| Do-It-Yourself Ram Air Tube
(RAT) (for aftermarket E36 intake systems) Since the E36 "brake ducts" don't really do anything to actually cool the brakes, I decided to utilize the driver's side duct to make a ram air tube for my Jim C/Eurosport intake on my 330ti. It was cheap, simple and took about 15 minutes (mostly taking pictures). Not sure what gains you actually get, but it's easy to install/remove. So, here it is, my instructions for your very own RAT (Ram Air Tube). |
First, you need an appropriate hose. I bought this 2-1/2" diameter, 7 ft. shop vac hose from Sears for only $17.99. I cut about 20 inches from one end to start. |
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Remove the air filter from your intake. |
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Using a Dremel tool, I cut a rough hole in the brake duct. I trusted myself enough not to remove the brake duct itself, but cut it while installed in the car. |
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Test fit the ram air tube into the hole (may require trimming) |
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Feed it through the front of the brake duct. |
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I found this optional power booster, and it seems quite effective. Unfortunately, I haven't figured out a way of mounting it while drive the car yet. :-) |