Questions for SC owners

[Superfly_M3]

Hello,

I have a question for you guys with ESS/VF kits

I saw in some pictures that these kits have a filter element mounted in the front left opening of the bumper. It looks very exposed.

How do you guys not Hydro Lock the car in heavy rains? Has anyone had any problems in bad weather? What about snow storms? I can imagine that the filter would be soaked ... even going through a car wash.

Any feedback is appreciated.

[Team Plutonium]

It's not an issue at all. You really need to drive through some high standing water to have a problem... in which case you'd have a shit load of issues anyway.

I've driven the car in heavy rain and snow - no problems at all.

That filter is a super heavy duty.

[THE-FN-MAN]

Which filter is used standard? And to OP I think you would seize the blower first before the motor.

[m3an]

I said the same thing as the Ess kits mount the filter right in the Lower opening. And I don't see it being a "heavy duty" filter as its just a conical k&n. living in Florida this is not ideal as we get some serious standing water on roads down here. But what you can do is mount the filter right off the back of the SC as there is plenty of room (like the AA kits). Just don't use the extension for the Ess kit and mount the filter up in the engine bay. Sure it'll be a little less efficient but you'll have piece of mind that you won't lock the motor up

[Team Plutonium]

Yes, it will be an issue if you drive through a lake, river, or use it as a snow plow. Also, don't drive it through fire.

[Andrew@ActiveAutowerke]

Originally Posted by m3an

I said the same thing as the Ess kits mount the filter right in the Lower opening. And I don't see it being a "heavy duty" filter as its just a conical k&n. living in Florida this is not ideal as we get some serious standing water on roads down here. But what you can do is mount the filter right off the back of the SC as there is plenty of room (like the AA kits). Just don't use the extension for the Ess kit and mount the filter up in the engine bay. Sure it'll be a little less efficient but you'll have piece of mind that you won't lock the motor up

Heavy rain and standing water is a large problem for us in florida. Our system provides a filter box with an integrated ram air system. I would not suggest just putting a filter in the engine bay as you will most likely get a ton of heat soak. Even though some companies may claim heat soak is not a problem there is a reason why they mounted the filter where they did imo.

[arter]

I have had no problems driving the car in heavy rain, even following another car that was throwing up a constant spray. The back side of the filter stays reasonably dry and can still pull air.

I did have concerns on the track once. Ran in a session right after the club racers, where several lost their engines and dumped oil all over the track. The track put quick dry ( kitty litter) all over the track right before our session and I picked up a snoot-full of quick dry all over the forward face of the filter. Didn't appear to bother the engine, but I quickly replaced the K&N filter when I got home ( $45 I think). the back side of the filter was not caked, but I was left with half the filter area available. It's a pretty big filter though.

It's a nice cold air and ram air location, but it is exposed so you do have to check it after sessions. If you thump it with your fingers, you can knock most of the loose stuff right off it.

[tom @ eas]

The filter is best in its present location on the S/C kits (ESS/VF both locate theirs in the air intake duct). Simply exercise caution when driving in rains - no fording through rivers.

[///Matthew]

Originally Posted by Team Plutonium

Yes, it will be an issue if you drive through a lake, river, or use it as a snow plow. Also, don't drive it through fire.

Lmao thank you!

[Superfly_M3]

Good to know, thanks.

[Roman@ESS]

Originally Posted by Team Plutonium

Yes, it will be an issue if you drive through a lake, river, or use it as a snow plow. Also, don't drive it through fire.

This is correct, fire is not recommended. The filter is fine as long as you do not plan on driving with the front of the car under water. If you do submerge the front of the car under water the engine will stall due to lack of air and you will need remove your vehicle out from the river or lake you are in before continued use.

[Superfly_M3]

so no chance of hydrolocking during a storm.

What about car washesh? they move a lot of water in the car washes, I can imagine the filter would be totally soaked.
Anyone taken theirs through a car wash?

[Team Plutonium]

Originally Posted by Superfly_M3

so no chance of hydrolocking during a storm.

What about car washesh? they move a lot of water in the car washes, I can imagine the filter would be totally soaked.
Anyone taken theirs through a car wash?

I've taken my car to the touch-less car wash many times - it's no issue. Nobody ever had any problems with the filter and water... ever. If its a really bad storm leave the M3 in the garage and take the Ark instead.

[GOVCO]

Here is what the extremely reliable Wiki says about the issue:

Hydrolock most commonly occurs in automobiles when driving through floods, either where the water is above the level of the air intake or the vehicle's speed is excessive, creating a tall bow wave. A vehicle fitted with a cold air intake mounted low on the vehicle will be especially vulnerable to hydrolocking when being driven through standing water or heavy precipitation. Engine coolant entering the cylinders through various means (such as a blown head gasket) is another common cause. Excessive fuel entering (flooding) one or more cylinders in liquid form due to or other abnormal operating conditions can also cause hydrolock.

Seems pretty consistent with other sites as well. Soooo...if you decide to buy the VF or ESS SC kit, then find yourself in the middle of a flood....well....then you're an idiot, and you should have bought a boat instead.

[Mike Benvo]

Originally Posted by GOVCO

Here is what the extremely reliable Wiki says about the issue:



Seems pretty consistent with other sites as well. Soooo...if you decide to buy the VF or ESS SC kit, then find yourself in the middle of a flood....well....then you're an idiot, and you should have bought a boat instead.

I really love your posts.

It's gotta be a pretty massive amount of water and would need to pretty much engulf the airfilter to hydrolock the engine. Nothing to worry about w/ car washes.

[GOVCO]

Originally Posted by Mike Benvo

I really love your posts.

It's gotta be a pretty massive amount of water and would need to pretty much engulf the airfilter to hydrolock the engine. Nothing to worry about w/ car washes.

and I really appreciate admired sarcasm.

[Andrew@ActiveAutowerke]

Originally Posted by GOVCO

Here is what the extremely reliable Wiki says about the issue:



Seems pretty consistent with other sites as well. Soooo...if you decide to buy the VF or ESS SC kit, then find yourself in the middle of a flood....well....then you're an idiot, and you should have bought a boat instead.

Or... A location similar to what the manufacturer chose.