PDC

I just got ahold of a previously enjoyed VRP CF airbox for my 05 E55. I actually bought the one Vadim had listed on eBay a couple of weeks back. VERY well made piece of equipment.

I recall that when RennTech first came out with a CF airbox, they made them in 2 sizes: one for stock TB cars and one for the upgraded larger TB.

I understand Victor designed his airbox to fit the larger TB, but also to fit the stock TB with some sort of rubber adapter ring.

My 'used' airbox did not come with an adapter ring and when I tried to 'test' fit it yesterday, there was about a 1/8 inch gap between the opening in the airbox and the top edge of the TB, so I know I definitely need this ring to make this baby work with my stock TB.

Does anybody out there have any idea where to pick one of these up? I think Vadim checked the CA location and didn't have any left and I have had no luck getting in touch with Victor. Does any one know of a source for this item or know of something that will work?

Thank You All!!!

PDC

jikjak

i didnt have the adapter rings that came with the box either. i was told that you can just go to a hardware store and get a ring from there that will fit very well. im going to have to locate something bigger in the near future when changing to a larger TB.

anyways i found that u can just use the OEM rubber gasket that connects the stock y pipe to the stock TB (it pops out). you might want to just order another one from the dealer. anyways that piece has these little tabs that help lock it into the y-pipe. u will want to shave those off to get a good fit.

i originally didnt shave the tabs and it didnt fit well, causing me to ruin the piece. i had my MB tech check on my install and he the took a got a brand new gasket, shaved the tabs and now it fits perfect. also tested for leaks and all is good.

jangy

You can do it both ways. Either get an OEM seal and cut the knobs off so it will fit around the TB and snuggle up to the TB or go get a small plate with the inner diameter if the TB. That makes a wall that you can put a foam gasket and press the box on. The box is held in place by the bottom knobs so it will "push" against the TB.

I don't think VRP will support these changes. I waited quite a bit for jikjak

DanE55AMG

How much power do you actually get out of these CF tubes??? Or is it just for looks?

DFW01E55

I had a similar experience, bought one used from another member, it fit his E55 but I couldn't get it to fit my CL55 for love or money.
Sold it to another member for an SL55 and it fit with no trouble. I so wanted that pretty CF under the hood.

Scorcher

Is this the problem you've got?




...if so, look here...

https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...em-solved.html

PDC

Scorcher,

THANK YOU!!! I was beginning to think that I wasn't going to be able to make this thing fit. Your picture depicts EXACTLY what it looks like when my airbox is all the way down and snapped in place ... it leaves that 1/8 inch gap all the way around the neck of the TB

I went to the thread you linked and saw what you did, but I'm not sure where to find a rubber "reducer" ring or what to ask for or what size I need. Any guidance on these details?

Also, did you attach the rubber ring to the airbox first and then slip it over the TB? Is it glued onto the bottom of the airbox?

I GREATLY appreaciate you help. Thank you!

PDC

Scorcher

Hey PDC - no probs

This is the sort of reducer I used - I forget the actual size

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BLACK-76mm-63m...1%7C240%3A1318

..trimmed it down with a sharp scalpel.

It's a very snug fit, so no glue required. I slipped it onto the throttle body first, then eased the airbox neck into it.

Prepare yourself for scraped knuckles and lots of swearing

PDC

Would you happen to know off-hand the outside diameter of the stock TB? I can easily measure the diameter of the opening on my CF airbox, but I would like to avoid disassembling and reassembling the whole darn thing again to get an accurate measure on the outside diameter of the TB.

THANKS!

Scorcher

I'm afraid not - and my car's in the bodyshop so can't check it for you - sorry

PDC

No problem. The 'outside' diameter of the opening on my airbox is just a tick under 4 inches, and most of these reducer rings are listed in inch measurements rather than mm. So, if the rubber material is sort of pliable, I would probably want the reduceer that goes from 3 1/2" to 4" and then I assume I would cut above and below the section where the hose swells to take advantage of the gradient diameter at that point in the hose. Am I on track??

Scorcher

Yep, that's correct

PDC

O.K. I pulled the factory intake system off this morning and took some measurements. The OUTSIDE diameter of the factory TB is exactly 80mm which converts to 3 1/8 inch. The OUTSIDE diameter of the opening on the bottom of the VRP airbox is 98mm which converts to 3 7/8 inch.

Of course, these rubber reducers don't come in 1/8" gradient sizes - only 1/2" sizes.

I presume the rubber reducer rings are somewhat pliable such that a 3" opening on the narrow side would be able to "stretch" to fit snugly around the stock 3 1/8" TB. Is this correct? I'm just afraid a 3 1/2" reducer would leave too much 'play' around the TB and allow dirt to sneak in.

On the big end, I don't know if a 3 1/2" reducer would "stretch" enough to go around the 3 7/8" opening on the airbox. Should I order 3" - 4" and maybe use some silocone sealant around the mouth of the airbox or should I order a 3"-3 1/2" and try to make it "stretch" around the opening on the airbox? Thoughts??

Victor - if you are reading this, does your manufacturer have these reducers already cut for the correct diameter and distance? That would save me the trial and error process!

I cannot thank you enough Scorch for your help!

Scorcher

Yep, the silicone tubes do have a little play, and the one I used stretched to fit perfectly