Goals
- Maximize Mid-range and throttle transition torque
- Increased HP
- Optimize VTEC effect
- Minimize Heat transfer
- Re-use of all factory sensors
- No engine modification
- Optimize Sound
- Easy Installation with use of simple hand tools
Performance Optimization
Knowing that intake air travels in pulses through the intake tract and manifold, H-FIT Engineers decided to harness this effect in order to optimize the air intake velocity and volume. Using the known equations for pressure to velocity relationships (P1V1=P2V2), and the known thermodynamic properties of nozzles, the intake box was designed to meet the required performance criteria.
Air travels into the intake “box” through a large opening. This filtered air then fills the “box”, creating a reservoir of air. This serves as a reserve at lower rpm’s and during sudden throttle plate opening. We have found that this increases throttle response. As the engine RPM increases, the intake air requirements increase, the higher frequency pulsed flow of air through the optimized inlet and outlet ports on the “box” create an increased pressure zone within the box, and an increased air velocity at the throttle body port. The volume of the box was designed to give an internal resonance just prior to VTEC switch over. The optimized port sizing and resonance create a slight “Push” effect on the intake air which forces air into the intake manifold (Helmholtz Resonance). This allows for a more noticeable VTEC effect.
Click here to see Torque comparison (Stock vs. Supa Sucka Intake).
Click here to see Horsepower comparison (Stock vs. Supa Sucka Intake).
Material Selection
To reach our goal of minimizing heat transfer into the intake box several materials were evaluated. Three primary material options were selected. 6061-T6 aluminum, Carbon fiber (Prepreg, thermoset, thermoplastic), and 30% glass filled ABS polymer. These materials were selected based on Thermal conductivity characteristics, strength, temperature resistance, and manufacturing requirements.
Minimizing thermal conductivity was a primary design goal for the Supa Sucka intake. We found that the 6061 aluminum had a thermal conductivity of 167 W/m –K. We decided that this was just too high for our application. Analysis of the remaining materials revealed that carbon fiber had an average Thermal conductivity of 24W/m-K. This was much better than the aluminum. Carbon was also more easily formed into our required shape, but was exceptionally high in cost. H-FIT engineering found in this application that the substantially increased cost did not provide much added benefit, other than aesthetically. Further analyses revealed that the 30% glass filled ABS polymer had a much lower thermal conductivity than any of the other materials we evaluated at .22 W/m-K. The ABS polymer was also heat resistant and readily formable into our required shape. After the material requirement evaluation was complete, H-FIT engineers decided that the most effective material to use would be the 30% glass filled ABS polymer.
Click here to see intake air temperature comparison (Stock vs. Supa Sucka Intake).
OEM Compatibility, Fit, Finish, and Installation
Being that fit and finish are design goals of the Supa Sucka intake, H-FIT engineers decided that no hardware or sensor location should be moved away from the factory location. This would guarantee that the Honda factory calibration of the engine would be intact, and that the H-FIT intake would optimize the calibration given to the consumer by factory. A basic design requirement of the Supa Sucka intake was the re-use of factory intake mounting locations. This allows for simple installation and no additional mounting hardware.
Testing
Road testing, track testing, and dyno testing were all performed on the prototype and production intake units. H-FIT engineers so far has driven over 4500 miles on the Supa Sucka Intake to ensure that MIL / Check Engine Lights, or similar issues do not arise. We wanted to also test the reliability and durability of our materials and hardware. Further dyno testing has allowed us to select the best filter and chamber combination for our customers.
