Induction kit issues

[sam55]

I've recently fitted Ktec's induction kit. Initial thoughts are it's fantastic. It sounds mega on full throttle and looks tidy in the engine bay. I'd even say it's sharpened up throttle response.

But after a few days I've started to notice that the top end of the rev-band feels a little strangled compared with the standard airbox I ran before this. The car will rev all the way to the limiter, but power seems to die well before 7000rpm, where as I remember the engine would pull strongly all the way up to the red line.

It's essentially meant that revving the engine beyond 6300rpm feels pointless now as power is clearly not there. I'm not saying the Ktec kit isn't effective, there are dozens of power graphs on CS proving the system works. But in my 111,000 mile old, standard (aside from a Yozzasport catback) 182, it seems to have hindered performance up top.

Anyone else have this issue and know of any potential reasons? Here's a pic of the kit fitted to prove it's not fitted upside-down (please tell me it's not...). I honestly believe the kit should bring power, I've been driven in other Clios with the same kit and agree power felt at least as strong as standard. Any ideas?

 

[sam55]

Update: Could it be a Lambda issue? The only other thing I can think of is that the kit seems to sit very close to the battery, and as such, is being pinched ever-so-slightly on the first bend exiting the throttle body.

Could a tiny pinch really make that much of a difference?

 

[Amos91]

Update: Could it be a Lambda issue? The only other thing I can think of is that the kit seems to sit very close to the battery, and as such, is being pinched ever-so-slightly on the first bend exiting the throttle body.

Could a tiny pinch really make that much of a difference?

I doubt it. A few people have said that you can cut about 1cm off the end of tube (throttle body side) to make it fit better and stop any rubbing.

 

[sam55]

I might give that a try, but suspect I'll be booking the car into a rolling road to do a back-to-back test with standard v Ktec kits. Sounds mega so I refuse to give up and just switch back to standard!

 

[Rob669]

Don't do that, you might not like the results!

 

[Rob669]

Take it to Surrey Rolling Road if you can and get a decent assessment of the difference. They do £40 Saturdays every now and then.

 

[sam55]

Thanks for the recommendation. Having seen so many printouts that prove the Ktec system brings - albeit tiny ones - gains to power, I'm hopeful I can source the problem to something elsewhere. Something cheap preferably!