Who developed their own air intake system? Why aren't more folks doing this?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 392
Likes: 21
From: Northern Suburb of Indianapolis
CLS55
Who developed their own air intake system? Why aren't more folks doing this?
So I'm looking at Needswings dial air intake...and I had this thought years ago too...why aren't more people just finding an inline air filter canister then purchasing the needed ducting to make their own?
The price on that is pretty salty and from my own research (which took a while, not really easy to find I found)...I think I could put something together much cheaper...and if we want to flow bench something these aren't too expensive anymore so I'm sure anyone can find someone who'll do it for you pretty cheap.
For those who did make their own, what did you do, how and did it work for you?
The price on that is pretty salty and from my own research (which took a while, not really easy to find I found)...I think I could put something together much cheaper...and if we want to flow bench something these aren't too expensive anymore so I'm sure anyone can find someone who'll do it for you pretty cheap.
For those who did make their own, what did you do, how and did it work for you?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 392
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From: Northern Suburb of Indianapolis
CLS55
I see K&N had an inline filter we could all use...but it looks limited, once a while back I had an email with a manufacturer of some inline filter/canisters....if I can find out who that was I'll let you guys know so we can dsicuss this more...maybe we can develop a DIY solution that works well.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 468
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From: Salt Lake City
C32, 911 SC
I am planning to do something similar. The tricky part is finding an aluminum fabricator that can bend the pipe that goes out of the y-pipe to the inline filter canisters.
I think I might have found a solution though, because I found a place that sells high-grade high-temp resistant radiator hose that is large enough to go over the SL55 y-pipe. I purchased some of these hoses from them and it perfectly fits over the y-pipe, and best of all it is very flexible.
My setup would be:
1. SL55 y-pipe
2. Radiator hose
3. Inline filter canisters
5. Tubes to radiator shroud
I am planning to thermal wrap the whole thing to reduce heat. Let me know when you can get a hold of that inline filter ,manufacturers.
I think I might have found a solution though, because I found a place that sells high-grade high-temp resistant radiator hose that is large enough to go over the SL55 y-pipe. I purchased some of these hoses from them and it perfectly fits over the y-pipe, and best of all it is very flexible.
My setup would be:
1. SL55 y-pipe
2. Radiator hose
3. Inline filter canisters
5. Tubes to radiator shroud
I am planning to thermal wrap the whole thing to reduce heat. Let me know when you can get a hold of that inline filter ,manufacturers.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 704
Likes: 2
From: New mexico
2005 E55 AMG
Post pics of the stuff you have and prices. I have an inline filter setup but i need to close it from the radiator area to about 8-10 inches away to complete a fully closed system.
I am planning to do something similar. The tricky part is finding an aluminum fabricator that can bend the pipe that goes out of the y-pipe to the inline filter canisters.
I think I might have found a solution though, because I found a place that sells high-grade high-temp resistant radiator hose that is large enough to go over the SL55 y-pipe. I purchased some of these hoses from them and it perfectly fits over the y-pipe, and best of all it is very flexible.
My setup would be:
1. SL55 y-pipe
2. Radiator hose
3. Inline filter canisters
5. Tubes to radiator shroud
I am planning to thermal wrap the whole thing to reduce heat. Let me know when you can get a hold of that inline filter ,manufacturers.
I think I might have found a solution though, because I found a place that sells high-grade high-temp resistant radiator hose that is large enough to go over the SL55 y-pipe. I purchased some of these hoses from them and it perfectly fits over the y-pipe, and best of all it is very flexible.
My setup would be:
1. SL55 y-pipe
2. Radiator hose
3. Inline filter canisters
5. Tubes to radiator shroud
I am planning to thermal wrap the whole thing to reduce heat. Let me know when you can get a hold of that inline filter ,manufacturers.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 392
Likes: 21
From: Northern Suburb of Indianapolis
CLS55
yeah I also intend to use the SL55 y-pipe as foundation of my setup...
have you looked at the spectre stuff for the ducting? They have a ton of options to select from on their site. I'm not sold on their filters but I'd be ok with some of their aluminum ducting...
I wanted to do some measurements to see if something there would work....even if I need to modify it a bit.
Also, yes a closed system is a must for mine as well...
have you looked at the spectre stuff for the ducting? They have a ton of options to select from on their site. I'm not sold on their filters but I'd be ok with some of their aluminum ducting...
I wanted to do some measurements to see if something there would work....even if I need to modify it a bit.
Also, yes a closed system is a must for mine as well...
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 468
Likes: 0
From: Salt Lake City
C32, 911 SC
I will take pictures of the hoses when I get home today, they costs around $1.5/inch. I have not looked into Spectre yet for ducting, what would you recommend for the inline filter canisters though?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 288
From: New Zealand
You can get some giant K&N's and a short length of pipe and probably improve performance but I certainly wouldn't want that done to my car.
I am looking at modifiying the stock air boxes. The way I see it the boxes are not the problem, the pleated filters flow well and there are aftermarket ones available also. The pipes and the Y-pipe are the restriction. I am going to see if I can change the inlet/outlets of the stock boxes to 3" and run 3" pipe to and from them and make a new Y-pipe from aluminum. Space is the biggest problem with this approach but I also want it to look OEM. If it isn't going to work then needswings it is.
