2012 Focus Custom Ram Air How-To - Page 2

immaengineer · 08-08-2011, 06:55 AM

From my experience CAI and CATback exhaust doesn't void warranty, I've done this on my past 2 cars with no problems from dealers. As long as the correct sensors are in place you should be find. Great build, change the rubber hose to a bend aluminum pipe and you'll be golden!

a351must2 · 08-08-2011, 08:31 AM

To void your warranty Ford would need to prove that your modification caused the damage you are having the vehicle serviced for. Even then, the warranty isn't voided, it just won't cover damage caused by modifications you made...it'll still cover other issues with the car.

immaengineer · 08-08-2011, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by a351must2

To void your warranty Ford would need to prove that your modification caused the damage you are having the vehicle serviced for. Even then, the warranty isn't voided, it just won't cover damage caused by modifications you made...it'll still cover other issues with the car.

Exactly, So if you have a CAI and your MAF sensor has a problem, That part may be subject to not being covered, but they can't void your whole warranty based on it.

Basically mods are taboo now-a-days, Ford company pays to fix your car under warranty, not the dealer. If anything, they WANT to fix stuff under warranty because payment is guaranteed.

newmission · 08-08-2011, 09:39 AM

Good call gentlemen.

I was at first looking around for an aluminum intake pipe, but price was the same if not higher. However the real deciding factor was the allotted room. The pass through from engine compartment, to front bumper is not a perfect circle. This means I would have had to go down in size of tube diameter. Plus you are passing by the radiator. I didn't want to heat the tubing bringing in cool air. And finally the over all look. A polished aluminum tube would look out of place. The heater hose blends into it's surroundings. This way it looks like a high end system, and maintains the benefit of the larger diameter piping.

So far I'm up 1.5 mpg on the first tank, and still have yet to receive my K&N filter and Outerwears prefilter. NO CEL either! I am however getting the traction control light coming on from spinning the tires!

NOTE: I'm not stating this mod somehow gained a ton of hp. But the engine does seem much happier, as does my foot.

)

DanteCaspian · 08-09-2011, 09:59 AM

Impressive!

S0C0nFused · 08-09-2011, 11:31 AM

Great job. But you might have induced a problem. You need to look at your MAF counts. Your MAF should produce a smooth line. I found that blowing directly on the filter caused the MAF to produce a 'spiky' output. The fix is to put a shield over the inlet so that the air flows up and around the filter (I have a similair setup on my 07).
Use of the rubber hose is genius. Even if you have a small constriction, the rubber will produce a smooth transition. Might try and find some pieces for mine.
Add >> Oh! just noticed. Your trim piece you drilled holes in. You did not drill near enough holes for any appreciable air flow. If you take the diameter of all the hoses within 1/2 inch of the tube, and compare to the flow of a 3" I.D tube, you get a true flow picture. It's amazing how restrictive even small hole punched metal is. However, As it appears you shaped the end section (the scoop as you called it), then actually, your pulling air from behind the bumper. That may be a low pressure area due to the design of your front facia, but may negate need for the diffusser. These are all just fine tweaks. Nice job overall!!!

newmission · 08-09-2011, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by S0C0nFused

Great job. But you might have induced a problem. You need to look at your MAF counts. Your MAF should produce a smooth line. I found that blowing directly on the filter caused the MAF to produce a 'spiky' output. The fix is to put a shield over the inlet so that the air flows up and around the filter (I have a similair setup on my 07).
Use of the rubber hose is genius. Even if you have a small constriction, the rubber will produce a smooth transition. Might try and find some pieces for mine.
Add >> Oh! just noticed. Your trim piece you drilled holes in. You did not drill near enough holes for any appreciable air flow. If you take the diameter of all the hoses within 1/2 inch of the tube, and compare to the flow of a 3" I.D tube, you get a true flow picture. It's amazing how restrictive even small hole punched metal is. However, As it appears you shaped the end section (the scoop as you called it), then actually, your pulling air from behind the bumper. That may be a low pressure area due to the design of your front facia, but may negate need for the diffusser. These are all just fine tweaks. Nice job overall!!!

Thanks for the suggestions! :)

All of what you noted here was considered before making the venture. The factory inlet to the box blows directly on the filter so I don't see there being a problem with that. Also the air has to travel at a 90 degree angle once inside of the filter to reach the throttle body. At that point it's sucking what it needs to anyway.

The "scoop" cut only extends to the outer most edge of the drilled section. Not from behind the bumper. You can see the end of the hose is directly in line with the end of the triangular cut out.

However I do agree the holes could be doubled. And just may down the road. But I didn't want to open that area too much as it appears the ECU is mounted to that fender well. I also didn't want it to be too obvious and take away from the front end's over all look.

So far I am very happy with this set-up. Just received and installed my K&N last night, and ordered up the Outerwears Pre-filter a second ago. They have to be custom made. If anyone else is interested in a pre-filter, which is great in general to keep junk out of the pleats, let me know and I'll hook you up with the salesperson that has the specs.

immaengineer · 08-10-2011, 09:54 AM

I will be doing this mod soon!

S0C0nFused · 08-10-2011, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newmission

Thanks for the suggestions! :)

The factory inlet to the box blows directly on the filter so I don't see there being a problem with that.

Good then. Mine actually comes in behind the filter (air making a 180 bend, about 6 inches below the actual intake of the Steeda SRI). I was just suprised by the spikes. I small deflector (air spreader) cured it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by newmission

I also didn't want it to be too obvious and take away from the front end's over all look.

Agree! Conservative changes are generally best when there visible (Note: does not apply to me. I have no taste!). I am going to have to hunt down some rubber pipe now. That just makes so much sense!

P.S. Nice bracket work there!