[Jerry in MD.]

Not sure where to ask this but I'll try here-Just got a '97 s 10-was messing around with some things under the hood and noticed how the intake to the air filter is routed-it comes to behind the grille and almost behind the headlight-dosnt seem like it can get much air that way-should it be re routed to get more air or is it not a big deal ?

 

[aitch]

Not a big deal.

 

[Jerry in MD.]

ok thanks

 

[xtrememeasures10]

Toss a K&N drop in filter in it. The original airbox design is fed outside air from the grille and has more than sufficient airflow.

 

[Jerry in MD.]

yea i already have plans for a K & N going in

 

[Innate]

The snout on air intakes is designed, for one reason, to reduce air rushing noise that might disturb some uneducated shoppers. But of course it slows air movement during acceleration. I drill the rivet out and pop it off, results in twice the opening. Then I cap screw a piece of 3/8" square screen over the opening to keep mice and leaves out. Always seemed to be a help, never had any problem from it.

And the K&N of course.

 

[Jerry in MD.]

are you talking about the rivet that holds the hose against the grille?

 

[Gen210]

Factory air box has the best"cooling" effect, just make the mouth larger

 

[Jerry in MD.]

oh okay thanks

 

[Innate]

are you talking about the rivet that holds the hose against the grille?

Already answered, but just in case... The airbox on my 4.3 S10's, 96-up, have a reverse funnel snout that looks like it tries to reach toward an opening in the radiator support, though it never aligns really; it is riveted onto the front of the air box. It necks down to a small opening, for whatever reason GM decided; they have a history of being worried about intake air noise. I just get it off of there. Overall I improved my mpg and throttle response, and that is one thing I had done. So I keep doing it. I did, once, make up a larger cylindrical replacement spout that aligned better, mated to the rad support better, probably a waste of time, one of those anal things I sometimes do.

 

[Big Buford]

Finally completed this mod for my 2002 4.3L. Here's the factory (except for the green) airbox and airhorn....

Here's the replacement airhorn (4" HVAC duct)....

Original OEM airhorn inside diameter varies from 2.5" to 1.75" at the narrowest. Inside diameter now increases to 4" w/the HVAC mod....

Airbox and front rad support were too small for the new 4" intake requiring enlargement.
Before:

After:

Now with the new 4" HVAC airhorn......

Top view (added some thermal insulation)...

The OEM airhorn is substantially smaller and does not seal with the rad support allowing warm engine bay air to be ingested. This mod not only increases the airhorn diameter, but also seals with the rad support, which should ensure air is ingested from in front of the radiator instead of from the engine bay.

Drivability: No change at low throttle...just as it always was. But at mid-throttle to WFO, there is a noticeable improvement in response and acceleration. It's not huge, but it's not trivial either. So far loving it!