A real motorist is very careful about his car. Such an owner has a car in perfect external and technical condition, regardless of the year of manufacture and mileage. But there comes a time when even the most devoted person to his car begins to think that from year to year his car looks the same, nothing changes and the time comes to improve the external and internal view, that is, tuning.
Sports cars have always set the tone for automotive fashion, primarily with their aggressive exterior design. Convex bumpers, a sophisticated spoiler and, of course, an air intake on the hood or roof - this is what immediately makes the car more noticeable, more impressive, distinguishes it from the general flow. In this article, all attention will be focused on making the air intake yourself.
What is an air intake for?
In the classic version, there are 2 types of air intakes. One is installed on the roof in order to ensure the flow of cool air into the cabin racing car, because during long competitions the temperature in the cabin can be very high, and the pilot does not have the opportunity to open the window. The second is installed on the hood to cool the engine compartment with air flows, or, conversely, to bring hot air out. It is worth noting that only sports cars have such a need, since they are operated at the limit of their capabilities and it is simply impossible to do without such parts. Most often, homemade air intakes are used for an external effect, very rarely this is due to an improvement specifications. Many people don't like the look of the air intake on the roof, so the choice is made in favor of its location on the hood, because on the hood it looks really impressive.
Where to begin
First you need to decide on the design of the air intake, because too small or large sizes can not only give sportiness, but even look ridiculous. The selected dimensions should in no case interfere with visibility, because this can cause an accident. This stage must be taken with full responsibility.
Manufacturing process
Creating a Layout
To create a layout, you must have fine-grained foam, mounting foam, a thin sharp knife. Foam is processed from above with foam, then excess elements are cut with a knife to give required view details. Height, angle of inclination and depth is chosen to your taste. A grille is inserted into the hole in order to give the air intake a more aggressive look.
So, the resulting workpiece must be pasted over with glass wool. The number of layers is not precisely regulated, but experts advise making pasting at least 4 mm wide, while thinner layers are applied to sharper edges. This is followed by drying for 24 hours.
After the time has elapsed, the part should dry completely. The next thing to do is to remove the mounting foam from the inside. Sandpaper is used to process the inner surface, because with it it is very easy to remove all unnecessary foam.
Impregnation and putty
For impregnation, a mixture of powdered fiberglass and mastic is used. Next, the air intake is fitted by applying it to the location. When the workpiece is applied to the necessary contours, it will be possible to determine where the layer needs to be supplemented, and where it is already in excess. The excess is removed by sanding. You can proceed to puttying only when the part is well saturated with the above mixture. The pores of the fiber are filled with putty. The more layers of putty, the stronger the air intake will be. Again, everything should be in moderation, an excessive amount of putty can simply spoil the appearance of the part. Next, you need to degrease and cover the workpiece with soil.
Giving the end result
After complete processing, you can start applying paint. You should not stop at just one layer, because under the influence external factors during operation, the paint may lose its original appearance. It is best to apply several layers. Then, without fail, the varnishing process takes place. If there is only 1 coat of varnish, then the part can be easily scratched, even when washing the car. Applying two to three layers of varnish is optimal.
An incorrectly installed air intake can turn into a big problem, both for the owner of the car and for other participants. traffic. If suddenly, due to poor-quality installation, the part comes off the hood and gets into another vehicle or pedestrian at speed, the consequences can be unpredictable. Double sided tape or sealant will help in the future to avoid problems when driving with an air intake.
Outcome
After a lot of effort and energy has been put into manufacturing and installation, the owner can proudly drive with the new air intake, drawing the attention of passers-by and other motorists. But do not forget that visual beauty should in no case harm the safety and driving qualities of the car.
If you want to emphasize the power and beauty of the car, give it a more aggressive look, try installing an air intake on the hood. It is not difficult to make this decorative element with your own hands. We will tell you about all the features of such an operation.
1 Air intake - simple decoration or something more?
On many cars you can see original jewelry-, aero body kits, and so on, which are manufactured and assembled by drivers on their own or in specialized workshops. Such decorative details make the car non-standard, standing out from the flow of moving vehicles. A bright and memorable element of the external tuning of a passenger car is the air intake. Its practical function is to take from environment cold air and directing it to the internal mechanisms and systems of the machine.
In most cases, the air intake is mounted on the hood vehicle purely for decorative purposes.
