Air Intake Resonator Questions

CARRisma · Post by **CARRisma** » Tue Jun 04, 2013 8:40 am

I've been looking into removing my car's air intake resonator and have read some suggestions that removing the system can have a negative effect on power in the lower rev range but can help higher up. Is there any confirmed definitive evidence of this? Looking through the workshop manual (Helms), I can see no indication of this. It does mention the air intake control diaphragm valve opening at a specific RPM, but is that for the sound deadening purpose of the resonator or to improve performance? I wonder if the suggestion of decreased lower rev range performance is down to confusion between the air intake control diaphragm valve and the IAB (intake air bypass) valves inside the intake manifold?

If I go ahead and do this, I'll remove the whole lot, including the valve and the vacuum tube from the intake manifold end. I take it none of this will cause a CEL?

Post by **lewd lude lover** » Tue Jun 04, 2013 8:47 am

you will loose a couple of ftlb between 1500rpm and 3k. Not noticable imho.

you gain a much easier/ free'r rev band, slightly improved throttle response, the engine will climb 5.5k to redline smoother, it sounds like the engine should. Not loud, just more open. More power? probably. deffo more given in power than taken in torque.

If you want midrange torque get a turbo. NA cars are all about the top of the revs and this 'mod' helps that along nicely.

Also if you dont like it it takes half an hour to reverse it

Once you have the great big lumocking thing out of there though I bet you just leave it.

nitin_s1 · Post by **nitin_s1** » Tue Jun 04, 2013 9:34 am

What he said!! ^

Post by **Vtecmec** » Tue Jun 04, 2013 11:29 am

I noticed the difference, my resonator is fitted and is staying that way.

By removing it you reduce the length of the intake tract as well as removing the control of air flow to the engine, I think this is what affects the lower torque levels.

I suppose it depends how you drive your car, for me most of my time is spent between 2k-4k, and only occasionally in Vtec.

As LLL said, if you want to give it a try then reversing is not too big of a job

Post by **DaveyBa8** » Tue Jun 04, 2013 11:34 am

Interesting topic, I was thinking of pulling it out to, but I too spend most of my days driving in low down revs and I do enjoy abit of torque.

CARRisma · Post by **CARRisma** » Tue Jun 04, 2013 12:09 pm

DaveyBa8 wrote:Interesting topic, I was thinking of pulling it out to, but I too spend most of my days driving in low down revs and I do enjoy abit of torque.

Agreed, I think most people spend their time below 3500 RPM unless they're a bit .... unhinged.

89 UKDM BA4 4WS (resto job!) · Post by **wurlycorner** » Tue Jun 04, 2013 12:17 pm

CARRisma wrote:unless they're a bit .... unhinged.

Post by **Pushki** » Tue Jun 04, 2013 12:19 pm

Finally some sensible discussion instead of "rip it out! It makes a bwaaaah noise".

The "S" express · Post by **honda-hardy** » Tue Jun 04, 2013 12:22 pm

i took mine out and yes i noticed a very slight difference low down, but that said, i love to give it beans, and at the point vtec kicks in. well smiles all round. and more aggressive vtec sound

oh and what he said....

"rip it out! It makes a bwaaaah noise".

CARRisma · Post by **CARRisma** » Tue Jun 04, 2013 1:42 pm

Pushki wrote:Finally some sensible discussion instead of "rip it out! It makes a bwaaaah noise".

So @Pushki, what's the opinion of the local Chavley resident?