I was checking my air filter, and I was wondering what is the purpose of the big plastic box between the inner and out fender. The intake air goes through it, but what does it do? It seems like would restrict the air flow to the engine. I have leaves in the air filter box, and wonder what may be trapped elsewhere.
2005 Saturn ION Air intake anatomy
Jun 14, 2008
2 Replies
Designers often put these seeming insignificant bits of plumbing into induction systems. The purpose is to tune the intake to damp out turbulence which would otherwise restrict the airflow.
Take a shop vac and clean out the air passages between the air filter and the air intake. There should not be any noticeable restriction. Keep clear of the mass airflow sensor (if there is one) between air filter and throttle body. They're fragile...
Where can one find a diagram of the air intake system? I was thinking of modding mine but want to know what I am looking at before breaking out the wrenches and dremel tool.
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