Do-It-Yourself Ram Air Tube (RAT)
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.
Remove the air filter from your intake.
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.
Test fit the ram air tube into the hole (may require trimming)
Feed it through the front of the brake duct.
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. :-)
Continue reading here: Instrument Cluster Test
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