Any modern car is developed as carefully as possible. Engineers correctly calculate the trajectory along which air enters the car manifold, create effective ways engine cooling. Therefore, a home-made intake has a minimal impact on the operation of the power unit of the machine.
The element of external decor that interests us, however, can also fulfill its intended purpose. In this case, it is mounted:
- For the purpose of extracting hot air from the engine compartment. The technique is used when it is required to achieve cooling of the engine by the flow passing through the radiator grille. At the same time, heated air is removed through the so-called reverse nostril - a special hole in the hood of the car.
- For capturing cold air flow from the surrounding atmosphere. This installation scheme is used for horizontal placement of the intercooler (front).
Let's figure out how to make an air intake on your own and without extra costs forces to mount it on the hood of your car. Believe me, you will not expect any special difficulties.
2 Making a universal intake - creating a blank
Before starting work, you should prepare such devices and materials - sandpaper, mastic with fiberglass inclusions, a dense film, a sharp knife, putty, mounting foam and adhesive tape. Scheme self-manufacturing air intake looks like this.
First, create a base for a decorative element. On the area of the hood where the air intake will be mounted, spread a thick film and fix it using mounting tape. Apply foam to the fixed base (as evenly as possible), trying to preliminarily give the workpiece the configuration you have planned. Then you will need to wait until the mounting composition is completely dry.
After the foam has hardened, arm yourself with sandpaper and sharp knife and give the base the required shape and shape. The work requires attention, perseverance and scrupulousness. Hone the future decoration on the hood until you get the perfect detail without exaggeration.
Paste the made universal workpiece with fiberglass. At this stage, you will also have to try, especially if your future air intake will have sharp edges and a complex configuration. Use glass fabric of small thickness (up to 2 mm maximum). For a snug fit, you will have to cut the material. Then the outline of the product will turn out to be clear and beautiful.
Some craftsmen use epoxy adhesive or plain gauze instead of fiberglass. The final result from this, in principle, will not change. Note. The workpiece will need to be successively pasted over with 2-4 layers of material. The total thickness of the fiberglass should be 4–6 cm.
3 We bring the homemade part to mind - we make it beautiful
The universal blank made according to the scheme described above must be kept for about 24–48 hours. During this time, it will dry well, which will allow you to work with it further. You will need to cut off all unnecessary parts and protrusions inside the future air intake and make a hole in it through which air flow will enter the structure. It is advisable to additionally grind the most noticeable defects on the part, using sandpaper for this purpose.
The next step is to impregnate the workpiece with mastic. It is optimal if you purchase a composition with fiberglass inclusions. Apply the mastic in a thick layer. This will hide the existing irregularities on the structure. Do not forget to periodically apply the part to the place where it will be installed. So you can identify the gaps between the hood and the intake during the impregnation process and immediately eliminate them.
After that, take the putty and begin to fill it with all the existing pores on the part. Experts advise first to apply a sufficiently thick layer of putty composition. And then level the coating, treating it with thin layers of putty. After the composition dries, take a fine-grained sandpaper and carefully clean the surface of the intake.
Important point! Often it is necessary to additionally putty some areas on the workpiece. You need to get a perfectly smooth surface. Remember this.
There are empty spaces left. Prime the hand-made part, treat its surface with a degreasing solution and apply paint. There is small nuance. You need to paint the air intake in several layers. Apply the first coat of paint. Wait 15-30 minutes. Treat the surface with the next layer, take a break again, and so on. Apply in the same way to the painted part and varnish.
4 The long-awaited finale - installation of the structure
The painted and varnished part must be dried well. And then attach the grid to it. It will prevent midges and flies from getting inside homemade design. The grid should be prepared in advance. cut it by required dimensions. Be sure to add 1 cm of margin to the calculated parameters (it will allow you to securely fix the mesh on the airflow intake).
Mosquito protection is fixed with a special adhesive mixture. Also suitable for these purposes is the usual silicone sealant. If desired, you can paint the mesh (before it is installed on the air intake) in the color you need.
Now the homemade design is completely ready for installation. It is performed in two ways:
- With the help of a sealant (based on silicone) and double-sided automotive tape. The latter is used to increase the reliability of fixing the air intake. You just need to glue the lower section of the structure around its entire perimeter with tape.
- Rivets or bolts. In this case, you will have to make holes for fasteners on the surface of the hood, install hardware, and then also putty the places where they are connected to the body.
Advice. Use a sealant to fasten a homemade design. There will be fewer problems, and the result of the operation will be the same. You won't recognize your car! It will become really original and a little more aggressive. At least outwardly.
