ok guys, i've been seeing some threads about modifying intakes to get more "growl" ... trust me, it has ALL been tried on my car - anything from putting on a cone filter to the end of the o2 sensor, to building a CAI, to building a large forced induction shroud in the bumper grille (and sealing it airtight to the airbox, after the resonators were removed), and another thing that i plan on talking about soon.

the EASIEST, best thing I've found so far, is to prop open the airbox (filter still attached). I know that some of the incoming air will be hot air from the engine compartment, but lets face it, how many of you drive around with the exposed cone filters? Doing this makes a magnificent intake growl, yet keeps all the lower resonators in place, is completely rain-proof, and allows you to hop out and change it back in about 6 seconds...All you do is this..

1. open the hood
2. unclip the side and rear clips holding the airbox on - leaving the fronts attached
3. tilt the back of the box (along with the filter) up towards you, and prop it up with the unclipped rear clips

make sure you tilt the filter along with the top of the airbox, so your air is still filtered.

voila - simple as all get out!

I've been sporting this setup for a good while now, because it's so easy to switch back.

You should all try this before doing anything..well..difficult

not sure what you're talking about but.. i will give your instructions a shot.

I actually don't like that idea because there is a lot of dust in my town (due to construction).

I might give it a try for a day or so...

the airbox consists of two halves - top and bottom. prop the top half up and away from the bottom half (using the clips to prop it).

vincent - the filter is still in place, and shouldnt get much dust - unless your engine bay is full of dust

Sounds interesting.. I might give it a try and a test run. Thanks for the idea.

you sure the air goes through the filter before it gets into the engine?...

five_pride: why don't you take a picture of the set up so we'll have an idea of what you're talking about?

yeah, a picture would be great. i am curious to test this setup also...

?

Ok, I think I agree that we need a picture for a better idea. :lol2:

k, here are pics... looks ghetto but it works...and, yes, i'm missing a couple of those DANG plastic clips

i don't think i would prop my airbox like that.. but whatever works for you man.

Whoa.. your airbox looks different then mine. I don't have that mesh patten on top.

But I get what you're saying now. Thanks.

i think he designed his airbox with carbon fiber.

i tried this, but at idle and rev (car stationary) there is not much change in sound...

try it with the engine under load (accelerating...)

also, it looks dangerous, but the filter IS still attached if you look closely...
just give it a chance guys, really does work great

Ok, I tried this but didn't notice much of a difference while driving... how much load do you have to give before you notice a difference? The most I had it to was about 3500RPM.

Is the filter in full contact with the top half of the airbox or the bottom half? From your pictures it looks like it's in full contact with the top half and only partially in contact with the bottom half.

yes, full contact with the top half - have you had an intake before? because if you have, you may not notice too much of a difference. but when going up a hill from a stop, or nailing the throttle, it will be pretty loud.

anyone that has a full (stock) resonator-equipped intake path on their tl will notice a big diff.

oh, i also have the resonator on the intake elbow removed/flipped backwards so maybe that's why mine's so loud? but i doubt it, it's a tiny resonator and wouldn't muffle it that much..

also, engine speed doesnt matter. if the engine slowly revs without load applied to it, there will barely be any difference... but if you give it more gas (to pass, or from a stop sign, etc...) you'll hear it. that's the good thing about it, it's only loud when you want it to be...that fact keeps it from being ricey

sorry i keep posting, guys...

but i thought i'd let yall know that we did this to my friend '95 camry...and man, that little v6 roars!! instantly became fun to drive

sorry i keep posting, guys...

but i thought i'd let yall know that we did this to my friend '95 camry...and man, that little v6 roars!! instantly became fun to drive

have videos if anyone wants em lol

yeah, i tried this while driving and it does change the tone. the engine gives a deeper growl when under stress. just make sure you don't lose any of the airbox clips...

Five Pride,

I've been on vacation for a while, so I haven't been posting. This comment should have came waaaay up in the thread.

Forced induction or "ram air" doesn't work. I thought I should tell you that before you undertake such an involving project. Propping up the airbox or using a cone filter will give you the same performance gains.

i've already done the ram-air type thing, and it did work - it worked miracles, my car pulled soo hard on the freeway, but it was a pain in the butt to bypass when it rained.
it also made a really cool sucking sound coming from the front grille

now, i'm not sure if you mean the airbox thing does just as much good...as in nothing, or if it's just as effective.

i know it's not a great performance mod, not even a decent one (the airbox trick), but i posted this thread solely for the guys looking for more growl.

Well what I meant is that the "ram air" effect sounds good but it has no basis in science.

If your scoop did result in a gain in power, it is because the engine can now breathe as freely as it wants to. There was not more power from any actual forced induction (compressed air) like in the case of a turbo or supercharger.

Exactly. Its less restricted. I did something similar for my 3.2, its a bit quicker. The only noise difference is from 2000 to about 3200 rpms under load, its more "mean" sounding with a growl that puts a grin on my face. The resonator does just what it says, removes vibrations, vibrations cause noise.

What's the resonator do? What do I need to do to make it louder? I did the airbox trick but I want more noise!!!!