QuestionThanks a lot for the answers....that what I was looking for! I just want to know something about:
"Another thing you can do is remove the warm air intake hose from the airbox. This is a hose that runs from the exaust manifold to the airbox, so that your car doesn't have to breath cold air when temperatures drop outside. It helps with emissions, but hurts performance"
Is it dangerous to run the engine breathing cold air? I mean, we have very cold weather during winter here in Quebec,Canada!!!! Do I have to reconnect that hose when the cold weather comes back?
Thank you,
Sébas
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Followup To
Question -
I Jason....
I just bought a 240 dl '88 from my mother and the car is in pretty good shape....but i'm wondering if there is some easy modifications I can do on the air intake (like changing the air filter?) and on the exhaust system (like removing the resonator)to allow the engine to breath more....
But mostly, do you know if people do so and do yo know if it's a good idea and if it'll help anything?
thanks,
Sebas
Answer -
These cars are pretty well aspirated in stock form. If you're air filter is extra dirty, it's a good idea to change it. Beyond that, the modifications become a little more complex. You can purchase a high flow air intake system from someone like K&N, but I'm unsure how much it helps with performance. Another thing you can do is remove the warm air intake hose from the airbox. This is a hose that runs from the exaust manifold to the airbox, so that your car doesn't have to breath cold air when temperatures drop outside. It helps with emissions, but hurts performance. A lot of people disconnect these hoses, and then reconnect them when they have the car smogged. Sometimes people remove the catalyitic converter from the exaust system, helping breathability, but again, keep in mind it is illegal and you'll have to attach it again to ever hope to pass smog. A better, but more complex project would be to get a new turbo exaust installed, which is 2.5" rather than 2.0". Finally, if you're looking for more performance, always make sure the timing is within spec and your oxygen sensor has been replaced, those can really kill power if malfunctioning. Good luck!
AnswerDisconnecting the hose won't hurt your car at all. It is strictly for emissions. You'll actually gain power by disconnecting the hose, because cold air combusts better. The only disadvantage (especially if you have really really cold mornings), is the car might be harder to start, and run more rough while it warms up. If it ever became too much of a problem, you could always reattach the hose.
