down some bills for something of dubious function. But I'd love to see real data, esp on the 2.7L.

The main reason Im curious about this opening of the airbox for more direct air input, is because its the only 'no cost' modification which MIGHT result in a positive gain.... MIGHT.... Im here to see what others might have come up with having done it...

"Atomizers", "Tornados", etc are (from what Ive read) devices created by their developers to make them a lot of money. I refuse. This one however I will entertain. Hey, for a couple bucks and an hour or two of my time..

Oh, and 'engine roar, growl, throatiness" isnt one of my goals... If I get that too, no biggie, road noise from tire growl doesnt phase me in the least either.

This is a mod I would also like to try, and I do keep very detailed fuel/data records (check out my stats page).

So, I guess if I ever get around to doing this I would be able to give you a definitive answer... But time just isn't on my side... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

2) Performance increase and most noticeable, more power available to force quicker downshifting for passing situations.

No noticeable difference in gas mileage.. may vary depending on the propensity of your right foot in "testing" <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/drunk.gif" alt="" /> the change...

Can't give a before/after, but my 96 4Runner has a deckplate mod w/ Amsoil filter, TRD headers and exhaust, 265r75's and pulls doesn 19+ mpg at 75+ on the highway. I'm happy. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

did the mod aweek ago seem to have more power also put a k&n filter.on a 2.7

The deckplate mod was Robert Cannon's (of Frankentaco fame) idea in furtherance of Gadget's discovery of the elbow-mod. The elbow mod is free - just remove the elbow in the fenderwell area (note - DO NOT remove the "S" shaped tube that plumbs directly into the airbox). The deckplate costs about $10-$15 and requires some work, but supposedly acts to better protect the intake from any accidental water intake - although it's obviously not waterproof and nowhere near as secure as a true snorkel.

As far as performance goes, some argue that it sucks in hot air from under the hood, much more so than the elbow mod which sucks it in from the cooler fenderwell area. Others argue the hot air, if any, has no negative effect. Gadget is the only one who has proven dyno numbers on his website, but they pertain to the elbow mod, not the deckplate mod, at least based on the last time I checked, which was a long time ago. His website is at www.gadgetonline.com.

Unfortunately, I have no personal experience with the deckplate mod, so I can't give any firsthand accounts. I've done the elbow mod on a 99 2.7L I used to own, but no dyno results to show whether I gained any hp from it. But given Gadget's dyno results, I would think I got some minor hp out of it.

Hope this helps.

I thought about this when I did my deckplate mod... It is very easy to make a shield (which I did) down the side of the airbox (the side next to the radiator) and you could even do the top (which I didn't) so that outside cool air is drawn through the forward sheetmetal holes cut out directly behind the right head light. The holes are plenty large enough to let plenty of air through.

I used cardboard to make a template and since it fit so well, I just covered it with aluminum foil heating system tape to seal off and protect the cardboard. It's stayed in such good condition I haven't bothered to replace it with something more substantial..

The fender side and the bottom side are already fairly well closed off..