Many of us have seen non-standard solutions, on the car body, made in the workshop or with your own hands. They are a kind of reflection of how the owner sees his car. Now we are, first of all, talking about all kinds of elements of surface body tuning, if I may say so. More specifically, decorative air vents or practical air intakes on the hood.
In most cases, carefully made and thought out in advance, such elements add some non-standard to your car, distinguish the car from other production cars, give it some charisma, its own individual style.
If you have such a desire to make your car special or you are still thinking about it, then the material from this article will come in handy. Here we will consider options for car body tuning, namely the manufacture of an air intake and ventilation holes on the hood of the car.
Making an air intake (vent holes) on the hood of a car with your own hands
First of all, you need to remove the hood from the car. It will be impossible to modify the hood on the car itself, since machining, welding, putty, priming, painting will be required, and only then it will be possible to put the hood in place, but first things first. So let's take the hood off.
Further, there should already be some thoughts in your head about how the hood will look after completion. In what places and what size do you plan to make bevels, slopes, in order to implement the already planned system of air intakes and ventilation openings.
We mark on the hood the places where the revision planned by us is required. In our case, the markings were made using masking tape.
Now we begin to carefully cut the hood. We repeat that you need to cut through the hood carefully, because if you make a mistake, cut it in the wrong place or not, then correcting it will be problematic and time consuming.
Of course, do not forget about safety, goggles, protective cover on the grinder, gloves, the absence of flammable materials and liquids in the vicinity, etc.
Any hood has on reverse side stiffening rib. You should not cut through them, as in this case the hood will lose a lot of its previous strength. As a result, you will have to restore everything that you have already cut.
That is, we cut through only the surface of the hood, the stiffeners remain in place.
We bend the surface of the future air intake relative to the previous surface of the hood. In order for the bend line to turn out to be even, it is necessary to saw through it with a grinder, but not through the entire thickness of the metal, that is, not completely.
Similarly, we perform the procedures for other elements marked on the hood.
Another view of what has happened so far.
Now we measure and calculate what side walls are needed for our air intakes and openings and mark them on metal similar in properties to our hood. So for the side walls, thin sheet metal or just body elements can be used, which are no longer useful to anyone, except as soon as for patches.
We try on the side walls in place, adjust if necessary.
We produce welding work. It is better to do this semi-automatically, that is, to cook with a wire in a protective gas environment. Also, do it better man with experience, since part of the welding will be on the front, which means that the accuracy of the seam and its proper strength will be required.
For inserts in holes and air intakes, we use a decorative grille.
After its installation, we finally paint the hood. Cover with varnish.
Finally, we set ready product» on the car. Now we have a do-it-yourself hood with air intakes. Of course, for many it may seem that the appearance has become better, which means everything is just fine, but behind the change in appearance, the change in the functionality of the hood is also hidden. So, such air intakes should be considered only as decorative elements. At the same time, in most cases, it is worth thinking about some kind of drains, drains, which will ensure the removal of moisture and dust from the engine compartment. After all, snow, rain, and just water from puddles, which previously simply successfully flowed down it, will fall through the air intakes. Also, do not forget about the operation of the machine in winter period when to save thermal regime engine may require additional plugs to maintain optimal temperature regime. In general, as always, and in this particular case, which is no exception, the shortcomings become a continuation of the merits. However, the choice of such a refinement of the hood is only your own business. We just tried to be objective.
Another view of the same hood with a do-it-yourself air intake.
Another possible variant execution. (other hood)
Surely, each of us, seeing off the “pumped” cars with an exclusive body kit, dreamed of recreating such beauty in our car. Therefore, I want to help you realize your desires for tuning your car. As one of the options, retrofitting or tuning, I want to offer to equip the hood with an air intake made by myself.
You may be surprised, but there are quite a few titled cars in the world that are equipped with air intakes, while the latter do not perform any function other than decorating the car. Their main function is to create an aggressive look and emphasize the power of the car, as well as the individuality of the owner. Of course, this is a kind of self-deception to install an addition that, apart from additional resistance, does not give anything to the car. However, is your car really warm enough to install a special air intake for it? The answer is no! So what to do, follow principles and think logically, or follow your own desire and just do what you like? If you still decide to take this step, then I will try to help you realize your desire, and you decide for yourself whether it will be a false air intake or a full-fledged one with a hole to direct air flow into the engine compartment.
