S&B intake 75-5106 testing

[guru1ofatl]

I decided to do some testing of the S&B intake with the removable side plug. Logging was conducted using the HPTuners VCM Scanner while running the same test loop. The truck is a 2017 5.7 with intake, shorty headers, 180* thermostat, e-fan, and tune.

Fuel adaptives

Plug installed (86* IAT): [email protected]
Plug removed: -1.84 (99* IAT): [email protected]

Testing was performed at 3,000 rpm at 50% throttle angle in both cases. A smaller number indicates that more fuel was needed to maintain the commanded mixture (14.00:1). I suspect that some of the difference between the two is related to the 13* difference in IAT. One thing is clear though, the additional airflow that plug removal should provide does not seem to benefit the engine at this mod level.


Intake vs. Ambient temperatures

Plug installed
Idle: intake 93 / ambient 75 (18* var)
50 mph cruise 12% throttle angle: intake 86 / ambient 75 (11* var)

Plug removed
Idle: intake 111 / ambient 93 (18* var)
50mph cruise 12% throttle angle: intake 99 / ambient 93 (6* var)

It does appear that removing the plug allows intake temperatures to drop faster when transitioning from idle to cruise. The difference at full throttle should be less.


My conclusion is that removal of the plug seems to offer no improvement in performance through increased airflow but does offer minor improvements in intake temperatures. Personally, such small improvements do not justify the annoying noise that plug removal produces.

 

[Hemi395]

When I had that intake I tried it with and without the plug and saw no difference except added noise. All the data here confirms that. Thanks for taking the time to post this!

 

[Tim Garceau]

Did you cut a hole in your inside fender liner?

Not sure why s&b went away from this design, sure you had to persuade the A/C lines but glad I found one.

 

[Hemi395]

Did you cut a hole in your inside fender liner?

Not sure why s&b went away from this design, sure you had to persuade the A/C lines but glad I found one.

View attachment 178809

Pic didn't come through. Where do you cut a hole??

I'm running the older 75-5078 with the lower scoop. Neither are easy to find anymore...

 

[Tim Garceau]

Pic didn't come through. Where do you cut a hole??

I'm running the older 75-5078 with the lower scoop. Neither are easy to find anymore...

That’s what I have as well and in the photo. I’d imagine that plug would just butt up to the fender liner and suck hot engine air, no? Pretty much what the data shows.

Cut it out with a utility knife on that profile if leaving unplugged.

 

[Hemi395]

That’s what I have as well and in the photo. I’d imagine that plug would just butt up to the fender liner and suck hot engine air, no?

I would cut it out with a utility knife on that profile if leaving unplugged.

Oh yeah on the 5106 the plug is just up against the fender support. I agree the older design is better, that's why I scoured the internet trying to find a 5078/5064 and the scoop....

 

[guru1ofatl]

I'll do some wideband logs at WOT later but based on the fuel adaptives it seems like the new S&B with plug installed is enough to support my current mods.
Nothing I have done should have much impact on the engine airflow requirements but the second opening may be useful with a cam and long tubes.
Regardless, the old design is the better one in my opinion. At least it doesn't sound like crap when the second opening is in use.

I have some thermal imaging of the engine compartment that I'll probably post up when I get a chance.

 

[Hemi395]

According to S&B the newer intake flows 40% better with the plug removed and 30% better with the plug installed. Even with it installed a 30% improvement in flow is pretty good. Personally I’d leave it installed. Or if you can find a way to duct air to that area it might be worth leaving it out...