Air Induction- The Real Scoop

[Steve Shauger]

The function of air induction systems goals are to provide cooler dense air and providing positive air pressure, providing a ram-air effect. To achieve this, many configurations were used. Some systems were purely functional and some were focused on both aesthetics and function.

There is something about the sound of a ZL2 (Super Scoop/Cowl Induction) hood when the solenoid opens, and the beast beneath the hood roars as the cooler air rams into the carburetor.


My favorite hood scoop is the 1970 Dodge Scat Scoop, although I've never owned a vehicle equipped with one.


What is your favorite, and why!!!! How about a picture of your scoop.

[Keith Seymore]

Here's the car PMD/Royal developed the tripower "Ram Air" system on.

This air pan was made in the Pontiac Engineering experimental metal shop. We got it from Dick Jesse.

K

[Keith Seymore]

In spite of all that, this is my favorite.

To me, it is unparalleled in terms of function, appearance and craftsmanship.

The consistency in the material thickness around the scoop opening is just beautiful compared to aftermarket fiberglass parts.

K

[Keith Seymore]

This is up there, though.

Pretty dang clever to take an existing Ford part and slap a Pontiac part number on it.

The older I get the more respect I have for Mr Wangers & Co.

K

[Keith Seymore]

As an aside, here is my contribution to the General's profitability.

This was my first design/release assignment. I did the engine air induction system for the GMT800 versions of full size truck, released in 1999. Many of the parts are still in production.

I did one common air cleaner housing across all models. There was a light duty version with an optional HD element, and the HD element was standard on the bigger engines.

Same box was used for V6, three small block V8s, the big block and then diesel versions, with specific helmholtz resonators and quarter wave tuners depending on the engine.

I met all of the requirements for air flow, restriction and inlet air temperatures, even though (in hindsight) they were kind of over the top. Met the water ingestion requirement, too, as water is nightmare fuel for induction engineers.

K

[jer]

You did that? My 01 6.0 HD makes an audible growl when pushed.....I'm always assured it's getting plenty of air, and the exhaust seems to flow just fine also.

[Xplantdad]

In spite of all that, this is my favorite.

To me, it is unparalleled in terms of function, appearance and craftsmanship.

The consistency in the material thickness around the scoop opening is just beautiful.

K




The Formula Firebird hood is the best! :worship:

[Too Many Projects]

Fun article to read, but the first mention of Chevrolet's induction being completely wrong was a bit of a turn off. We all know, no '69 Z or '70 Chevelle were ever outfitted with the system described and shown in the pic as they claim...:no:


https://www.yenko.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=238758&stc=1&d=1681761878

[Mr70]

Was originally marketed by Chevrolet as their "Power Bulge" hood on the 1970 Chevelle.
Mine.. :)

[Keith Seymore]

You did that? My 01 6.0 HD makes an audible growl when pushed.....I'm always assured it's getting plenty of air, and the exhaust seems to flow just fine also.

What? It's not supposed to...

(lol)

Seriously, though, since it was sized for the diesel (which flows max air flow all the time) all of the other engines reap the benefit of the additional flow capacity.

Me and the exhaust guys (note: one induction engineer, two exhaust engineers) were always trading off who was going to be the choke point in the system. I recall it ended up being them.

;)

K

[Keith Seymore]

Here's the car PMD/Royal developed the tripower "Ram Air" system on.

This air pan was made in the Pontiac Engineering experimental metal shop. We got it from Dick Jesse.

K

The astute observer might notice some differences between Dad's car and a regular production version.

On our car the hood bracing was cut before the inner and outer panels were joined together. Production cars retain the inner in that area, either blocking the airflow or requiring the owner to make a similar modification.

Also - our hood opening is trimmed to the maximum amount, making it a little tricky to reinstall the nose piece (aka "hood ornament"). We never ran an open ram air nose piece but ran no nose piece at all, for maximum opening and maximum flow.

These mods were worth about .2 sec reduction in ET, going from 12.40's to 12.20's in back to back testing.

K

[drdave69]

I am in agreement with others that the Firebird Formula is the best looking 'ram air' hood whether it was functional or not.

[Too Many Projects]

Was originally marketed by Chevrolet as their "Power Bulge" hood on the 1970 Chevelle.
Mine.. :)
Hmmm... I had always heard the non-induction hood referred to as the Bulge hood. My '70 had the, standard, bulge hood and I removed the block off plate. It didn't have the seal or direct ducting of the cowl hood, but allowed the ram effect under the hood all the time. The PO had a cowl cleaner on it, with the open top, so it took advantage of that air flow.

[dustinm]

What? It's not supposed to...

(lol)

Seriously, though, since it was sized for the diesel (which flows max air flow all the time) all of the other engines reap the benefit of the additional flow capacity.

Me and the exhaust guys (note: one induction engineer, two exhaust engineers) were always trading off who was going to be the choke point in the system. I recall it ended up being them.

;)

K

Keith since you more than likely have the best hands on experience, what are your thoughts of the aftermarket cold air intakes? Do they provide cooler air? Some I see are just taking in engine compartment air...

[Keith Seymore]

Keith since you more than likely have the best hands on experience, what are your thoughts of the aftermarket cold air intakes? Do they provide cooler air? Some I see are just taking in engine compartment air...

Nope. Shouldn't be any gains in inlet air temperature (since I'm pulling the air from outside of the fender inner; they are often underhood air) or restriction (we've already said the system was designed to overachieve on anything smaller than the diesel).

K

[Too Many Projects]

Nope. Shouldn't be any gains in inlet air temperature (since I'm pulling the air from outside of the fender inner; they are often underhood air) or restriction (we've already said the system was designed to overachieve on anything smaller than the diesel).

K


I was going to say that, but let you speak first, in case I was wrong, again. Both my 2000 and 2011 pull fresh, ambient temp air, from outside the inner wheel house structure.
Many "cold air" aftermarket systems for cars seems to still be under hood, with some getting that air thru the grille.

[Tenney]

More Royal ram air stuff ...

Have been told the first pic with the three hoses running from airbox to firewall (exposure blown-out a bit) is the Car and Driver car. It does have under-hood light, but no specific telltale details.

Though the three holes on firewall shown in a later article correspond w/that concept.

The car, as it came to me, had big car air cleaner cowl-plenum set up, and the holes had been hacked away.

[Keith Seymore]

Look at that Sun Tach sending unit on the LH fender.

I feel like I am meeting a distant relative for the first time or something.

K

[L_e_e]

Here's my attempt at a cowl plenum ram air system on my 74 Z28, using a early 90's GMC HD truck air cleaner and a repo open element base, I lucked out that the factory chrome Z28 lid fit perfectly on to the truck air cleaner. At the same time I also installed a cross ram base with a single 4bbl so I don't know if there were any gains in performance from the cowl plenum but it sure sounded good and looked almost OEM cool which was my initial intent.

[dustinm]

Lee that looks very nice, and factory appearing

[cruiserofland]

Here’s my fav, my ‘69 Z super scoop after I replaced the solenoid. As a dear friend used to say, if I was air I’d go in there.

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[L_e_e]

Lee that looks very nice, and factory appearing
Thank you, my daughter and I took it on part of the 2019 Hot Rod Power Tour and we had lots of people asking questions if it was factory. It should of been in my opinion since the other 2nd gen F-body Pontiac Formulas and Trans Am's had some fresh air options where as the Chevys did not until I think 1980.

[earntaz]

Not like the factory ... this is on my 70' Z-28 right after I bought it.