Doing a great job will also help keep your resale value.
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Super Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 704
Likes: 2
From: New mexico
2005 E55 AMG
Spectre has nice inline canisters that can be had for about $120 for both sides for our cars. Thats what I am using and am very pleased with them. Also if you call Spectre they are very helpful in trying to find you the right parts that will fit.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 392
Likes: 21
From: Northern Suburb of Indianapolis
CLS55
Yeah the comments on it looking cheap...umm, aluminum ducting, inline closed canister filters...closed system (meaning we still leverage to cold air intake ports)...that's the same thing you're getting on the NW system...of course you may not like that one as well.
and to me, you could drop a big turd on my intake manifold and if it gives me more hp I'm fine with it....I don't pop my hood unless I'm working on it.
and to me, you could drop a big turd on my intake manifold and if it gives me more hp I'm fine with it....I don't pop my hood unless I'm working on it.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 468
Likes: 0
From: Salt Lake City
C32, 911 SC
Just an update for anyone interested, but I decided to move forward with the intake and just purchased:
1. Spectre inline air box (3 inch inlet/outlet diameter) x2
2. 12" 90 degrees mandrel bent (3 inch diameter) aluminum tubing x2 which connects Sceet air duct and inline air box. This will have to be cut and adjusted accordingly
3. Sceet air duct (3 inch diameter) which will go from y-pipe to the #2 above (many people have used them and they are rated for up to 500 F)
4. 12" aluminum tubing (3 inch diameter) x2
5. Bunch of 3 inch diameter black silicone couplers to connect the tubes and filters
6. T-hose clamps to tighten them all nicely
7. PCV adapter kit to maintain the oem valve cover breather hose
In essence the tubing will be 3 inch from radiator shroud to y-pipe which will improve the air flow tremendously. Spectre air box is rated at 450 cfm each and the filter itself is 4 inch in diameter at its widest. I got everything for under $280 shipped, but keep in mind that there will be some cutting and fabrication required.
I will keep you updated when the items get here next week.
1. Spectre inline air box (3 inch inlet/outlet diameter) x2
2. 12" 90 degrees mandrel bent (3 inch diameter) aluminum tubing x2 which connects Sceet air duct and inline air box. This will have to be cut and adjusted accordingly
3. Sceet air duct (3 inch diameter) which will go from y-pipe to the #2 above (many people have used them and they are rated for up to 500 F)
4. 12" aluminum tubing (3 inch diameter) x2
5. Bunch of 3 inch diameter black silicone couplers to connect the tubes and filters
6. T-hose clamps to tighten them all nicely
7. PCV adapter kit to maintain the oem valve cover breather hose
In essence the tubing will be 3 inch from radiator shroud to y-pipe which will improve the air flow tremendously. Spectre air box is rated at 450 cfm each and the filter itself is 4 inch in diameter at its widest. I got everything for under $280 shipped, but keep in mind that there will be some cutting and fabrication required.
I will keep you updated when the items get here next week.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 468
Likes: 0
From: Salt Lake City
C32, 911 SC
Yes, I am very excited to do this diy. I will still be using the sl55 y-pipe, but will be connecting it to the 90 degrees aluminum tubing using sceet duct.
My y-pipe did not come with intake hoses, so I had to find a good alternative. I found that the silicone hose that I had did not conform to bending very well.
My only concern is that sceet duct is not recommended for negative pressure, which is what the pipe would be exposed to when sc spools and tb opens. I will however only use a contracted portion of sceet over the y-pipe and tighten it with t-bolt clamps that are less intrusive in nature compared to worm clamps.
My y-pipe did not come with intake hoses, so I had to find a good alternative. I found that the silicone hose that I had did not conform to bending very well.
My only concern is that sceet duct is not recommended for negative pressure, which is what the pipe would be exposed to when sc spools and tb opens. I will however only use a contracted portion of sceet over the y-pipe and tighten it with t-bolt clamps that are less intrusive in nature compared to worm clamps.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
Kompressor Sport Sedan 05 M271
I built a pretty basic intake using the existing airbox, inside is a K&N filter, I used aluminum piping and foil wrap + clamps and zip ties to hold it strong. Car runs cooler, Its in my build thread
Although the M271 will be alot easier and different than your amg intake
Although the M271 will be alot easier and different than your amg intake
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 468
Likes: 0
From: Salt Lake City
C32, 911 SC
I finally completed my intake system using the tools that I described above. What took the longest was cutting the aluminum tubes, but all in all it took me 4 hours total to finish.
I also painted the inline air filters with low gloss black thermal paint
The car is much faster according to butt dyno, especially at mid-range and higher pm. With my old C3P intake, the car feels flat if I was to hit full throttle at around 40 to 60 mph, while this just keep pulling.
I will do a dyno with both intakes over the summer to see how much rwhp I am picking up.
I also painted the inline air filters with low gloss black thermal paint
The car is much faster according to butt dyno, especially at mid-range and higher pm. With my old C3P intake, the car feels flat if I was to hit full throttle at around 40 to 60 mph, while this just keep pulling.
I will do a dyno with both intakes over the summer to see how much rwhp I am picking up.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 468
Likes: 0
From: Salt Lake City
C32, 911 SC
Hahaaa... I actually enjoy doing these kinds of stuff. Thanks man!