The first thing to do is stock up on materials, we need: polyurethane foam and thick film. The film is spread on the surface, where you intend to install new part body, cut it off with a margin, so as not to spoil paintwork. Apply the foam evenly, in an even layer, then wait until it is completely cured.
Once everything has hardened, you should get a “foamy” block, from which you, like a talented sculptor, will have to cut off all unnecessary. Don't panic! Just trust your imagination, and as they say, go ahead! Cut and sand until you get the shape you want.
In the end, you will get a blank for your air intake, with which you will make the part itself. To do this, you will need fiberglass, but remember, the more complex the shape of the workpiece will be, ( sharp corners), the thinner material you will have to use. For my slick mold sample, I recommend choosing a material with a fiber thickness of 1-2mm. The number of layers depends on the material itself, but the total thickness should not exceed 4 mm. When gluing bends, it is often necessary to trim the fabric so that it “sits” better on the template, forming the correct surface shape.
After gluing, you will have to wait a day for everything to harden properly. Next, let's start trimming the excess and forming a hole, while the mounting foam, which is inside, is ruthlessly removed. Inner part it is not necessary to grind, it can be done partially.
The next step is the impregnation phase. If up to this point you have not had to putty, impregnate or tar anything, this can be a serious test and even torture for you. But do not despair, after a successful completion you will have something to brag about and, as they say, "there will be something to tell your grandchildren." For gluing, you will need mastic and fiberglass, often mixed with simple body mastic in a ratio of 1.5 to 1 for the sake of economy. apply an additional layer with mastic, thereby leveling the unevenness of the surface. After we have finished with the impregnation, we begin to work with the aggregate. I do not advise saving on the first layer, the fact is that mastic, as well as fiberglass, are able to absorb strongly, moreover, it is easier to immediately fill numerous pores thicker than fiberglass than to patch them later. If after that some irregularities remain, you have the “last” opportunity to level them with body mastic. Now comes the final stage of creating an air intake - coating the product with varnish, paint.
The air intake must be equipped with a mesh so that it does not turn into a "flycatcher". It is necessary to fix the mesh after you have applied the varnish. Cut the mesh with a margin of 1 cm, it will come in handy when fixing the element, for example, to silicone sealant. Of course, there are "in nature" and special formulations created for these cases, but I think nothing bad will happen if you use the usual one. Consider fixing the mesh in advance by making a ledge on its surface.
For the operation of the internal power engine, air is needed, which is taken from the atmosphere with the help of a special device - an air intake. About what an air intake is and why it is needed, what types it happens and how it works, and also about right choice and replacing this part - read the article.
What is an air intake?
Air intake (air intake) - a part of the power supply system of vehicles with internal combustion engines; pipes various shapes, sections and designs for air intake and its directed supply to the air filter and further to the carburetor or throttle assembly.
The air intake has several functions:
- Selection of atmospheric (cold) air for supply to the engine;
- Selection warm air to power the engine at the time of a cold start and during warm-up (mainly in the cold season);
- Directional air supply to the filter, regardless of its location (this allows you to conveniently locate the filter and other parts of the power system);
- Some types of air intakes - protection of the engine power system from water and dirt ingress;
- In some cars and when tuning - performing the functions of a decorative element.
Air intakes are important parts of the engine power system, since their design, installation location and general technical condition depends on the volume and stability of the air supply to the engine. Therefore, if this part breaks down, it must be repaired or replaced. To make the right choice of an air intake for a car, you need to understand their types, design and features.
Types, design and applicability of air intakes
Structurally, all air intakes are the same - it is a round, rectangular or more complex section, which is installed on one side of the air filter housing, and the other goes to the most comfortable spot inside the body or outside the vehicle. Under the action of the vacuum that occurs in the intake tract of the engine power system, air is sucked in through the outer part of the intake, enters the filter and then into the system.
Air intakes can be divided into two groups according to the installation location on the vehicle:
- outdoor;
- Internal.
External intakes are installed outside the car body - above the hood, above the roof, behind the rear surface of the cab, etc. For installation, a place is selected where normal or increased air pressure is observed during the movement of the vehicle, avoiding turbulence zones (eddies) with reduced pressure.
Internal intakes are located in the engine compartment in close proximity to the engine. To supply air to the engine compartment, holes in the hood, fenders or other body parts are used. These air intakes are divided into two types according to their purpose:
- For cold air intake;
- For warm air intake.
