So, like most people, I thought the black rubber OEM intake elbow was not only Fugly, but HP-inhibiting too. So I ordered the cast aluminum intake elbow that I am sure most of you have seen on Ebay. $35 plus shipping later, it arrived today.

Before:



The new, unmolested elbow looks like this: ( I forgot to take a pic as I took it out of the box, so this one if from their ad)




After measuring, it was found to be too long in both directions ( I have the SLP CAI) , so some trimming was in order. After a little touch with the chop saw:



Some clean up with the die grinder and some time in the sandblast cabinet:



Some "Argento" (Silver) powdercoat:



A little heat later:



(note that I got a bit too much powder in a couple of spots...still working out the pressures on the new PC'er...)

Some clear and more heat later:



Installed and in place:



Looks much better, sounds much better. S.O.P. dyno still to be determined. (-7 and snowing like a MF outside right now)

All in all, for a $40 tweak, I am pretty happy.

As an added bonus, I now have a full OEM airbox for sale, with reasonably new K&N drop in filter, complete, for $100 + shipping.

Cheers,

Randy