Background:
This post discusses the ongoing development of a high-performance air intake for the Mk7 GTI.
After adjusting the curved portion of the intake, I was ready to print out and epoxy together the components of the latest update.
Of most interest with this version is how well it fits with the other components in the engine compartment.
Not unexpectedly, it is a close fit, but I was pleased to find that it doesn’t contact the HPFP or the battery.
It is close to making contact with the coolant hard pipe near the HPFP, but I think adding a support piece to hold the inlet in place will remedy that problem. For now, the intake does not have support, and it pulls down on the silicone coupler somewhat.
Clearance with the hood, which has the sound-deadening liner in place, is still ‘just enough’. The close fit is expected as the inlet pipe maintains a 5-inch diameter along most of the length, leading into the bend to the turbo inlet elbow.
Adding the Vibrant 7″ diameter flange air filter is a big question with this update – will it fit?
It’s another close fit, but it does fit.
At the front of the air filter, it touches the radiator housing, but the previously mentioned support should correct this.
Another check of clearance with the hood at the air filter showed no problem fitting under the hood up towards the front of the intake.
Overall, this was a productive update with positive progress.
I want to refine the shape of the pipe leading into the elbow, and if that goes well, the next version will be put on the flow bench to check performance.