Forester Cold Air Intake -- worth it?

[Mike Bender]

Hi group...

Since I've gotten my '03 NA US model Forester I've felt that it was a
bit restricted, breathing-wise. While I was changing my air filter today
(what genius designed the air filter box on this engine, anyway?) I thought
I'd try de-snorking the intake and see if I could get some feel for whether
an after market cold air intake would be worth the investment. I've only
driven it around a few miles and other than an increase in engine noise, I
haven't discovered anything conclusive. Have any of you tried installing an
aftermarket cold air intake kit in a non-turbo Forester with a 2.5l? If so,
I've got a couple of questions:

1. Did you notice any performance improvements? I'm not necessarily looking
for dyno numbers here. Seat of the pants results are good enough.

2. Which kit did you use? Why?

3. How was your fuel mileage affected?

Ad<thanx>vance for any constructive replies.

-- Snuffy --

 

[Candor Feg]

De-snorking is always a good thing!

 

[Edward Hayes]

Keep in mind that the snorkel is there already to get cooler air in
front of the radiator. It also is a water diverter for very heavy
rains and when driving through deep water. I say keep it on if your a
daily driver. MHO. eddie

 

[Mike Bender]

Hi group...

Since I've gotten my '03 NA US model Forester I've felt that
it was a
bit restricted, breathing-wise. While I was changing my air filter
today (what genius designed the air filter box on this engine,
anyway?) I thought I'd try de-snorking the intake and see if I could
get some feel for whether an after market cold air intake would be
worth the investment. I've only driven it around a few miles and other
than an increase in engine noise, I haven't discovered anything
conclusive. Have any of you tried installing an aftermarket cold air
intake kit in a non-turbo Forester with a 2.5l? If so, I've got a
couple of questions:

1. Did you notice any performance improvements? I'm not necessarily
looking for dyno numbers here. Seat of the pants results are good
enough.

2. Which kit did you use? Why?

3. How was your fuel mileage affected?

Ad<thanx>vance for any constructive replies.

-- Snuffy --

Since I wasn't seeing much of any kind of a performance increase by
removing the snorkus (no objective data -- striclty butt-dyno) I proceded
to the next phase of my experiment which was to go open-element on the
intake. I accomplished this by removing the back half of the airbox and
afixing the air filter by judicious use of the "handman's secret weapon".
If I thought the engine was loud with just the snorkus removed -- WOW! I
actually kind of like the sound in the midrange but when I wound it out
to ~6 grand, I couldn't hear the heavy metal playing on the stereo any
more! I must admit that I do feel the throttle is a bit more
responsive and the engine revs up a little easier, but in all honesty I
just don't think the noise level in the cabin is worth it. My feeling at
this point is that without some other mods (ECU programming, cam, exhaust
etc.) that opeing up the intake just will not get a sufficient
performance increase to justify the expense. I realize there would be a
slight gain to be had by pulling cooler air from outside the engine
compartment, but I don't think a normally aspirated engine will see
worthwhile gains. YMMV.

- Snuffy -