Power Coupler
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,141
Likes: 7
From: Metairie Louisiana
Power Coupler
Anyone replaced their power couplers for some smooth ones? What are your opinions on performance difference? It probably would'nt be much of anything but every little bit helps. Mid America sells some but they are $120 for the pair. I've heard of some people trying to do it with metal. I thought about it but it would probably look too cheesy. Was thinking of doing a temp sensor reloacte at the same time. Thanks in advance.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 285
Likes: 0
From: San Diego CA
I have them on my 95 and there is no real difference in performance - although in theory it should aid in smoothing out the incoming air flow.
As to relocating the IAT (up closer to the air filter intake as opposed to back closer to the T/body ala the factory) - I would not do this unless you have made enough other mods to justify using the extra fuel the PCM will now be sending to your injectors (longer pulse because its reading a "cooler" air temp) via the IAT......but if you decide to do this anyway - watch your gas mileage drop accordingly.
As to relocating the IAT (up closer to the air filter intake as opposed to back closer to the T/body ala the factory) - I would not do this unless you have made enough other mods to justify using the extra fuel the PCM will now be sending to your injectors (longer pulse because its reading a "cooler" air temp) via the IAT......but if you decide to do this anyway - watch your gas mileage drop accordingly.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,141
Likes: 7
From: Metairie Louisiana
temp relocate
Thanks for the info. Im not worried too much about gas. I kinda miss the needle plunging toward empty like it does on my 67 firebird when putting it to the floor. I definitley miss the gas fumes. Gives you a much better rush when racing. 
Digital gauges are no fun.. My modifications are listed in my signature not sure if that helps.
Thanks again
Digital gauges are no fun.. My modifications are listed in my signature not sure if that helps.Thanks again
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
WTF is a power coupler?
Is this the intake tube from the filter to the manifold?
I for one am glad cars don't smell like your 67 firebird... every so often at a track, its ok, but to have an entire cityscape effected by that stench? No thanks.
Is this the intake tube from the filter to the manifold?
I for one am glad cars don't smell like your 67 firebird... every so often at a track, its ok, but to have an entire cityscape effected by that stench? No thanks.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,141
Likes: 7
From: Metairie Louisiana
Originally Posted by bogus
WTF is a power coupler?
Is this the intake tube from the filter to the manifold?
I for one am glad cars don't smell like your 67 firebird... every so often at a track, its ok, but to have an entire cityscape effected by that stench? No thanks.
Is this the intake tube from the filter to the manifold?
I for one am glad cars don't smell like your 67 firebird... every so often at a track, its ok, but to have an entire cityscape effected by that stench? No thanks.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,348
Likes: 233
From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
Originally Posted by gslotman
in theory it should aid in smoothing out the incoming air flow.
The purveyors of the Power Coupler (and, don't forget, the airfoil) claim that smoothing out the airflow is a sure way to increase the horsepower/mileage/throttle response of your stock Corvette.
Then, devices such as the Tornado, and those throttle bodies with the spiral grooves cut in the bores, claim that inducing turbulence in the airflow is the sure way to increase horsepower/mileage/throttle response.
Anything to get you to write them a check, eh?
Larry
code5coupe
Last edited by rocco16; Aug 25, 2005 at 04:54 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Originally Posted by rickreeves1
Yep it's the tube from the airbox to the MAF sensor to the TB. As for the 67.... Well I believe it's older then the emmissions laws so there aint much you can do about it. Wear a gas mask maybe, next time you find yourself in my rearview mirror. j/jk Thanks for the input.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Originally Posted by rocco16
This is really amusing.
The purveyors of the Power Coupler (and, don't forget, the airfoil) claim that smoothing out the airflow is a sure way to increase the horsepower/mileage/throttle response of your stock Corvette.
Then, devices such as the Tornado, and those throttle bodies with the spiral grooves cut in the bores, claim that inducing turbulence in the airflow is the sure way to increase horsepower/mileage/throttle response.
Anything to get you to write them a check, eh?
Larry
code5coupe
The purveyors of the Power Coupler (and, don't forget, the airfoil) claim that smoothing out the airflow is a sure way to increase the horsepower/mileage/throttle response of your stock Corvette.
Then, devices such as the Tornado, and those throttle bodies with the spiral grooves cut in the bores, claim that inducing turbulence in the airflow is the sure way to increase horsepower/mileage/throttle response.
Anything to get you to write them a check, eh?
Larry
code5coupe
Talk about crap.
In all honesty, the turbulence, if applied at the intake port, is useful, but at the intake tube? It's a waste of $60.00+!
