1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

cold air induction

Discussion in 'Prius c Main Forum' started by fgp, Apr 20, 2012.

  1. fgp

    fgp Active Member

    Joined:
    Jun 20, 2009
    503
    168
    5
    Location:
    daytona
    Vehicle:
    2023 Prius
    Model:
    LE
    well, my friends, i love my c but no matter how i slice it, the c is a little weak in the performance area. i have had 3 other prii and this one feels the wimpiest. dont get me wrong i do love my prius, id just like a little more zip. i was wondering i a basic cold air induction might be in the aftermarket offering. i think the addition 3-5per cent boost would help just a little. am i alone in this wish.:confused:
     
  2. kbr0125

    kbr0125 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2012
    32
    13
    0
    Location:
    Western New York
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    You will see a slight gain in performance but you will also lose a few MPG, the cold air intake will bring in more dense air into the engine, more air means more fuel is needed to keep the Air/Fuel rations to what ever the ECU likes to have them running at.
     
  3. fgp

    fgp Active Member

    Joined:
    Jun 20, 2009
    503
    168
    5
    Location:
    daytona
    Vehicle:
    2023 Prius
    Model:
    LE
    hmmmm.... i was hoping that i would get both. btw k&n is offering one.lets see what others also have to say. thanks:)
     
  4. kbr0125

    kbr0125 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2012
    32
    13
    0
    Location:
    Western New York
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    The cold air is a lot different that your OEM box intake system, I’m sure it would hurt mpg even more in colder environments. Everyone knows that worst MPG on prius is the first few minutes when ICE is trying to warm up. So the cold air would take a little bit longer to warm up as well.

    You could also look into a drop in filter, they will last forever as long as you wash them out and oil them every 10k-15k miles. The $40 upfront cost will pay for itself by not having to replace them.

    Test on MPG of the K&N drop in filters.
    http://www.metrompg.com/posts/air-filter-part-2.htm

    The only car I ever put a non paper filter was my sports car and that was just because of performance, Paper filters trap more shit than the high flow ones so I’m sure that it will allow the engine to last long if less dust and other particles is in engine. If you look into buying a Tractor or construction equipment like bulldozers and such, you will see they all use paper filters.
     
    1 person likes this.
  5. fgp

    fgp Active Member

    Joined:
    Jun 20, 2009
    503
    168
    5
    Location:
    daytona
    Vehicle:
    2023 Prius
    Model:
    LE
    although, i was hoping for better results, your arguments are very convincing. the last time i used a cold air induction was on my 2006 solstice. it really helped performance. did not notice any improvement mpg though. lots to ponder. surely there is or will be a way to get a little oomph without sacrificing mileage. i cant seem to seriously consider a flow thru muffler system. boy, would that sound funny!!:D:D
     
  6. SquallLHeart

    SquallLHeart The Techie Guy

    Joined:
    Mar 10, 2012
    826
    247
    5
    Location:
    San Jose, CA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    stick a turbo on that bad boy!!! :D
     
  7. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

    Joined:
    Apr 14, 2009
    12,470
    6,862
    2
    Location:
    Greenwood MS USA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    In most Prius (not sure about the c) you will get a code and the check engine light will never go out until you put it back to stock. You will NOT get 'cold air' as the Atkinson cycle pumps air from the cylinder back into the intake runners, so it is pre-heated by the engine. If your new intake volume is too low, you will pump fuel back out the air filter, throwing off your air to fuel ratio. (which would cause a code) Best of luck, keep the stock parts handy.
     
  8. fgp

    fgp Active Member

    Joined:
    Jun 20, 2009
    503
    168
    5
    Location:
    daytona
    Vehicle:
    2023 Prius
    Model:
    LE
    SQUALL!!!!!?????!!!! you know i cant cut a hole in that pretty little hood. i wonder if a viper v10 wold fit with no modifications;)
     
  9. fgp

    fgp Active Member

    Joined:
    Jun 20, 2009
    503
    168
    5
    Location:
    daytona
    Vehicle:
    2023 Prius
    Model:
    LE
    i will tell you, guys. your technical nohow is amazing. i did not even consider the atkinson cycle difference, etc . thanks. i think ill just switch from eco to normal and feeeeel like im jumping bad.
     
  10. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

    Joined:
    May 22, 2009
    9,083
    5,795
    0
    Location:
    Undisclosed Location
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Isn't that the problem with modifying any HSD Prius for better engine performance?

