Will drilling holes in the air box...

[rm15]

Will drilling holes in the air box cause problems with passing the california emisions tests?

 

[koz]

I wouldn't drill any holes in the air box if you want your explorer to last. It *may* give you a little better mileage or power but it's not worth the risk of damaging your engine.

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'94 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4X4

 

[ganderso]

Many in this forum have drilled holes in the air box and claim "no problems" along with a noticeable power gain. Others have declined to do it for two reasons: first, the increased possibility of getting water into the filter/intake; second, breathing the hot under-hood air instead of the cooler air from the stock tube & baffle behind the grill.

Suggestion: go to deja.com and read the lengthy earlier discussions on this matter.




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Guy A.
Ripley, TN

 

[S.Matsushige]

rm15-I don't think it should be a problem with emissions. All you are doing is allowing your engine to breath easier. This also helps retain the stock look of your intake system. As for problems and water you are going to have to decide for yourself. I've had holes in my airbox with a K&N dropin filter for sometime now with no problems even with water. I have a '91XLT with original engine and 138K.

 

[Hank]

As a former Caifornian I recall that any airbox modification is an instant failure for the CA emissions test.

The official word I got from the CA smog police was I could do what ever I wanted to do as long as it was after the converter. IE muffler and pipe. I did fail one exam by modifying the airbox, removed the preheat flap and hose, on another vehicle.

Check with K&N or other companies for a Ca legal box/kit.

 

[Empty Pockets]

I'm not in california so I don't have to worry about the emmissions stuff. I've got the K&N drop in filter in my '94 EB, what gains should I expect if I were to cut holes, can anyone give me an idea?

Also, thanks Guy for that Deja.com lead.

 

[Blue Oval Fan]

Empty, I drilled holes in the box a few years ago on my 92. I have a K&N filter and a custom Cat-Back system. I feel the holes did make a minor improvement in the overall responsiveness when hitting the accelerator. However I truely think we need to find or make a true air inductions system that draws cool air from the front of the vehicle. I have no hard facts just a personal opinion.......

If you do this.. make sure you disconnect the battery for a while and then hook it back up... this will let the computer identify the new air flow in the sensor and you should notice improvement. Over time the computer will adjust to the new air volume, but unhooking the battery is a faster method.. have fun Dead Link Removed