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 34,988
Likes: 515
From: Riverside County Southern California
Co-winner 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
2018 Corvette of Year Finalist
2017 C4 of Year
2016 C7 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
I installed the power coupler and I felt nothing, not even an increase in gas mileage. The Tornado...yeap it took my money with it and it ended up in the trash.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 193
Likes: 19
From: Stevenston, Scotland, GB
Its all about moving a mass of cooler air to the throttle body and into the plenum as fast as possible.
Reducing compliance or the corregations of the stock coupler will help this process just like opening the stock airfilter lid or whatever to improve airflow (speed) of cooler air.
As a medical device engineer, I understand the 'losses' in an airway patient tube due to the resistance inside (normally referred to as 'compliance') for which we have to set the life support ventilators to push harder to overcome this effect. It is real and although you may not feel a tangible difference, combined with other modifications, it will have a beneficial effect. Higher velocity is always best.
Remember the area around the air intake on an L98 is a high pressure zone so to take advantage of this and channel that air as fast and smoothly as possible. Start with a 'Big Mouth' scoop to increase that pressure which we know works as it can cool down the motor a tad..
What happens inside the plenum with that volume of air that has just arrived is a different matter to getting it there in the first place..
Reducing compliance or the corregations of the stock coupler will help this process just like opening the stock airfilter lid or whatever to improve airflow (speed) of cooler air.
As a medical device engineer, I understand the 'losses' in an airway patient tube due to the resistance inside (normally referred to as 'compliance') for which we have to set the life support ventilators to push harder to overcome this effect. It is real and although you may not feel a tangible difference, combined with other modifications, it will have a beneficial effect. Higher velocity is always best.
Remember the area around the air intake on an L98 is a high pressure zone so to take advantage of this and channel that air as fast and smoothly as possible. Start with a 'Big Mouth' scoop to increase that pressure which we know works as it can cool down the motor a tad..
What happens inside the plenum with that volume of air that has just arrived is a different matter to getting it there in the first place..
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,216
Likes: 112
From: Michigan
I think many people want to spend $50 on a simple mod and then blow the doors off everyone!
Turbulence makes no sense for air only and even on a carb I'd only try it after the fuel was introduced. Still even then the better way is to atomize the fuel more. The coupler is a pretty straight shot and the smoother will barely affect flow as the outer wall flow is slower anyway. I also think I read the ribs are to keep it from collapsing. Still I bought one for my TPI to test and when warmed up it does crush by hand easier than cold. I've been meaning to use my friends gopro and check for collapse with a load on a full run. I imagine the restriction before the coupler plays a part if any collapse and the level of engine modification to pull more air than stock.
Airfoil is a small diff that people will curse the heavens when it doesn't make their ride fast enough to join Torettos team. It's benefits increase with the amount of air moved, why do all aftermarket TBs come that way?
Turbulence makes no sense for air only and even on a carb I'd only try it after the fuel was introduced. Still even then the better way is to atomize the fuel more. The coupler is a pretty straight shot and the smoother will barely affect flow as the outer wall flow is slower anyway. I also think I read the ribs are to keep it from collapsing. Still I bought one for my TPI to test and when warmed up it does crush by hand easier than cold. I've been meaning to use my friends gopro and check for collapse with a load on a full run. I imagine the restriction before the coupler plays a part if any collapse and the level of engine modification to pull more air than stock.
Airfoil is a small diff that people will curse the heavens when it doesn't make their ride fast enough to join Torettos team. It's benefits increase with the amount of air moved, why do all aftermarket TBs come that way?
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 98
From: Ashland PA
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
I bought the power coupler because my stock tube after 180K was starting to show its age, I am in the process of trying to dress up the motor and think the power coupler looks better. I have not felt any increase in performance and doubt it will ever make a difference onless its on a motor spinning some real high rpm.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 2,931
Likes: 127
From: Ashland Alabama
I prefer the stock accordion type myself. Course Im more worried about motor flex vs the fixed air filter and life of the plastic parts than air flow
Also a straight tube is far more likely to collapse if there is resistance on the air filter side or from twisting while a vacuum is on it.
Also a straight tube is far more likely to collapse if there is resistance on the air filter side or from twisting while a vacuum is on it.
Last edited by crowz; Apr 27, 2015 at 03:47 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 2,931
Likes: 127
From: Ashland Alabama
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,228
Likes: 10
From: That one city...you know that one. Idaho
I have a 99 Malibu that is not in good shape, and its exhaust smells like that with all its emission equipment in place.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 98
From: Ashland PA
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
.
