2.9 questions

[NarlinB]

I am currently disassembling my engine. I was wondering if the big aluminum brace behind the PS pump is needed because it also has a brace that looks like a bent rod. Also, what is the purpose of the tube that connects from the pre airbox tube to the heat shield on the headers? What wondering if I can leave this tube and the aluminum brace out for reassembly. Thanks

 

[willy]

The one from the airbox to headers is used to heat the air in the winter time the other brace i would leave in

 

[NarlinB]

OK thanks. How necessary do you think the hot air pipe is? It can get in the single digits sometimes in the winter up here in Washington. I was planing on fanning up some sort of ram air with the factory air box setup with a replacement kn panel filter.

 

[adsm08]

Your factory system is better for ram air (which isn't good for anything) and cold air than any K&N or custom fab setup that doesn't cost a lot more money than should be put into a 2.9.

The air heater is good for getting the engine to temp faster when warm, but I haven't missed mine on either of my early RBVs for the last two years, and we have seen quite a few days in single digits or lower the last few winters.

 

[NarlinB]

Thanks for the info. I figured since the factory box setup is already like a ram air, I would make some sort of scoop up front and put in the kn panel instead of a paper one. That's all, nothing super custom or complicated. Also not going with a cone. I'm port matching the intake and possibly just polishing the exhaust side of the heads to accompany my new headers.

 

[willy]

Ram air is a nice concept but you would get more out of a 4.0 or 5.0 swap id just do oil changes and drive the 2.9 until it dies then swap

 

[adsm08]

Oh, if that's all you are doing go for it. From your original post I had envisioned something like I saw a guy do to his F150 years ago with a ram scoop hood and a pair of K&N cone breathers set up in the scoop.