Tundra Ram Air Performance System

[tremo]

Just a heads-up on a new performance item at the TS Performance Store - the Ram Air Performance System for Tundras. Check out:

http://www.store.yahoo.com/tundrasol...amairpesy.html

* Better low-end throttle response and overall improved performance from ~2000-4200 RPM. (The faster you go, the more air you get!)

*~4-7% improvement in gas mileage

* Delayed shifting (250-500 RPM) using same throttle position

* Significant reduction in premature up-shifts as well as subsequent “bog” when applying additional throttle at ~30-35 MPH

* Overall, the truck feels much more responsive/eager to run and it shifts where it should

* Complete kit with detailed instructions install in less than 30 minutes.

Future plans include creating a similar system for stock/modified air boxes and kits for the Sequoia and Tacoma.

Send me a PM if you have any questions...

Seee-ya!

Jim.

[TMS2U]

Nice! I am working on a similar project, but one that is more off road friendly and compatible with my ARB bar.

[rinkrat]

Where do the 4-7 % increase numbers come from? Any data available?

[DaveS]

This only works if you have a K&N FIPK installed or was that just an example? Also, is this compatible with an IS front end?

[tremo]

OK, let me try answering both questions at once....

Originally posted by DaveS
This only works if you have a K&N FIPK installed or was that just an example? Also, is this compatible with an IS front end?

Currently, it only works with user's that have a K&N FIPK installed. However, over the next month I'll be working on a version for those with a stock air box (which will probably require some mod's to the front of the air box? TBD).

Yes, it's compatible with BOTH the IS front bumper cover (which I also have installed) and the stock bumper. (The scoop adheres to the metal "ledge" on the bumper.) The Installation Instructions at http://ramairperformance.com/ show pic's of the scoop installed on an IS bumper.

Originally posted byrinkrat
Where do the 4-7 % increase numbers come from? Any data available?

These numbers came from my own experience. Note that I have another TS member lined up to do some independent testing, including a 500 mile MPG test during a vacation trip to Pismo Beach. Also, at the end of the month, I plan to do some 1/4 mile testing at Bandimere Speedway in Denver. So, I should have some additional numbers within the next month.

Feel free to send me a PM if you have any addt'l questions.

Seee-ya!

Jim.

[Toy4ever]

Not trying to knock you or anything. I tried a similar setup with the stock airbox about a year ago and did notice a little difference in performance. Basically what I did was open up the metal wall around the air conditioning line and allowed air to flow freely into the engine compartment around this area. Photo 1 Granted had not cleaned up the area in this photo yet, I have to pull some parts away to cut the metal even and repaint. Second I built a scoop that goes down in the front of the bumper that directs air directly at the open hole. Scoop . After I installed the scoop, I modified the airbox to allow more airflow.....Airbox Then I made a fiberglass enclosure that completely surrounded the stock air box and has a foam lid to place over the airbox to seal the area. Air Intake Now I did notice quite a bit of gain in performance in both top end and low end, and even more during the cold weather. Also the air is running over the cold air conditioning line which may help a degree or two. One thing I noticed about your setup is the flexible coiled hose. The bend in it is not good for air travel, plus the walls not being smooth are a big drag on the air trying to flow. If you notice any air intake system that has been tested, any curves are more gradual and all the piping is smooth. THis allows better airflow. I am not trying to dismiss your product, but I think by changing the hose you may increase performance even more......IMHO.

[tremo]

Originally posted by Toy4ever
Now I did notice quite a bit of gain in performance in both top end and low end, and even more during the cold weather. Also the air is running over the cold air conditioning line which may help a degree or two. One thing I noticed about your setup is the flexible coiled hose. The bend in it is not good for air travel, plus the walls not being smooth are a big drag on the air trying to flow. If you notice any air intake system that has been tested, any curves are more gradual and all the piping is smooth. THis allows better airflow. I am not trying to dismiss your product, but I think by changing the hose you may increase performance even more......IMHO.

Nice work Toy4ever! I appreciate your feedback and truth be told, I saw most of your pics while designing my system! I hadn't seen the scoop though. Q: What are you using for piping from the scoop to direct air at the "open hole"? ("Second I built a scoop that goes down in the front of the bumper that directs air directly at the open hole.")

