Honda Repair: air intake, air fuel ratio, butterfly valve

Question
I recently purchased a Turbonator.  I'm having trouble installing it in my 2002 Civic EX 1.7L engine.  I pull open the air cleaner box and I see a dirty side and a clean side.  I would assume it goes on the clean side because that goes to the engine.  The problem is the only exit out of the clean side is a 2 inch deep hole that has what looks like a butterfly valve at the bottom (reminds me of something I would see on a carburetor).  I can find no other intake hose connected to the engine.  Should I return this product?  I don't know what to do with it.  They say it's supposed to go in the intake hose right after the filter.  I don't have that or I can't find anything like that.  Am I supposed to put it in that 2 inch hole?  Any help would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.

Answer
Hi joseph, I am unfamiliar with the Turbonator and I have never installed one before on any vehicle application. But, I did check out the website and they say it is very simple to install. You are having an issue with where to put the device correct? I believe that you are right on where to install the device. After the air filter and before the Throttle Body in the intake tube (black hose approximately 2" in diameter.) The butterfly you are describing is exactly that and is regulated by your throttle cable/linkage. The butterfly allows your Throttle Body to regulate the proper air/fuel ratio.

More gas = butterfly opens more. Less gas = butterfly opens less.

The reason it is closed is because your engine is turned off. I hope this helps you and let me know if it does...