Am i being paranoid?

[ADAMOD]

I recently fitted a carbon fibre induction kit and i think i'm losing power rather than gaining. I think the car is maybe overfueling as i can't keep petrol in it now and i think this is having effect on performance.Anyone else heard of or expierienced this? I'm thinking of putting the standard airbox back on.Would re-mapping mayde help get the most from this carbon induction kit and is it worth spending more money!!!

[CA Automotive UK]

what car and what intake ?

[adood84]

one thing with the CAI you put your foot down more to listen to the sound , atleast thats was it in my case :D

[ADAMOD]

Now there's an idea!!! Its a 97 e36 evo 3.2

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v695/adamrs/GQ10.jpg

[CA Automotive UK]

Nice engine bay !!

Ok here is the inside scoop ....

These kind of intakes typically do not produce too much power ( despite the manufacturer claims), they are more about sound and looks.

It is possible that you are also using a bit more fuel as the ECU adapts to the slightly increased airflow.

You will also notice the car seems more sluggish at slow speeds and in traffic, due to the under bonnet air warming up and thinning out. Carbon fibre is a conductor of heat, not an insulator of heat.

An intake kit, whether it is actually producing more power or not, usually alters the shape of the power curve and the point at which peak power is achieved, and this can often give a false impression of it s effectiveness, either positive or negative .

A remap will make best advantage of the intake and make the car smoother and more powerful.

Just in case, check the MAF is still mounted the right way round, have seen this issue couple times :)

[mysticm3]

excellent explanation Roy, save me typing :)

[Chaos]

Great reply Roy. The e36 engine bay is very prone to heat-soak on aftermarket induction kits too, and as Roy said this usually manifests itself in thinner air, ending up with the ECU retarding the timing as a result. Either way, fuelling won't be right and you'll probably lose some consumption. The same thing will happen if your MAF isn't fitted perfectly or if it's failed (mine did when I swapped my intake - possibly coincidence) - timing adjustments, power drop and heavier consumption.

Re-maps are of substantial benefit following any significant intake or exhaust change. They may not manifest the effect on the 'bum dyno', but the engine is always happiest when everything is working together rather than trying to constantly adjust.

[ADAMOD]

Thanks for the reply guys. I mite put the standard airbox back on and maybe use k&n panel filter.The car is acting just as you say Roy at low speeds its crap and when you nail it its hesitant sometimes you get a sudden burst of extra power for a couple of sec's then its gone.