Hey Folks!

I just finished putting on my Taliaferro open element intake and everything looks and sounds great! I've installed open element intakes before on Integras, Civics, Subarus, etc...but most have been "warm air" intakes. (Ones that mount above the passenger side wheel still in the engine bay. The real cold air intakes I have installed have had the assistance of a bypass valve which is essentially a sponge like ring fitted between the throttle body and the air intake element. This is helpful as far as ensuring water does not make that dredded journey into the intake manifold. Quite a genius idea if I do say so myself.

Anyway, my question is this...I don't plan on going trecking through deep puddles or getting the air filter soaked in water or snow, however this idea just came up to me. Going through a car wash with an undercarriage wash? The element, although tucked away quite nicely in the wheel well, is still succeptable to water soak and damage, right? I would imagine that the turbo would do a decent job of burning off any water before passing through into the intake manifold, but I don't want to risk a major motor rebuild for giving my baby a bath. ;)

Either way, what is everyone's experience with this? Is it safe to give it a try or should I be handwashing it for the rest of my time with her / being picky about the carwashes?

Your advice is valued!

Thanks in advance.

Be picky about your car washes OR if you still have the old airbox cut the top half off and re-install the bottom half to act as a splash guard. (this will make the pshhh sound of the DV even louder though cos it echoes) :lol:

The filter getting wet when the car is off or idling isn't a big deal. It's lots of water at WOT/full boost that's bad.

and let the record state the water+engine does not equal bad. how about auqamist setups? a little bit of water wont hurt, but dont forget that water doesnt compress like air, so a lot of water is bad, like if the filter is down in a puddle, fully submerged at WOT. that would be like the piston slamming into a brick wall half way up its stroke. that=hydrolock=bad!

so, i wouldnt worry too much, but if you are worried, the bottom half of the stock airbox is a good solution, or others have built splash gaurds out of sheetmetal and other various parts.

Thanks for the advice guys. I left the snorkel on so maybe that will help support the new plash guard / hacked up old airbox.

By the way, I did some impromptu runs on the local freeway I94 nearby and got some noticeable results. 60 - 80mph (96kph - 128kph) was 4.91 seconds before the intake; after - 4.57 seconds.

THAT'S A 1/3 SECOND DROP FOR $80!!!

Not bad.