Continued again LOL.. wouldnt let me post - message too long
Hmmmmmm . the filter is a reasonable point, however, there is nothing to stop the manufacturer fitting K&N type elements.. apart from the fact that THEY DONT FILTER AS WELL as the paper ones... the engine longevity will suffer.. the airbox (or more correctly - RESONATOR) is designed as part of the induction system for overall power spread, yes, there IS a need to keep the tract clean, thats why its located in places like behind the headlight and other wonderful areas. You can always MOVE power within a certain range.. fitting a mega box and cold feed may well lean your mixture at the top indicating a gain in that area, but not overall, you dont often get anything for nothing..but, a power gain (From input restriction (designed in) removal - NOT from any ram air)) does not mean the car is any faster.. now, if you arranged a diverter flap at WOT above 4500, then you may get a worthwhile increase...
This discussion could go on for ever, the fact of the matter (IMHO) is that you are NOT seeing ANY ram effect.. you may well be seeing a false peak in the power band at the expense of other areas.. A clear route to the inlet tract can be worthwhile along with other engine changes.
Interesting topic though
ps, check out the comprex unit... good technology... highly patented.... commercial large capacity diesels are the main users, Mazda uses the system on its 626 though.. and the green piece twingo uses a 2 cylinder 4 stroke with pressure wave supercharging to achieve the same power as its 4 cylinder, twice the capacity, brother..
I have actually contemplated fitting one to a clio.. it would be interesting.. (I know of a complete unit locally for £100 !). the problem is the pulse tuning inside the unit, there is no data available to calculate the characteristics due to the patents.. and it would be a costly exercise to discover it dont work as you intended
... however, the thought of a turbo type system with no lag, and the superb instant supercharged effect with virtually NO power useage is a good one !. A wave device3 can operate from as little as a 2 bhp consumption.
http://www.pml.com.sg/glossary_image/glossary_c_5.jpg
Joe.