When I purchased the Steeda STS (short throw shifter) during our group buy, I went ahead and purchased a few other goodies as well. Two of those goodies were the Steeda SRI (short ram-air intake) and the Steeda STB (strut tower brace). My main concern about these two items were if they would fit together, because I have read posts asking what will fit with what. I have to tell ya, these fit together like a glove.
When installing the STB, you will run into some problems getting the brace to fit onto the strut bolts on the car. I got around that by taking some presure off one wheel and jacking one side of the car up. Brace went right on. The brace clears the SRI by about one inch, but of course the SRI can be adjusted one way or the other by twisting it on the throtle intake before tightening. You will also notice that the STB will be VERY close to the brake res. attached to the firewall. Amazingliy enough, it clears by no more than 1/32 of an inch. I'm sure it will rub on occasion, but the res. has enough movement to ensure no breakage occurs. I am sure enough of that myself to leave the STB in place, or I would have not installed it. During the standard test drive, I didn't notice any improvement. I'm certain that the best of the best will not notice any change during normal driving. I ran a tight circle at 25MPH and was happy with the STB. Tight corners are where this item comes into play. The car always cornered well, but at high speed the STB makes itself known.
When I first put the SRI on, it was too close to a piece of steel inside the engine bay and vibrated during the test drive, but like I said, that was an easy adjustment by slightly twisting it away.
I love the sound of the new intake. Certainly deeper and throatier (is that a word?) but definitely not too loud or obtrusive. A wonderful "WHOOSH" is very audible when revving the engine. The throtle response is vastly improved. For those of you who don't know what the heck I'm talking about, let me explain. You know how when you're cruising along at low RPM and you let off the gas, and the car jerks? Then you press the gas pedal again and the car jerks again? It's like the gas pedal is an on / off switch instead of a smooth transition. It is almost non-exsistant now. I had no idea the SRI would improve the throtle response so much. Once I install the new aftermarket throtle intake, I fully expect to be rid of that problem altogether, however, the way it is now is very livable. (I couldn't stand it before.) Horsepower? Not noticable to me. I'm sure it helps, I mean how couldn't it? The addition of 5 - 7 HP will not be seen with another adult tagging along for the ride like I did on my test drives. My assistant / good freind was with me throughout the install. I completely removed the old air box and snorkel, and my engine bay looks much cleaner because of that. One more thing about the SRI... It is neccessary to attach the stock vacuum hose coming from the valve cover. It will need to be cut shorter to fit, but mine will need to be replaced as the original has some bends in it. When it is attached to the SRI, one of the bends pinches and restricts flow inside the hose. I will replace it with a new, un-bent, vacuum hose right away.
I have attached one picture, and I'm sorry it is dark. I have more pics, and would be happy posting them if anyone wants to see something up close and personal. Please post with any comments or questions. Happy driving! -SVT170.
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