Ram Air system
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
Ram Air system
Hi guys long time reader first time to post. I have a 94 F-250 4x4 with a 7.3 IDI Turbo. I just installed a 3" exhaust system and the 3" ats downpipe and flange. By the way that is a "FUN" job. I would now like to install a better intake system. I've seen the pictures that some of you have posted. What do I need to do to complete this. It looks like the radiator bracket is in the way. Is there a way around this or must i fab a new bracket? thanks for the help
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 175
Likes: 0
I have a 91 f250 idi with an after market turbo.I ran a 3 1/2in aluminum tube from the turbo to the same spot.right between the battery and radiator.yes thats a small space.so go get your self a K&N cone type filter that fits your tubeing.and make a mount that bolts to radiator brace.I'll try to put some pics of mine up soon.hay all you gotta do is use your head wisley and you can make anything work.A good fabricator can do anything and make it work.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 15
From: Nutter Fort, WV
To get ram air I removed the drivers side radiator bracket and trimmed the flange off the radiator with a cut off wheel.
Then I fabricated a new bracket that comes down from the top of the radiator shell to the radiator.
Used scrap furnace plenum metal to make my scoop.
Works great and supplies positive pressure cool air to the turbo.
Then I fabricated a new bracket that comes down from the top of the radiator shell to the radiator.
Used scrap furnace plenum metal to make my scoop.
Works great and supplies positive pressure cool air to the turbo.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: Halstead, KS
Id like to try ram air. But I fail to see the benefit of it unless you are moving at a good rate of speed. If I am about to take off with 12,000 lbs on my trailer from a stand still, ram air wont do much to get it going. I guess it would be nice if you are cruising the highway with a load, it would push air in.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 15
From: Nutter Fort, WV
When I was still NA I had no trouble getting rolling with a heavy load.
Where I had trouble was maintaining speed once I was out on the hills on the highway.
Not sure exactly how the 88 model air intake ran or how big it was.
I can tell you what I ran for my ram air is about 6 times bigger than what Ford used.
So it draws in air much easier even at low RPM than the Ford intake did.
Where I had trouble was maintaining speed once I was out on the hills on the highway.
Not sure exactly how the 88 model air intake ran or how big it was.
I can tell you what I ran for my ram air is about 6 times bigger than what Ford used.
So it draws in air much easier even at low RPM than the Ford intake did.
Trending Topics
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 621
Likes: 1
From: Near the ocean
Ram air system
Originally Posted by Dave Sponaugle
To get ram air I removed the drivers side radiator bracket and trimmed the flange off the radiator with a cut off wheel.
Then I fabricated a new bracket that comes down from the top of the radiator shell to the radiator.
Used scrap furnace plenum metal to make my scoop.
Works great and supplies positive pressure cool air to the turbo.
Then I fabricated a new bracket that comes down from the top of the radiator shell to the radiator.
Used scrap furnace plenum metal to make my scoop.
Works great and supplies positive pressure cool air to the turbo.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 280
Likes: 0
From: Everywhere, USA
I have a 7.3 factory turbo as well and I used a Dremel tool to cut away part of the radiator support (Best I remember I got a 4"X7" opening). Then ran a 4" Aluminum dryer tube (one of the rigid ones) from the factory air box to the outside. I also replaced the factory filter with a high flow filter from AFE. It is the only mod I have done to my truck so far and it made a noticable difference.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 15
From: Nutter Fort, WV
The furnace plenum I was talking about was 30" square 16 ga. galvanized sheets.
I cut and fabricated all of my scoop out of flat stock, but I used to fabricate HVAC duct work, so I have a lot of sheet metal tools.
I also fabricated the rectangular to round transition out of flat stock.
The only pieces I bought were a 6" round duct, a 6x4 reducer and a 4" adjustable single wall elbow.
I cut and fabricated all of my scoop out of flat stock, but I used to fabricate HVAC duct work, so I have a lot of sheet metal tools.
I also fabricated the rectangular to round transition out of flat stock.
The only pieces I bought were a 6" round duct, a 6x4 reducer and a 4" adjustable single wall elbow.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,175
Likes: 0
From: Kent WA
Here's what I did with mine - though it wouldn't work on your '94 because your marker lights and grille are different.
There are more pictures in my gallery if you're interested. I didn't have to do any tin-bending either - used off-the-shelf stuff from Home Depot. Does your 94 have the openings in the bumper? If so, those would work really well as locations for ram-air scoops.
As for benefit, like Dave said, just having a bigger pipe than the stock one reduces restriction - even at idle. With my dual scoops, I'd bet I'm seeing positive air pressure in the air cleaner (as opposed to vacuum) at anything over about 30 mph. More air in and/or less restriction for the incoming air flow makes a difference......
There are more pictures in my gallery if you're interested. I didn't have to do any tin-bending either - used off-the-shelf stuff from Home Depot. Does your 94 have the openings in the bumper? If so, those would work really well as locations for ram-air scoops.
As for benefit, like Dave said, just having a bigger pipe than the stock one reduces restriction - even at idle. With my dual scoops, I'd bet I'm seeing positive air pressure in the air cleaner (as opposed to vacuum) at anything over about 30 mph. More air in and/or less restriction for the incoming air flow makes a difference......
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 894
Likes: 0
From: South Dakota
I also believe that Dave Sponaugle once had an idea for an intake system that would run from the bed of the truck...
http://rides.webshots.com/album/547435398oGhFAO
Seems like someone had a similar idea Dave
http://rides.webshots.com/album/547435398oGhFAO
Seems like someone had a similar idea Dave
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 894
Likes: 0
From: South Dakota
One more thing, if you happen to have an ATS turbo system, I found another custom setup that you might like as well:
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/cbinoeder@sbcglobal.net/album/576460762349962131
Looks like a pretty neat setup to replace your original ATS intake
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/cbinoeder@sbcglobal.net/album/576460762349962131
Looks like a pretty neat setup to replace your original ATS intake
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 894
Likes: 0
From: South Dakota
Originally Posted by whitefordaward
TELL ME! I have 2 ats set ups.