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jim_howard_pdx · 11-15-2002, 02:46 PM

pkrwud is both right and he is wrong.

Most ram air systems are only cold air inductors. He is completely right about that. That is because the incoming fresh air charge has opportunities to escape and reduce their pressure effect.

He is wrong because all the bug scoop ram air systems we used on engines from the 50's on up show a very demonstateable 10 horsepower increase on the dyno both at the flywheel and at the rear wheels.

Running cold intake alone does not build the same horsepower as ram air.

On a track like Daytona, where you can reach 200 mph on the high banked oval, ram air was an essential and critical element to make the horsepower necessary to be competitive.

pkrwud is correct to say that ram air is not forced induction. It does not show boost. However it does increase the air's density and with the intake charge being carefully tuned, you do see extra cylinder filling at speed with a ram air system. That is what builds the extra 10 horsepower.

Hope this helps a little.

I like ram air. Works great on the fords with the shaker hood scoops. I am trying to finish a cold air induction - ram air system on my 358. I just keep getting stalled by other more pressing issues.

Pkrwud has not said this yet, so I will offer you this tidbit now. When it comes to a carburetor, you need smooth and vertical air flow through the venturi's to get optimum atomization. So I like to use K&N filters with K&N's new X stream top. This smooths the air flow and gets the best from my Holley.

For a fuel injected engine, running a cold air intake with a ram face may not give you any extra horsepower, because your computer is triggering your injectors based upon mas air flow. That is why I like speed density fuel injection for race engines, cause I can "tune" the engine with the fuel injection like I can "tune" an engine with a carburetor. So a ram air speed density system might build the extra 10 horsepower. The MAS for some reason will NOT.

Can anyone fill me in on why MAS does not respond to ram air? I really have never figured this out.

11-15-2002, 02:46 PM	#12
jim_howard_pdx Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 247	pkrwud is both right and he is wrong. Most ram air systems are only cold air inductors. He is completely right about that. That is because the incoming fresh air charge has opportunities to escape and reduce their pressure effect. He is wrong because all the bug scoop ram air systems we used on engines from the 50's on up show a very demonstateable 10 horsepower increase on the dyno both at the flywheel and at the rear wheels. Running cold intake alone does not build the same horsepower as ram air. On a track like Daytona, where you can reach 200 mph on the high banked oval, ram air was an essential and critical element to make the horsepower necessary to be competitive. pkrwud is correct to say that ram air is not forced induction. It does not show boost. However it does increase the air's density and with the intake charge being carefully tuned, you do see extra cylinder filling at speed with a ram air system. That is what builds the extra 10 horsepower. Hope this helps a little. I like ram air. Works great on the fords with the shaker hood scoops. I am trying to finish a cold air induction - ram air system on my 358. I just keep getting stalled by other more pressing issues. Pkrwud has not said this yet, so I will offer you this tidbit now. When it comes to a carburetor, you need smooth and vertical air flow through the venturi's to get optimum atomization. So I like to use K&N filters with K&N's new X stream top. This smooths the air flow and gets the best from my Holley. For a fuel injected engine, running a cold air intake with a ram face may not give you any extra horsepower, because your computer is triggering your injectors based upon mas air flow. That is why I like speed density fuel injection for race engines, cause I can "tune" the engine with the fuel injection like I can "tune" an engine with a carburetor. So a ram air speed density system might build the extra 10 horsepower. The MAS for some reason will NOT. Can anyone fill me in on why MAS does not respond to ram air? I really have never figured this out. __________________ 1966 Customized for daily street and highway domination. 358 Windsor running 425 HP C-4 Auto and 3.25 Posi