Carbon air boxes? Fact or fiction

Waste

 

CF air boxes look pretty to some. If you're looking for a performance benefit, then I would equate the results as to putting some VTEC stickers on your car

 

The weight saving will definitely improve performance.
Alan

 

A waste? Pretty to some? You decide. I love them. Way better looking than the ugly stock air boxes. While you're there order the carbon fiber coolant bottle cover too and complete the package. Mine are from Carbonio.
I did it strictly for looks.




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I think some work better than others. The cf material doesn't have anything to do w that it just looks cool more so the shape and volume determine the performance gain, as for weight a very slight savings but high up in the chassis.

 

I'll buy them because they look nice. Not because I expect them to change the performance of the car.

 

If you like them, get them. I think they look nice, and FWIW, they retain less heat. Don't expect any gains you can feel. There is much debate over whether to use any oiled filter, as the MAFS foul easily and you often can't tell because the losses come slowly and don't throw codes until they are about dead. I stuck with stock paper filters. These are Fabspeed CF boxes.

 

Weigh less.
Better for heat.
Because racecar.

 

As a maker of CF airboxes of course I may be a little biased but allow me to give our perspective.

From a purely numbers perspective the CF boxes are lighter, and offer better flow and heat insulation than the stock airbox covers. In addition, they have tested to show a measurable increase in performance. Again by the numbers only they are an advantage over stock.

The reality is that pure engineering is not the exclusive reason why we own these cars and looks play a big role. If I told you that cutting a big flower shaped hole in your hood would increase downforce by 30% just about everyone would say no as the visual penalty is not worth the gains.

Realistically, the power gains relative to the overall performance of the car are minimal so we urge customers to consider the bigger picture of aesthetics and wow factor rather than try to sell them on their technical merits. Ferrari put its beautiful engine on display under glass for all to see and CF engine bay accents like the airboxes and coolant bottle cover really set off the engine bay giving it a visual tie to the Formula 1 race cars that bred the passion we have for the marque.

Now for some eye candy:
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I love my CF air boxes . They look much better than the stock ones and I can tell a difference in the exhaust note than before. Not sure if anyone else noticed a deeper sound but definitely worth it I'm my opinion. Also just added the coolant bottle in CF which completes the look.

 

I have seen several posts of owners who complain about OEM air boxes yellowing.
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/360-430/402538-what-common-problems-scuderias.html

I would research the prospective purchase to avoid these - CF can be manufactured several different ways to produce a similar looking product that may not have the same end properties or lifespan.

 

I agree that the car's performance will be 0.0002% faster due to weight loss.

However, the CF boxes pictured in Carbonio's post are quite beautiful. Makes the owner happier - isn't that the point?

 

I recommend getting the GruppeM airbox. It comes w an integrated heat shield which is really a great design and if you really want to get serious about keeping things cool in the engine bay:

http://scontent-a.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xpa1/t51.2885-15/10299653_1400103046940036_1948510891_n.jpg

*pardon the dust / dirt. this was taken during a break driving around back country.

 

It is all about the look...but wow what a difference!

If of interest, I am selling a rare set of serial numbered Tubi CF intakes. They made these for a short period of time and I bought 2 sets. One set is on my current Spider (pics) and the ones I am selling are from a Modena Coupe I used to have.

Ferrari 360 Toolkit - Authentic & Complete | other parts, accessories | City of Toronto | Kijiji

 

Needs more gooooooooold.

Amazon.com: DEI 010393 Reflect-A-GOLD 24"x 24" Sheet: Automotive

 

The sound was deeper and nicer in my opinion. I have a stock exhaust. Love the sound.

 

The biggest benefit is the induction sound. Very throaty compared to stock

 

CF look really nice. Great job Carbonio!

 

Thank you for the kind words.

 

How much weight do the CF airboxes save? I suspect its a very small number. I tend to agree this is all about looks and simply enjoyment of the car. Totally legitimate reason- but not much of an objective performance reason.