Hey guys,
I took a look at our recently purchased 2002 Max the other night, trying to figure out a better way to run a CAI.

I like the idea of the Berk setup, but not the idea of sucking hot air under the hood. I removed the lower splash panel on the driver side, and noticed lots of room to run a CAI tube like I've seen others do on this forum.

I don't want to cut up or modify the stock airbox in any way. I want to keep it in case I sell the car, or take in for service.
Here's my idea(s):

1. Install a Berk intake and fabricate an airbox for it that fits in the area behind the battery. Probably make it out of ABS.
2. Run a 4" cold air tube from this airbox to the splash panel area at the bottom of the engine compartment.
3. Fabricate a replacement splash panel out of .040 aluminum, and mount a scoop or air intake flange of some sort to the bottom of it.

My idea is to somewhat mimic what March sells for Mustangs. This scoop mounts under the bumper at the nose of the car.

I've seen some similar ideas here using vacuum cleaner parts, and even a gutter elbow which was pretty amusing.

http://www.marchperformance.com/prod...0powerpack.jpg

I like the Berk intake because it provides a nice, straight shot for incoming air from the high flow filter to the motor. The air box will feed the motor cool air from under the car.

I don't believe the scoop is really needed, but it would add some level of ram air if desired.

I just need to order the Berk intake, install it, and start measuring to see if it's possible.

Any opinions on this idea, or has anyone tried something like this?

 

Hey, don't worry too much about "sucking hot air under the hood" I have done some real world testing with my 2000 I30 and Berk Intake. When the car is moving the air entering the intake is only 3-10 degrees about the outside air.

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=310845

Sometimes I have even noticed that its hotter in the cabin than under the hood!