The intakes of the first type are located at some distance from the engine, providing air supply to the filter with ambient temperature. Intakes of the second type are located at the most heated parts of the engine (usually mounted directly on the exhaust manifold), providing warm air to the filter. The system of two air intakes facilitates the winter operation of the engine, accelerating its warm-up. As a rule, such a system contains a thermostat with a damper, by changing the position of which it is possible to mix warm and cold air to achieve the optimum temperature of the fuel-air mixture entering the cylinders.
Scheme of the air path of the engine power system cars
Scheme of the air path of the power supply system of the engine of trucks
Outdoor and cold air intakes are divided into two groups according to the method of air supply:
- Passive;
- Active.
Passive air intakes are simple devices in the form of plastic or metal pipes of various configurations, which provide only air supply to the filter. Most of the air intakes of cars and very many trucks have this design. On the outer side of these devices, various auxiliary devices can be located - "fungi" for protection against dust and dirt, resonators for forming an air flow of a certain structure, grids, blinds, etc.
Active air intakes are more complex devices that not only deliver air to the filter, but also solve one or more auxiliary tasks. The most common are two types of active air intakes:
- Monocyclones are intakes with swirlers (fixed blades located across the axis of the air flow), which give the air flow rotation for additional cleaning from dust (due to centrifugal forces) and better filling of the power system. An example of a monocyclone is a typical air intake of MTZ tractors in the form of a fungus; modern intakes of trucks designed for operation in dusty conditions are also equipped with several cyclones;
- Rotating intakes are devices on the outer side of which a rotating mesh drum with an impeller and a swirler is installed. The drum comes into rotation under the influence of the oncoming air flow, due to this, large debris is screened out and a swirling air flow is formed in the power supply system. Also, rotation provides self-cleaning of the outer surface of the drum from stuck particles of contaminants, so these devices are used on cars and various techniques(tractors, combines), operated in dusty conditions.
Both of these air intakes, as well as all intakes with mesh at the inlet, are considered coarse air filters, which eliminate the penetration of large particles (stones, grass, etc.) into the power supply system and significantly extend the life of the air filter.
Special-purpose air intakes - snorkels (snorkels) are allocated in a separate group. These devices are used on off-road vehicles and other vehicles that, during operation, have to overcome deep water barriers and move off-road ( military equipment, rally cars). The snorkel is a sealed tube placed at the level of the car's roof - the location at the highest point of the car provides protection from water and dirt. Typically, snorkels are equipped with a swivel intake that can be turned forward or backward, it has a grid and can be equipped with auxiliary parts (to drain water, to swirl air, etc.).
Air intake on the hood
Finally, there is a large group of bonnet air intakes for passenger cars that perform two functions - the formation of a directed air flow and decoration. These units come in a variety of designs and add a new dimension to the look of the car, while at the same time providing an intensive air supply to the engine compartment or directly to the internal air intake. But today, purely decorative air intakes have also become widespread, which help to give the car a more aggressive, sporty look, but have virtually no effect on the operation of the air path of its power system.
Questions of selection and replacement of air intakes
During the operation of the vehicle, the air intake is not subjected to heavy loads, however, it can be damaged due to impact (which is especially susceptible to external intakes of trucks, tractors and other equipment) or vibrations, or lose its characteristics due to aging (especially plastic parts). In the event of a malfunction, the part should be replaced, otherwise the engine operation mode may be disturbed, the intensity of filter clogging, etc. may increase.
You should only select replacement air intakes that are suitable for the vehicle or tractor - this is easy to do by looking at the type and part number. Replacement is possible only in those cases when the same parts are used on different vehicles - for example, the intakes of all KAMAZ vehicles, "fungi" for air intakes, monocyclones and rotating intakes of many tractors and trucks, etc.
Replacing the intake usually comes down to dismantling the old part and installing a new one, this requires unscrewing a few screws, dismantling a couple of clamps and removing one or two seals. During installation, it is necessary to observe the correct installation of the seals and ensure the most hermetic installation in order to avoid air leakage through the slots. All work should be carried out in accordance with the instructions for the repair and maintenance of the car.
The choice of a decorative air intake is reduced to the selection of a part suitable for the installation site and appearance. The intake can be installed different ways, including without drilling the hood and other body parts - in each case, follow the attached instructions.
With the right selection and replacement of the air intake, the engine will receive required amount air and work normally in all conditions.