ColdAir box fabrication...

[theDogger]

looking for some input and knowledge...

as most e34 m50 owners know there is really no CA avaible. I have see that Rob has a ECIS CA but it for a e36....So I started playing around with some carboard to make a custom template for a heat shield w/ Coolant sensor hole.. So now that it is done what should I fabricate it out of. What might my options be? I'm thinking of maybe fiberglassing a double wall with about 1/4" between the walls. Friend suggested 14 guage steel.(too heavy)

http://www.bigfootdesigns.com/bimmer_forum/ca1.jpg
http://www.bigfootdesigns.com/bimmer_forum/ca2.jpg

What are your thoughts on this? any suggestion would be great. I will follow this up with a DIY with all the measurements for those of you who might be interested

theDogger

[Mblaster]

I'd fabricate it out of some aluminum, maybe 1/8 in Have a welding shop tig weld it.

[Atticka]

yeah, aluminum would be slick.

[Mblaster]

Look around for a place that sells sheet metal, even scrap will do and it will be much cheaper. If you want real hard 6061 alum. or a bit softer and less money 5051. It will probably cost about 30- 40$ for the alum. If you have the specs a good metal yard will cut it for a few bucks. Then just have someone heli-arc it for you. Cake.

[sde39]

Or you could do it like this guy and use a trash can!

http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=113089&highlight=intake+heatshield+trash+can

[abakos]

I know there's a procedure to modify an E36 CAI to fit an E34, but don't know where it is off the top of my head.

If you get a DIY procedure figured out I'd very much appreciate it Dogger :clap:

[theDogger]

Ok I have looked into the 6061 and think that this is the way I will go. I am going to double wall it. like the piping on fireplaces. My friend will weld it for me. Not to keen on the TRASH can. Looks OK think that I can do better. Still going to look into fabricating it possibly.


theDogger

[Mblaster]

not gonna use the trash can?:biglaughb

[Raff]

Dogger, this link might help you.

http://www.rose-hulman.edu/~smithm3/mods/cais/index.htm

Raff

[theDogger]

Sweet thanks alot ...I saw this awhile ago but could not locate it again.

thanks

theDogger

[shragon]

yea, i got the e36 ecis intake on my car.

i would also use aluminum.

ecis also carpets their heat shields. i heard it's suppose to act as an insulator.

[vitifonz]

Would there be any gain other than great sound? Cause the stock intake on e34's is nonrestrictive already...?

[theDogger]

No I don't think that there would be much gain other than looks and sound. When I get some time I am installing a Remus exhaust and wanted the additional sound. Plus no one that I am aware of never made a ColdAir for the e34 m50.

I am also looking in to running some 3" tubing down and out by the bottom grill next to the left fog light. In the left front corner to the left of the frame is some thin sheet metal that can be drilled through and air tube run and mounted behind the left lower wide grill. This would asure some fresh air into the box. Kinda like the e30 brake vents but up to the coldair box.

I will make sure to take pics and post the entire thing. But as of right now because of my time limits I probally will not be able to start till the spring or summer. I hate working!!!!:mad: This regular job stuff sucks!!!! Would love to have my old life back!

theDogger

[Mblaster]

Have a couple kids and we'll talk:12:

[theDogger]

I have 2 already......you don't have to tell me!!!!!


theDogger

[shragon]

when a added mine, i did notice a little better throttle response. sounds f-ing awesome too.

[hexhead]

Can anyone shed light on what is creating the f-ing awesome sound?

And...

Rob(a.ka. Shragon), can you post a pic of your ColdAir set-up?

TIA.

[sabbuth]

I'd fabricate it out of some aluminum, maybe 1/8 in Have a welding shop tig weld it.
yea great idea! 0.90" would be sufficient though

[NetoTun]

Here's mine...:D:buttrock

[525fourthew1n]

dude, NetoTun, thats bitchin. question: can you give some pics of describe where the tube snakes off to? ive looked around there a lot, and cant find much of an opening. im guessing it was drilled?

[atl530i]

You do the fan-delete mod??

[abakos]

Just when you think a 2yr old thread is dead... :dunno

[HE53]

Just when you think a 2yr old thread is dead... :dunno

+1
HOLY OLD THREAD BATMAN!:eyecrazy

[M5wanaB]

Here's mine...:D:buttrock
I actually think this is the best design so far, however it needs some changes. Box should prolly be double walled if its that close to the engine or should be moved forward futher away from the engine but should prolly still be better insulated. And I think it would further benefit from the filter being completely boxed in, that way you could actually get a ram air effect when you hit a good speed. Id just drill a 1/4" hole in the bottom to drain any water out if rain enters the box. good overall design. needs mass production.

[NetoTun]

dude, NetoTun, thats bitchin. question: can you give some pics of describe where the tube snakes off to? ive looked around there a lot, and cant find much of an opening. im guessing it was drilled?
The flexy tube goes to the driver side high beam:redspot...a rock broke the lens awhile back, jus never got around to fixing it..:stickoutt

[NetoTun]

You do the fan-delete mod??
Yes sir...:buttrock
......Dont feel a thing...:D

[NetoTun]

I actually think this is the best design so far, however it needs some changes. Box should prolly be double walled if its that close to the engine or should be moved forward futher away from the engine but should prolly still be better insulated. And I think it would further benefit from the filter being completely boxed in, that way you could actually get a ram air effect when you hit a good speed. Id just drill a 1/4" hole in the bottom to drain any water out if rain enters the box. good overall design. needs mass production.
i concur with ya man...im definitly gona make a cover 4 it.(box it in):alright