Yes, but the MSDS system is pricey at $109.
Plus it just puts the air filter in the engine compartment. I would think that
this configuration would pick up more heat than the stock set-up that is in the
air-stream from the right air-intake.

It looks like the system in the web page was made for about 1/2 the cost of the
MSDS system.

I guess it depends on if you have more time or money.

Todd
'88 Westy

Chuck Mathis wrote:

> Before you get too far into doing this check out
> http://www.msdsinc.com/vanagon1.htm.  Michael already makes what you are
> talking about.  I think Peter Cassidy has been using one of these for quite
> some time and likes it.
>
> I'm not too certain of the advantages of doing this.  The big square box does
> have a relatively large filter area and unless you can create a true ram-air
> system I don't see how having a smaller filter on the other side of the wall
> can make that much difference since the air will still have to tumble through
> the connector tube to the throttle body then through the manifold into the
> runners before it gets to the cylinders.  A long sentence (sorry) and a long
> trip.  You also need to work in some sort of water trap to keep rail from
> getting into the system.
>
> I am using a K&N filter in the stock square box and noticed a slight increase
> in scoot and a very slight increase in fuel economy over the clean paper
> filter I replaced.
>
> Chuck
> '85 Wolfsburg Westy -- 'Roland the Road Buffalo'
> In a message dated 5/27/01 5:45:14 AM, wayout@IX.NETCOM.COM writes:
>
> << Hello
> I am thinking seriously about trying to improve the flow of intake air by
> replacing the stock air filter box in my 85GL.
> Mostly using the fabrication guidelines from this webpage
> http://www.teamdelsol.com/howto/coldair/diycoldair.htm
>
> Basically the idea is just running a section of mandrel bent steel or
> aluminum tube from the AFM to the bottom of the passenger side engine
> compartment vent, and installing an appropriate K&N airfilter on the end of
> the tube that hides in that little hole (where the original air filter tube
> went),
>
> in theory this would improve things by:
> - NOT trying to force the air diagnally through that stock square box
> anymore... instead, letting it get a good running start down the section of
> tubing before it goes through the AFM
> - Using a less restrictive K&N style filter
> - it would continue to draw intake air out of the cold(er) air coming down
> the engine compartment vents
>
> Theres a few questions running through my brain about this...
> 1.) How would I figure out the right diameter of pipe to use for this?
> 2.) How to attach the new intake tube to the AFM....I wonder if could have
> the new piece of tubing welded to the AFM? Is there a better way?
> 3.) Is trying to get "cold air" and build velocity by using a long piece of
> tubing routed to the bottom of the vent a worthwhile endeavor on a Vanagon?
> .....Or is this whole thing just retarded, and I should just throw a K&N
> filter in that big bastard, stock, air filter housing?
>
> That stock thing CANT really be a good intake system can it?  It doesnt
> really make sense that air would really flow through it very well.
>
> Thanks for you input folks...
>
> Jason Loewenstein
> Marysville / Tulalip, WA
> 85GL >>