Performance DiscussionThis section contains discussions about performance enhancing modifications with sub-sections for both the regular Dodge Caliber and Dodge Caliber SRT4.
I can honestly say, I don't know where the hell the air box draws it's air in from. This "fresh air duct" as it is labeled by DCX is not only blocked by the closing of the hood, but sealed by the weatherstripping placed in front of it.
So I pull it off and toss it in the back, leaving the battery exposed and the rectangular duct on the airbox, now drawing in hot engine bay air.
Despite the heat soak, the engine seems peppier and the sound is more prominent. Sounds like a vacuum cleaner at the lower RPMs, the higher RPMs don't seem to have changed in pitch, just volume.
No check engine light or anything.
Also, the "fresh air duct" has a small inlet inside of it where it dumps into a resonator chamber, this is the NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) crap I was talking about previously.
It's so freaking siimple to do this mod, just twist the two plastic retaining screws on the battery cover/"fresh air duct", pull up and towards the front and your done.
why not remove the weatherstripping and try to make the duct functional, instead? I haven't messed or looked at anything under the hood yet. will check the oil today
why not remove the weatherstripping and try to make the duct functional, instead? I haven't messed or looked at anything under the hood yet. will check the oil today
Look how the hood sits down into the front clip, even with the weather stripping gone, you still have very little to no air getting in the crack between the front clip and the bottom of the hood. Since that is the only orifice I see where it draws air in from, I would much rather have it removed and sucking up hot engine air, than gasping for "fresh air" from that crack.
Look how the hood sits down into the front clip, even with the weather stripping gone, you still have very little to no air getting in the crack between the front clip and the bottom of the hood. Since that is the only orifice I see where it draws air in from, I would much rather have it removed and sucking up hot engine air, than gasping for "fresh air" from that crack.
That's what I thought when I first looked at it. That is a small hole and a weird contraption in front of the air-box. I figured that the engineers knew what they were doing...
Has anyone attempted to change that OEM air filter? It's a pain to get that box closed back together! As soon as a decent cold-air mod comes out I'm replacing it! I don't like current under-hood-cold-air intakes (that Mopar one). I want a true cold-air intake that draws from near the front grill or from a ram-air-hood (waiting for a cool ram-air-hood to be created).
__________________
2007 (2006.5) Bright Silver Metallic, Dodge Caliber SXT-sport (E Pkg.) 2.0L (the WEDGE), CVT.
__________________________________________________ ______________________ Nothing is too beautiful --Bugatti
Gauze/Oil type cone filters such as K&N allow way too much fine dust through for me. No thanks. I'll have to take a look at the stock intake and see what can be done. It's a small displacement 4 banger and shouldn't need all that much of an opening.
I pulled mine off. It definately sounds different when the gas is stepped on, and accelleration does improve a little. Haven't calculated the gas milage, though I doubt it would be better, I'm always romping on that poor little 2.0.
I'll give that car credit, it does pick up and go pretty well!
Gauze/Oil type cone filters such as K&N allow way too much fine dust through for me. No thanks. I'll have to take a look at the stock intake and see what can be done. It's a small displacement 4 banger and shouldn't need all that much of an opening.
Where are you coming up with this. I may be wrong, but everything I have researched has show that those types of filters remove more contaminants and allow more air to pash through. That was the reason for the oil.
My brother is working on making a cold-cold aic for my caliber. if and when he ever gets it done, i'll post pics.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
Linear Mode
