quick question

[2299SOgnomeA]

I have a 99 2.2L. I am wondering: Is the plastic "box" that connects the air intake to the throttle body with the "2.2L" printed on it, called the intake plenum?

I have been trying to find out, one, because the gasket or rubber seal at the throttle body side is pretty worn out. And two, I'm wondering if I can just remove it so long as I keep the air intake hooked up to the throttle body and the stubby hose that comes out of the top of the head for (I assume) recycling exhaust vapor?

I am concerned it may have a specific volume of air that they were accounting for and if I were to change it I may mess up something.

 

[greg409]

Back in the day, (and I don't mean last year LOL) we called that an air horn.

It does need to be sealed as well as you can (the gasket's probably less than $10, or you might put a small bead of silicone/RTV ($3)) and re-install - You'll be able to remove & redo it as necessary

If you go rtv, I'd let it sit overnight (assembled) to cure

The hose fitting is likely your crankcase ventilator (should have the famous "PCV" valve @ the engine end.)

luck,greg

 

[2299SOgnomeA]

Hey Greg, thanks for the reply. When I get up the time and energy to deal with that again I will just replace it. No need to repair something that cheap. I would still like yours, or anyones, insight on my other question about wether that "air horn" needs to be there so that there is a specific volume of air or if I can by-pass it and maybe switch up where my air filter goes?

Just trying to customize a little, maybe remove or rework things that don't have any real purpose so that I make it my own truck, different from everyone else's. I also imagine that if it was put there by the engineers, it must serve a function? lol hope that all makes sense!

 

[greg409]

The air flow into the engine is important to performance & efficiency, knowing this, I'd not replace any component that restricts airflow more than the oem stuff.

Particularly outside the throttle body, you want smooth nice flowing airstream with a minimal amount of 90deg bends. (because of hood clearance, most air horn designs "squat" the height. if you notice, they "flare out in diameter, to minimize restriction)

Pay attention to where the MAF sensor is located, you want straight runs 1-1/2 times the diameter (3" tube, 4.5" of straight) of the tube b/4 & after the sensor, if poss.

Your desire is to minimize turbulence around sensors.

beyond that, the appearance is your choice

luck,greg

 

[2299SOgnomeA]

Very helpful info Greg, I will take it into consideration when/if I get around to any of those mods. Thanks for being a great and helpful respondant.