Page 3 - INDUCTION

If you follow our engineering blog you may have noticed some recent attention on the 8th-generation Civic Si. Well, we aren't making a push for just this generation. We also want to dive into the 9th-generation and develop some unique new parts to improve this awesome car.

Our first project will be quite simple: to produce a Civic Si induction hose that replaces the stock rubber unit. This upgrade provides improved durability as well as pleasing aesthetics for those seeking some engine bay style. We have seen slight power increases with intake hoses developed in the past, so we will be dyno testing our component to bust any myths around power gains.

Stock Civic Si Induction Hose

Stock Honda Civic parts

The stock intake hose is somewhat similar to the 8th-generation piece, but the shape differs slightly and there is one less CCV port on the 9th-generation hose.

As with our 8th-generation unit, we will be creating a smoother silicone piece to provide unrestricted airflow in this portion of

We recently designed a performance intake system for the 2003-2006 Nissan 350Z. This included an airbox and filter that attaches to the end of the stock mass airflow (MAF) housing. Our results were positive in that we achieved a significant improvement in intake sound, and we increased power output by 10 whp and 13 wtq without any additional tuning.

This project is not so much performance oriented but is intended to add reliability and additional aesthetic appeal to the intake system on the Z.

To start this project, we rolled our test vehicle into our development facility and started inspecting the stock piece. Check out our test subject.

350Z intake hose test vehicle

350Z intake hose test vehicle

As we typically prefer, this vehicle was bone-stock in terms of performance adders.

350Z intake hose test vehicle

Stock Intake Hose

Let's take a closer look at the stock rubber hose.

Stock 350Z induction hose

Stock 350Z induction hose

The stock hose is molded plastic and rubber. This component

We want to be absolutely sure we are designing an intake that will provide what the MX-5 enthusiasts crave from such a product - sound, throttle response, looks, and of course, driving feel and performance.

Our prototype is still in the testing process so we do not have dyno results quite yet. Instead, to hold everyone over till our next, more substantial update, we have some sound clips of the prototype being tested on our Dynapack. Keep in mind, this is just a prototype and does not feature any finalized production-quality components. We just wanted to give our readers a quick peek into what is going on behind the scenes.

In the clip below, we have a short sound comparison of the stock intake vs. our prototype. The airbox lid is removed so you can clearly hear the sound. Some of the footage may look familiar, as it is from some of the same sound clips from our very first dyno video. Now on to the sound clips, check it out below!

What did everyone think? Can you hear the new growl this

We have been hard at work developing our 2013 Ford Focus ST intake system. When the stock intake system was removed, there was room to get creative for improving airflow. Right off the bat, you can see how Ford designed its intake to grab as much cold air as possible by using the two tubes that both conjoin at the front grille and connect into different points on the box. We know it will be important to retain this feature and include it in our airbox design for the Focus ST intake.

Fabricating the Prototype

With the removal of the stock Focus ST intake leaving a good amount of space, we wanted to design an airbox that uses that space effectively. After the space was carefully and thoroughly surveyed, we got to work fabricating and welding together a working prototype!

Prototype Focus ST parts fabrication

Welding the inlet tube collar for the Focus ST intake fabrication

A look at the finished Focus ST intake prototype

Extra Bracing

Now that it's time to test fitment, we want to be sure

The 2013 Ford Focus ST has a lot going for it. This 2.0L front-wheel drive, turbocharged, four- cylinder engine pumps out around 250 hp in its stock form, which is impressive for a two-year-old car you can find for under $20,000. Ford now has two weapons in its modern sport-hatch arsenal, and the company is staying competitive. Most car enthusiasts elect to remove the stock intake system first so they can  free up some contained power potential. The story here is no different with our development of an upgraded Ford Focus ST intake.

The Stock System

Our garage was graced with the presence of a nice 2013 Performance Blue Focus ST. Per the usual routine, we began taking apart the stock intake system to familiarize ourselves with and understand Ford's design. One unique element of this Focus ST intake is how air is drawn into the box. As you can see below, the air duct is split into two and the airflow gets routed to both the top and bottom of the system.

Stock Ford Focus ST intake system