AUDI A4 B8 Custom Air Intake .... straight off an S4

[johnnycondo72]

ok, so I've been toying with this idea for a while. Why not build your own air intake system using as many AUDI OEM parts as possible to get the factory look whilst improving air flow, performance, etc ...

I had the K&N panel filter inside the OEM A4 B8 2.0lt TFSI air box and I even had the K&N Typhoon Air Intake system to suit and whilst both are good in there own right they just were lacking in certain areas .... and I'm not a fan of the Carbonio Air Box lid either.

I like the look of the S4 B8 air box with it's larger intake and it could accommodate a K&N cone filter inside without being noticed. The only challenge was working through the air duct piping from the MAF to the throttle body. And so here is what I've come up with and it's by no means a finished product either, I don't profess to be an expert but I enjoy a project.

I took it for a drive (30mins) and discovered that the exhaust sounds a little more throaty with the air intake take up noise has changed also.

[1_clean_Audi]

that looks great! deff something to take into consideration

[QUA77RO]

Nicely done.

Seems like a great OEM + mod.

[EuroEclipse]

I wonder if a 034 or EC hose would change anything on that setup as well.

[Speycaster]

Great concept. Keep us posted if you make changes. Also a 1000 mile check- in to see if everything stays put long term.

[brinesi]

Wow, will be following this...

[EuroEclipse]

Have you noticed anything other than the sound change? How's the throttle response and what does the butt dyno read?

[cory_can]

Interesting idea but I can't imagine that sharp curve in the piping is helping air-flow.

[brinesi]

We need something between Typhoon with it's irritating sounds and Carbonio's $$$ price tag...

[johnnycondo72]

Interesting idea but I can't imagine that sharp curve in the piping is helping air-flow.

That was a concern for me ... but after studying other AUDI OEM air intake systems, ie S3 (this has 3 x 90 degree bends and extends much longer from the airbox to the throttle body) I tried to create as smooth as bend as possible (135 degrees) from the MAF onwards ... if it works then great and only time will tell with the help of a little finessing.

I'd love to delete the OEM hose into the throttle body and replace it with a silicone based hose (similar to 034 or EC) providing it was long enough.

[maga4]

Really interesting and cant wait to hear more! Thanks for the creativity and sharing!

[johnnycondo72]

So I've just purchased the EC Silicone Turbo Hose to replace the OEM one ..... that'll be a great oppty to revisit the aesthetics of the pipe work for a cleaner look.

Will keep you posted ....

[TofuShop]

nice! i've been hoping a company would make an aftermarket similar to this design

[EuroEclipse]

That was a concern for me ... but after studying other AUDI OEM air intake systems, ie S3 (this has 3 x 90 degree bends and extends much longer from the airbox to the throttle body) I tried to create as smooth as bend as possible (135 degrees) from the MAF onwards ... if it works then great and only time will tell with the help of a little finessing.

I'd love to delete the OEM hose into the throttle body and replace it with a silicone based hose (similar to 034 or EC) providing it was long enough.

The OEM hose to the throttle body can be replaced with the EC intercooler hose kit.

[a4_bob]

We need something between Typhoon with it's irritating sounds and Carbonio's $$$ price tag...

+1 Nicely done!

[B G 8er]

Interesting. Keep us informed how this works out.

[MiracleWhips]

Nice out of the box thinking!

We need something between Typhoon with it's irritating sounds and Carbonio's $$$ price tag...

Not sure piecing this all together will be any less than a Carbonio.

The OEM S4 airbox assembly alone starts at $200, plus the cost for a cone filter, extra boot/piping etc to make this all come together.....

http://genuineaudiparts.com/parts/20...iagram=1399316

[Okan509]

Nice out of the box thinking!



Not sure piecing this all together will be any less than a Carbonio.

The OEM S4 airbox assembly alone starts at $200, plus the cost for a cone filter, extra boot/piping etc to make this all come together.....

http://genuineaudiparts.com/parts/20...iagram=1399316

I think the idea would be to try and snag one from an S4 member who replaced their stock system

[MiracleWhips]

I think the idea would be to try and snag one from an S4 member who replaced their stock system

True, but you can get a used Carbonio also.

Just making the quick point that this is probably not going to be a true cost savings mod vs. the other options.

Love the OEM+ approach.

[r8ders]

subscribed to this. johnnycondo72 what are you going to do with the K&N panel filter?

[eyrah]

Very nice mod, I wonder if you still reap the benefits of having the "box" type.. Where as I have k&n CAI and there a little bit more of a lag then the stock box because there's no back pressure or reserve of air ready.

[johnnycondo72]

I purchased the air box off fleabay out of Germany (2nd hand, but it cleaned up looking brand-new) and it came of an AUDI S5. The Airbox is identical to the S4, S5 and any V6 model in the B8 range ... so you can find these parts quite easily.

It cost me delivered to Perth, Western Australia (we're one of the remotest capital cities in the world) approx $110 AUD ($60 for the part & $50 shipping) + if you add the K&N pod filter $60 (I'm using the same pod filter from my Typhoon system) + $20 for the 135 degree silicone hose, then add the EC Turbo Hose to complete the look (I just ordered mine and that cost me $70 for the part & $50 shipping as you'll still need to pay for this even if you got the Carbonio setup) .. it doesn't add up too much at all.