    Seems to me you are dealing with a Hybrid system that is computer controlled and designed to work together very specificly.

    It's really a shame, but I just have to believe that if performance in the form of more horsepower and/or speed is your priority then Prius wasn't really your best choice.

    I know a lot of people modify Honda Fits, to increase horsepower. But in that case you are dealing with one system...an ICE.

    With a Prius, you are dealing with an entire vehicle, with numerous systems, all designed to work together in balance to maximize efficiency. You change one element, you risk throwing the "synergy" of the system out of balance.

    I suppose owners, people are free to experiment in any manner they wish. In ways that could increase engine horsepower, or efficiency or whatever...

    But to me it comes down to what is your long term priority? If it IS speed and horsepower? Then Prius shouldn't of been your choice to start...
     
    1 person likes this.
  11. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

    Joined:
    Apr 14, 2009
    12,470
    6,862
    2
    Location:
    Greenwood MS USA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
  12. priusCpilot

    priusCpilot Active Member

    Joined:
    Mar 6, 2012
    631
    208
    0
    Location:
    LA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Four
    I think they make one of these for the C



    Sounds like its passing gas hehe
     
  13. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2010
    7,668
    6,482
    0
    Location:
    Redneck Riviera (Gulf South)
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    If you use a K&N for eco-reasons.....be very careful when you oil it.
    I've read where they will FOD out your MAFS (Mass Air Flow Sensor.)
    IMHO...it's best to stay OEM.....but I don't want to pee in anybody's potted palm plant.
    Do some research on how to clean the MAFS if you decide to do it anyway. It's simple and it's nearly free to do (I use optical fiber cleaner, so for me it is free to do ;) ) Same with the throttle body. I usually self-clean when necessary, and it only takes a few bucks worth of carb cleaner (do not use this on the air flow sensor!) If you're constantly sucking an air/oil mist into your throttle body...it's gonna be necessary sooner.

    The K&N will result in very little if any performance gains in the Prius, but there are some out there who like the idea of a 'permanent' filter for other reasons.
    You can do it....but you gotta be careful.

    Good Luck!
     
  14. strongbad

    strongbad Member

    Joined:
    Oct 19, 2011
    170
    47
    0
    Location:
    Driggs, ID
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Improve performance by reducing weight instead. Jettison the spare tire and jack. Get rid of the back seat too if you don't regularly use it. You could save 20 lbs of unsprung weight by ditching the stock steel wheels for light aftermarket alloy. Save another 10lbs with alloy calipers and racing rotors (especially on the back). Replace the lead-acid battery with lithium-ion or supercapacitors.
     
  15. Neilb9

    Neilb9 Million Mile Driver

    Joined:
    Apr 12, 2012
    22
    11
    0
    Location:
    Kauai
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    60 hp electric + 73 hp ICE = 133. How about a chip mod to get it all to the wheels, not just the 99 hp they have programmed now. Somebody will figure it out.
     
  16. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

    Joined:
    Apr 14, 2009
    12,470
    6,862
    2
    Location:
    Greenwood MS USA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    Sadly, the battery is not big enough to power all 60 HP MG2 can make, so you also need all the power MG1 can generate to feed MG2, but MG1 is powered by the Gas engine, so you never get all power the engine can make AND all the power MG2 can make at one time.

    It is interesting that the fellow you Supercharged, then Turbocharged his Gen 1 Prius found that the 'extra' power was mostly electrically sent to the wheels, not mechanically.

    A 'simpler' way to make HP in a Prius would be to use an Echo engine (the Otto cycle variant 1NZ-FE for an extra 30 HP) That is what the Bonneville Prius did.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_NZ_engine#1NZ-FE
    http://www.caranddriver.com/features/got-hybrid
     
  17. Neilb9

    Neilb9 Million Mile Driver

    Joined:
    Apr 12, 2012
    22
    11
    0
    Location:
    Kauai
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    Why not try a little NOx. Ought to be good for two or three shots before you blow the engine.
     
  18. kbr0125

    kbr0125 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2012
    32
    13
    0
    Location:
    Western New York
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Lol, prius drag racing, :) 25 shot wont be too much for a prius to handle.
     
  19. dig4dirt

    dig4dirt MoonGlow

    Joined:
    Apr 6, 2012
    1,150
    741
    0
    Location:
    Lancaster Co PA
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    Has anyone put in a 5 or 6 speed transmission?

    Would it be possible?

    I hear a new show coming on......


    Prius Impossible
    9pm EST


    I will take the royalties:)