Modifying your
intake to a K&N cone-style filter
Here's a
quick run down of the cone intake procedure including how to
remove the airbox. It's basically the installation instructions
for the kit that Steve Calbert is providing. We just cut the
portions that weren't needed. This upgrade can be done on any
Grand Prix. It's one of the best bang-for-the-buck upgrades you
can perform.
Begin:
There are
several ways to upgrade your GP to use the cone-style intake. The
following is one example.
Here are the parts you will need:
This does not address the new location for the PCM. Many have strapped it to the overflow bottle, or have made a bracket that uses the factory mounting location. Drawings in .dwf format (a set of three files zipped up) are available for the bracket assembly for those of you who have access to a metal fabrication shop.
Tools
Required:
The Upgrade:
Begin by
removing the three bolts holding the metal cross-brace over the
airbox. With these bolts removed, the brace comes off easily and
you will have full access to the airbox.
Remove the lid from the airbox by releasing the clamp that is on
the side facing the firewall. Remove the cover. Inside you will
see the PCM (it looks like a metal box and has two large
electrical connectors on one side). There is a rubber grommet
where the wires for the PCM enter the airbox. Just slide it up
and out of the channel it sits in. You can now lift the PCM out
of the airbox and sit it to the side without putting any stress
on the connectors (there is no need to disconnect the wiring).
Before we forget, take the IAT (Intake Air Temperature sensor)
sensor out of the intake piping. It lies just before the throttle
body with two wires running into the quick connector for the
sensor. Simply unclip the connector, pull the sensor out, and
move the wire to the side. Set it aside, but be careful not to
lose it. Your GP needs this to function properly!
Release the latches that are holding the side cover (closest to
the engine) off of the airbox. Remove the stock filter and notice
that it is dirty in a particular area (which shows that it was
hardly using the entire area for cleaning the air).
Next, you will remove the intake plumbing from the throttle body.
It is just sitting on there, but will require some effort to
remove. Just pull and twist on it until it pops off. Once removed
set it off to the side (it will not be used again, but you should
probably keep it around).
Now, in the bottom of the airbox there are three bolts that hold
the box to the frame. Remove these bolts and store them for safe
keeping should you want/need to put your stock setup back on the
car. Remove the airbox itself. You may notice some crud in the
bottom of the airbox, which is some of what had entered it in
stock form.
This next step is optional. The plastic plate on the fenderwell
that the "snorkel" from the airbox fit through can be
easily removed and allows a lot more fresh air to enter the
engine compartment. I have been driving without it on for a while
and the filter has been fine (it has never gotten wet).
Drill the appropriate size hole in the pipe and install the
grommet you bought. Insert the IAT sensor into the grommet.
Attach the pipe to the coupling.
Take the coupling/pipe combination and put a light layer of motor
oil on the inside lip in the exposed end of the coupling. This
will help it go on the throttle body more easily. Slide it on the
throttle body but do not clamp it down just yet.
Take the filter out of the box and slip it onto the end of the
pipe. Tighten down the band strap on the pipe. Now, turn the
coupling on the throttle body so that the filter is aligned
adequately as to not contact any other engine surfaces.
Clip the electrical connector on to the IAT sensor.
Re-install the cross brace to the frame that was removed in the
first step. Make sure it is snug before driving anywhere (I
advise starting all the screws first and then tightening them
each down later).
That's it, you're done. Now just crank it up (and listen to the
supercharger turn, for those GTP owners). If you have a GT you
will probably hear more induction sounds than you did before.
The last thing to do is take it for a spin. You will notice that
it seems to go to the redline much easier and has a great sound
while doing it. Time to track down a few unsuspecting vehicles!
)