Whatever happened to that anyway?

I remember Ford making a big deal about what a great littler performance enhancer that was going to be... then never heard about it again.

(not trying to drift off topic... I figure you've researched what they did and actually know why it didn't work well enough to keep doing and can tell us)

 

from what I understand it was just a pain in the ***. It took a few minutes to siphon off almost all of your in cabin ac and was only good for one quick burst before it had to be refilled again.

Ive read that it really did work, although I've never seen it in person.

 

ok...update on the system.

some of you may poopoo on this but I have decided to reconfigure the system before any kind of dyno test or unveiling. In fact, its necessary. This past month I have been doing research and taking readings (and nagging every a/c expert who would listen) to find out what the cause of the inefficiency of the system was. Well, it turns out that some of the system components I was using were under rated or mismatched horribly for this new system.

So, with that said, I'll be tearing down the system these next coming months and instituting Prototype2a. Although it means a longer delay, I am confident that this newly designed system will blow the other one out the water. Plus, I'll be able to correctly tune the length and smooth the intake path instead of the cobbled together pieces it is now.

The good news, (and I consider it very good) is that the design of sturdiness of the placement, shielding, and brackets for the system are GRADE A! The hood sealed design is a perfect fit. The bracket to hold the cooling system is holding incredibly well and utilizes stock mounting points. The controller (which had to be mounted behind the front bumper support) is still water tight and fan cooled fantastically. Believe me, testing the water tightness of the controller housing (electronics+water=death), was nerve racking. But I have successfully taken it through deluges of rain and pressure washes and I am convinced it has a long life ahead of it.

So with that said, I'm off to purchase a 3" tubing bender. This is gonna get fun. Feel free to ask questions and check this thread for updates.

 

What's going on with the very braod patent on the product that someone linked here?

 

nothing new on that......apparently it takes a long time to do anything.

 

post up some pics, even if it a prototype.

 

idk if this is a stupid question or not...but doesnt a/c take away from the performance of the car? so would the a/c intake have to perform extremely well to gain back that loss in performance and even bring more torque or hp into the picture? im suuper confused =\

 

Running AC does take hp, quite a bit actually, but I believe the design that 06isDriver does not tap into the AC line.

 

Good luck with your build 06is...I know you have been working for this for quite some time. Look forward to seeing the final product

 

^---thanks

yeah, this is a closed system in and of itself. I'm using a very efficient dc powered compressor and some very special parts to turn the wasted alternator energy into something useful again. The alternator is rated for 150 amps, but your car may not be using that much power at any given time. This is why the alternator CHARGES your battery, and how the whole system turns on itself. They have to over design the alternator to ALWAYS provide more amperage than the vehicle can use up (which is where that whp goes you were talking about), otherwise there is the possibility of the car dying. I'm taking that wasted energy and putting it back into the system to be gobbled up again.

Some could argue that they designed the alternator at 150 amps for a the exact reason I mentioned and that it shouldnt be messed with. Ive been running it at 25 amps this entire time with no problems. The battery maintains its voltage just fine.

What are we doing on an enthusiast site if we dont push the limits, to see what it can really do?

Like I said, efficiency is KING and I'm dealing with diminishing returns. Be patient, it'll be worth it.

 

that makes way more sense now. awesome idea! ive been watching the progress of this for awhile n it sounds like ur definitely onto something. goodluck!

 

wow, im glad you've followed up with this

 

I took this week off from my paying job between Christmas and New Years for full time development with all the parts I've been acquiring over the past 2 months.

If my pipe bender arrives like I expect, and barring any unforeseen calamitous events, I should be able to get the MUCH improved version 2a up and running.

Pity it isnt the summer.....so I could see it shine.

 

looking forward to your results.

 

Prototype2a has been completed, finally! I'll be doing a system flush today and first time coolant charge this afternoon.

The weather has been awfully cold these past couple days so I'm not sure if I'll really be able to test many things besides pressure stability and installation durability for now. It's got to be at least 50 degrees outside so I can make sure the high and low pressures are what I expect.

I was also able to shorten the intake to a more manageable length which REALLY smoothed out the powerband. It's a much more linear feel.
Before, the intake was just too long, so peak torque was coming in way before the 4800rpm stock specs and running out of steam up top. Of course, these observations are all subjective to feel but I distinctly remember the abrupt change from stock to long intake to this new and improved shorter version. AND I was able to squeeze a full size cone filter in there too.

All in all its been a success so far. If the pressures hold and there are no leaks, I'll start the sophistication of the system which includes high and low pressure switches, a temp switch to prevent freezing, and maybe even an a-pillar pod with the intake temp showing.

I may even put some pictures up, if I can remember. Thanks for looking!