As you well know, there are trades off with most things in life. For example, less air flow for ease of installation was the main issue I addressed with my system. e.g. Not having to use a hole saw on the radiator support and using flexible hose instead of rigid pipe may, in theory, flow less air, but on the flip-side it makes it much easier for MOST people to install (in less than 30 minutes) and take advantage of. e.g. Ease of use/installation for quite possibly a negligible benefit when using smooth pipe.

FYI that the original Poll/thread I started addresses these same questions (see comments from Kev42):

Poll: Interested in purchasing Air Box Ram-Air Kit?

As I mentioned in the thread: "...I also can't think of another material that's easy to form, curve, etc. and is low cost. However, despite the ridges, a constant flow of fresh air is better than no fresh air at all. The improvements I've experienced bear this out."

Note that future enhancements may very well include a "gear head" version of the system for those willing to wield a hole saw for more air flow. So, please consider this "Take 1" while I see where the project goes!

Anyway, this is great...thanks again for all the comments! Please keep 'em comin' as sharing our experience is why we're all here!

Seee-ya!

Jim.

[Toy4ever]

If we all work together and share ideas and innovations we can improve our trucks. Just imagine if this site wasn't here how much we would not know about our own trucks. This site has been a big help for all of us. The air scoop basically forces air up towards the open hole, and the intake sucks in air so it is kind of a meet in the middle approach.

[tremo]

Hey All,

Got an update for ya' regarding my Ram Air Performance System...

I went to Bandimere Speedway in Denver (alt. 5400 ft) for a test and tune on Wednesday 4/23/03 to gather some hard numbers in the 1/4 mile...

Test Plan
=======
1) Stock Air Box
2) Stock Air Box with a new version of the RAP system
3) K&N FIPK
4) K&N FIPK with current RAP system (for sale at the TS performance store)

Launch Technique for each run: Power Brake to 2000 RPM, on last yellow release brake and keep throttle position the same until 2500 RPM, then floor it.

Summary
=======
1) Stock Air Box; Average of 3 runs
60': 2.758
1/4 mile: 18.255
MPH: 75.85
Notes: Run #2 E/T is correct, but MPH shows 60.29 (computer error). As such I guesstimated 75.35 MPH.

2) Stock Air Box with RAP System; Average of 3 runs
60': 2.73
1/4 mile: 18.136
MPH: 76.21
Performance gain over stock: 0.119 (i.e. over 1/10th of second, or 12/100ths) and 0.36MPH
Notes: Ran 4 times. Run #6 I blew the manual shift from 1st to 2nd and hit the rev. limiter. As such, I tossed out this E/T in the average. Run #7 tranny was getting hot, truck shifting late.

3) K&N FIPK; Average of 2 runs (before Spring hit...)
60': 2.77
1/4 mile: 17.938
MPH: 77.78
Performance gain over stock: 0.317 (over 3/10ths) and 1.93MPH
Notes: Prior to runs, we replaced the stock air box with the K&N and reset the ECU for 1 hour.

4) K&N FIPK with RAPS
Rain, sleet, snow = never got to go! I plan to gather these numbers in the next month...

Bottomline
========
The newly revised RAP system for the stock air box shows a 1/10th improvement in the 1/4 mile over stock and the K&N FIPK (by itself) shows a 3/10ths improvement over stock.

Overall, I'm very happy with the numbers!

Time slips, performance graphs, and tons 'o pic's are under http://ramairperformance.com/

Let me know if you have any questions...

Seee-ya!

Jim.

[Toy4ever]

Are you pulling a trailer behind your truck??? You should be in the 16's at least. I am in the 15's. What is wrong with your truck.....??

[tremo]

Originally posted by Toy4ever
Are you pulling a trailer behind your truck??? You should be in the 16's at least. I am in the 15's. What is wrong with your truck.....??

"I went to Bandimere Speedway in Denver (alt. 5400 ft) for a test and tune..."

I see you're in Florida, so I suspect you're nearly at sea level. Well, up here "a mile high" things run a little different!

The "take away" from my E/T testing is not what my truck did in the quarter mile (I know it's slow compared to sea level), but rather the improvements gained from the RAP system. Who knows, the improvements could be even greater at sea level?!

Seee-ya!

Jim.

[Jack Burton]

Howzit guys..??

I just installed the RAPS kit (K&N FIPK style.) on my '02 Ltd truck and my initial results are very favorable. I have more throttle response at lower rpms (1800-2200) than before. The truck runs very strong. I'll report back after a few more weeks of driving experiences. JB