TDCi - Air filter upgrade

[Turbodiesel]

My mate and I decided to try a cheap filter upgrade instead of paying the big bucks for a K&N kit. Because of the turbo we figured it should have more of a impact than it would on a petrol engine.

$24.99 and an hour later we were done.




Result: The engine has a much more bassy sound, almost exhaust like. Turbo whistle and pressure release sounds better and louder, car goes a bit better too. Also, the engine bay looks cooler

[XR5-Boy]

Is that by any chance a filter by 3A Racing? If so, they have one of the best pod filters on the market, and at a ridiculously cheap price!

[Turbodiesel]

It's an "SCA" which I assume stands for "SuperCheap Auto" but the quality is remarkable for the price. Costs less than the smallest bit of silicon hose!

[elgreko]

Did you have to cut the air box? Hows the performance?

[Turbodiesel]

Originally Posted by elgreko

Did you have to cut the air box? Hows the performance?

No cutting, just left the top off it. Was even thinking about taking the bottom off as well but it might get dirtier that way. I didn't even need a reducer either, it just went straight on.

I have to drive it a bit more to notice any performance/fuel consumption figures but I'd say the engine is getting much more air and is definitely better off.

The best thing is the difference in sound, I had no idea it would make such a difference!

[Franco Cozzo]

Sweet, I'm going to look into this.

How does the air filter fit into the intake tube? Just a clamp and the pipe goes around the filter element? I'm looking at replacing the entire tube and relocating the filter.

[Turbodiesel]

Originally Posted by Big Damo

How does the air filter fit into the intake tube? Just a clamp and the pipe goes around the filter element? I'm looking at replacing the entire tube and relocating the filter.

Yep, just clamps straight on out of the box provided it's the right size. The stock pipe to the turbo is pretty big so I don't think I'll change that yet.

There is acres of space to move it further below where it currently is but might be a bit more difficult.

Aren't you now sucking in a gut full of hot air, which is the worst thing you can do given it is turbocharged?

With the stock filter tightly enclosed in that box I was surprised it was getting any air at all. Cool air is still coming from the front intake pipe and is then cooled further by the intercooler, not to mention the additional breeze from under the bonnet at speed.

Not to sound like a party pooper, but how will this effect warranty (if at all?) and for it to be legal wouldn't the air box need to be enclosed?

Well I think it might affect the warranty but you can always change it back when you go for a service. My car is out of warranty, I never changed a thing until now.

I have no idea about legalities with air filters, but I imagine it wouldn't be an issue since CAIs are not enclosed. If anyone else can shed some light?

[arigold1974]

Had any issues with this upgrade mate ?

[DeKa]

Aren't you now sucking in a gut full of hot air, which is the worst thing you can do given it is turbocharged?

[Yellow_Festiva]

Looks like a nice setup. Will be collecting my Diesel Focus this Tuesday and my have my own tinker under the bonnet after a trip to Super Cheap.

Mine is red as well

Not to sound like a party pooper, but how will this effect warranty (if at all?) and for it to be legal wouldn't the air box need to be enclosed?

[Turbodiesel]

I didn't at the time, but as an open pod isn't exactly legal in NSW I upgraded to a K&N Apollo. Been using that for years.

[elgreko]

Originally Posted by Turbodiesel

I didn't at the time, but as an open pod isn't exactly legal in NSW I upgraded to a K&N Apollo. Been using that for years.

Whats the performance like any changes??

[elgreko]

Is there a part Number? what do I ask for if I go to SCA??

[DZFord]

K&N Apollo. Part number: RC-5052AB