Power duct problem?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 7,420
Likes: 969
From: Morristown New Jersey
Oldtimer
Power duct problem?
The power duct from my older Halltech intake contacts the hood insulator, and it's possible even pushes the hood up slightly. (never measured, but it's out right now and I can check after the rain...again.
has any one had a similar problem? Is it possible to modify the radiator support or the duct itself to get enough clearance?
Thanks all.
has any one had a similar problem? Is it possible to modify the radiator support or the duct itself to get enough clearance?
Thanks all.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,800
Likes: 356
From: Northville, MI
That is a very common problem for a number of aftermarket ducts. The only solutions I have heard of involve heating and softening the plastic and reshaping it, filing some of the plastic off to make it fit and going back to the stock ducting. Regardless of Mfgrs claims, the do nothing to increase power to a stock C5 Corvette. The non=programmable software in the PCM is set for the stock ducting going thru the accordion bellows. The amount ofair information going thru the MAF is sent to the PCM, if the air going thru the duct and bellows is different (than stock), overly rich or lean conditions can exist. While the PCM can make some limited adjustments, over time, to changes often it never compensates enough. Also, often the smooth bellows are over tightened and the pinched results lets un-metered air into the engine.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 7,420
Likes: 969
From: Morristown New Jersey
Oldtimer
Thanks Gordy, I considered using heat, and now that it seems that this is not uncommon I may pursue it to a limited extent. I already removed some material from the depression in the radiator support and the contact area of the duct. I’m sure a change of 1/8”, from what you are telling me, won’t make that much of a difference.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,462
Likes: 460
From: East Windsor NJ
My hood insulator has a slice right through it from the clamp on my duct - doesn't seem to be causing any issues on the other side though. Have just been too lazy to address it. I checked - and the C5 hood insulator is available from the dealer for something like $180 - if/when I replace it then I'll look at filing it down....
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 959
Likes: 50
From: Peters Colony Republic of Texas
I bought and installed a new DeWitts dual core radiator - they're "low profile" - and Spal fans for only $1,300 and that stopped the dreaded "hood insulator indention" problem my K&N unit was causing.
Full disclosure: I had to buy a new radiator to resolve an overheating problem with my FI set-up; fixing the insulator issue was serendipity.
The Lizzard
Full disclosure: I had to buy a new radiator to resolve an overheating problem with my FI set-up; fixing the insulator issue was serendipity.
The Lizzard