Below are the part numbers which make up the OEM air box system I installed:

8K0133837Q
8K0129604
8R0129739

r8ders, the K&N panel filter has been boxed up and just donated to another Audi member

[EuroEclipse]

Very nice mod, I wonder if you still reap the benefits of having the "box" type.. Where as I have k&n CAI and there a little bit more of a lag then the stock box because there's no back pressure or reserve of air ready.

Do what? Back pressure and intakes don't mix. Lack of back pressure on a turbo car is a good thing. The more efficiently the turbo pushes air through a nonrestrictive system the better, but that all has to do with exhaust.

The open air style filter of the K&N won't cause lag, either. It is just less torquey in feeling

[brinesi]

True, but you can get a used Carbonio also.

Just making the quick point that this is probably not going to be a true cost savings mod vs. the other options.

Love the OEM+ approach.

Yeah just priced out those part numbers on ECS and it's already over $350. Sure if you can find them used but that seems like a pain more than just finding a carbonio used...

[eyrah]

Do what? Back pressure and intakes don't mix. Lack of back pressure on a turbo car is a good thing. The more efficiently the turbo pushes air through a nonrestrictive system the better, but that all has to do with exhaust.

The open air style filter of the K&N won't cause lag, either. It is just less torquey in feeling

mabye im using the wrong type of words, alls i know is there was a slight lag going from the oem airbox to k&N CAI, due to the airbox had "air ready".. mabye i could be wrong!

[EuroEclipse]

mabye im using the wrong type of words, alls i know is there was a slight lag going from the oem airbox to k&N CAI, due to the airbox had "air ready".. mabye i could be wrong!

I think I know what you mean. I can't think of a word/phrase for it either. I'm not sure if it has to do with having "air ready", but more along the lines of a mixture of other elements that come into play.

In a box style setup using either the stock box or carbonio with a panel or cone filter enclosed, the car responds with more torque feel. In an open-air cone style filter, that torque feel is lost so it feels like it "lags" a little. I'm not entirely sure what causes it, though.

The only real way to tell what is going on is to dyno the car with before and after while measuring the changes in air flow, hp/tq, and iat.

[ECS Tuning-Audi]

Very cool!

Jason

[Countryboy]

The sounds of the K&N intake systems have been discussed at length in this forum. How does this setup compare to the Typhoon setup? More presence? Less presence? I'm assuming you can still hear the filter, but it is muted by the box.

By the way... Kudos for trying something different.

[johnnycondo72]

The sounds of the K&N intake systems have been discussed at length in this forum. How does this setup compare to the Typhoon setup? More presence? Less presence? I'm assuming you can still hear the filter, but it is muted by the box.

By the way... Kudos for trying something different.

Much less presence when compared to the K&N Typhoon Setup .... the renowned "whistling" noise is gone replaced by a slightly loader turbo whine (from what I can gather, when compared to the K&N panel filter in the original OEM air box). Driven with this setup for the last 300km's and I've noticed a slight difference in acceleration (either from stand still and between gears) and the gear changes (I use paddle shifting).

I'm pleased with what I've seen thus and like I said, this is work in progress .... once the EC turbo hose arrives, I'll install it and make the comparison.

[Wah]

Interesting approach. I'm all for the custom/unique approach as I've done so in the past but that 135 degree bend doesn't seem like something positive besides the exhaust note changing.

[oemeuparts]

Awesome!

[johnnycondo72]

Interesting approach. I'm all for the custom/unique approach as I've done so in the past but that 135 degree bend doesn't seem like something positive besides the exhaust note changing.

Hey Wah, Are you able to provide me some facts based on your statement regarding my approach?

[Wah]

Well, I cannot provide facts unless you were to dyno the car pre and post custom air intake, or do some logging. A 135 degree bend like that seems that it would hurt air flow and instead of making the route as small and direct as possible, you made it longer. That being said, I am reminded of the picture showing the flow of air with the green arrows that APR posted re the Carbonio intake - and that wasn't as significant as what you seem to have done.
This is just my two cents so take it with a grain of salt as I may be way off...

Have you noticed any positive/negative feedback re throttle response, low-end power, sound?
It would be very interesting to see the delta if it exists.

[johnnycondo72]

Just taken delivery of the EC TRUFit Silicone Turbo Inlet Hose and took me around 5 mins to install .... it was a perfect fit and it definitely finishes off the pipe work!!!

Spent more time working through my air induction design and I'll fine tuning the layout once I take delivery of a small adapter I've ordered .....

[IMG][/IMG]

[mikechan929]

NICE!!

[tenfour]

That looks much more complete. Nice job!

[iconoclast]

considering a few months have past have you noticed any positive gains from this? any issues with this so far?

[johnnycondo72]

considering a few months have past have you noticed any positive gains from this? any issues with this so far?

It's definitely sounding better with age, with the exhaust note becoming more pronounced and no issue's ..... btw, I also installed the EC FMIC kit about 2 months ago.

[Lloydeezy E]

very cool looking! any issues so far?

[Highlander1010]

Very cool idea man!