2002 Thomas RE, CAT 3126B
As I am going through the engine compartment removing rust, listening to Skinny Puppy, checking and cleaning electrical connections, and examining the air intake system, I am finding a lot of things that seem to add unnecessary weight. One of my quests with my bus is to reduce weight without affecting the structural integrity of the vehicle.
I just removed the Cyclopak (air filter assembly) so I could get to all of the rust on the supports, check wires, etc. I put it on a scale and it weighs 45 pounds.
Since I've been doing a lot of thinking about the intake system in general, I was considering cutting the "U" tube that goes over the engine to make it an "L" that terminates with a K&N cone filter. Here are the air system tube sizes:
Intake @ Cyclopak: 5.75"
Output @ Cyclopak: 5"
Main air tube: 5"
Intake @ turbo: 4"
Output at turbo: 3"
I really don't know why I need a 5" intake when it just gets dropped to 4" before hitting the turbo. I've seen K&N cone filters on diesel HD pickups, and if I can save 35 pounds, that's 35 pounds that can go to something else, not to mention removing one of the mounting brackets, opening up more space in the engine compartment for better ambient air flow, and so on.
Good idea? Bad idea? Why?