Cut lids
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 403
Likes: 1
From: Cotati Ca
Cut lids
Been reading through a bunch of threads and I see a lot of "cut lid"s referring to (I'm assuming) the housing for the air cleaner. What is this supposed to be helping with, and does anyone have pics as a reference incase I decide to make that first incision :eek: . The extended service contract is up, checkbook balance is down, so I'm looking for things I can do myself. Thanks.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 17,367
Likes: 1
From: Kentucky
Re: Cut lids (OneRedLT4)
A cut airlid is easy to do. I took the air cleaner off my air filter and with a cutoff tool cut out the front of it. I used one of the 2 bends as a guide. I left enough to hold the air filter in place when I reinstalled it. [IMG][/IMG]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,049
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Re: Cut lids (OneRedLT4)
All you gotta do is remove the metal piece from the car............. drill or punch the riveted pieces, that removes the top lair..... then use a dremel or something of the sort to cut out the louvres or whatever you want to call them so you have one big open hole.......... just dont cut too far so the filter stills tays in place. :cheers:
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Drifting
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,521
Likes: 0
From: West Islip New York
Re: Cut lids (cicch95)
The real question here needs to be does it REALLY do anything to help performance?
-Rick
-Rick
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 6,097
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From: High Plains Drifter Fayetteville, AR
Re: Cut lids (vinnies87)
Good question on a stock filter system...
Elite Torch Red Member
Joined: Sep 1999
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From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo
Cental/South NJ Events Coordinator
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
Re: Cut lids (1MoorTym)
The real question here needs to be does it REALLY do anything to help performance?
-Rick
Couldn't hurt. Probably ranks higher on the feel good scale than the performance scale.
-Rick
Couldn't hurt. Probably ranks higher on the feel good scale than the performance scale.
Elite Torch Red Member
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 57,805
Likes: 23
From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo
Cental/South NJ Events Coordinator
CI 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12 Vet
CI-II Burnout & Drag Champ
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
Re: Cut lids (JCAIRE2)
Good question on a stock filter system... A clean paper filter and K&N filter will flow the same. The K&N's advantage is being able to clean it, and it flows more when it's dirty than a paper filter will flow when dirty.
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Re: Cut lids (OneRedLT4)
I don't know if it actually helps a substantial amount performance wise, but when I but my lid open I installed a K&N as well and cut the screen out of the MAF. When i started the engine up afterwards, you can actually hear the engine sucking air in.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 293
Likes: 0
From: Newnan Ga
Re: Cut lids (subman)
You can buy a lid that is already open or cut your stock one. You want to cut it as big as you can and still have it retain the filter well. The performance piece is reducing air restriction. The K&N filter is supposed to have less restriction. You can use a zizz wheel or a nibbler to cut it. The nibbler will make the cleanest cut, but watch out for those cuttings, they are like little needles. On the C4's that have mass air flow sensors, you can cut out the screens. They also make a smooth air connector to replace the original ribbed one on the early C4's.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 1
From: Lake Ozark MO
Re: Cut lids (OneRedLT4)
I'm sure the cut lid does nothing but look better (I've got the setup BTW).
Actually, after looking at the stock setup I think the stock lid (with the angled vanes) may be a better setup.
The raised portions of the hood look like a "long distance" version of the classic "ram air" setup used on many '60's (and currently NASCAR) intake systems. They use the high pressure area of the lower windshield to help with the intake charge.
Although the 'Vette has a pretty long path from the base of the windshield to the intake (plus the windshield wipers are in the way) the angled vanes of the stock lid look like they were designed to take advantage of the flow.
Regardless, you won't find any advantage from the K&N over a clean, stock paper filter concerning flow (I run the K&N). The only advantage for the K&N is the "convenience" of a reusable filter element.
Hmmm... after reading my own statements I think buying a half dozen regular filters and slapping on the original lid is in my future.
Actually, after looking at the stock setup I think the stock lid (with the angled vanes) may be a better setup.
The raised portions of the hood look like a "long distance" version of the classic "ram air" setup used on many '60's (and currently NASCAR) intake systems. They use the high pressure area of the lower windshield to help with the intake charge.
Although the 'Vette has a pretty long path from the base of the windshield to the intake (plus the windshield wipers are in the way) the angled vanes of the stock lid look like they were designed to take advantage of the flow.
Regardless, you won't find any advantage from the K&N over a clean, stock paper filter concerning flow (I run the K&N). The only advantage for the K&N is the "convenience" of a reusable filter element.
Hmmm... after reading my own statements I think buying a half dozen regular filters and slapping on the original lid is in my future.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 922
Likes: 1
From: Brisbane Queensland, Australia
Re: Cut lids (OneRedLT4)
:iagree: Your sig say you already run a K&N so the consensus seems to be it, combined with an open lid is worth around the 10-12HP mark at flywheel.
MORE is quoted according to the aftermarket mags! I did it and other things and can't say I notice any difference but I have no doubt it HAS increased HP and even in theory that sits well with me :)
The lid is surprisingly thick (alloy I think) and I used a brand new cutting disk from a cheap shop on my angle grinder, and WORE IT OUT before I was done! Then I wacked the modified lid onto bench grinder and smoothed off edges, mostly so I wouldn't cut myself when I took out filter next, then spray painted it black before re-installing it.
Hope that helps :smash:
MORE is quoted according to the aftermarket mags! I did it and other things and can't say I notice any difference but I have no doubt it HAS increased HP and even in theory that sits well with me :)
The lid is surprisingly thick (alloy I think) and I used a brand new cutting disk from a cheap shop on my angle grinder, and WORE IT OUT before I was done! Then I wacked the modified lid onto bench grinder and smoothed off edges, mostly so I wouldn't cut myself when I took out filter next, then spray painted it black before re-installing it.
Hope that helps :smash: