Well, Today I finally cut down my airbox to allow more airflow, and enable the use of a larger filter. Ever since I first got my quad and PC3 I've run without my airbox lid, which improved power (dynos have shown 1-1 1/2 more HP without lid), but I have noticed much more sand/dirt in my airbox, filter and intake runner.
Allot of the aftermarket intakes (FCI,Monster, Velocity, Fuel ATV) offer their systems without an airbox, and contend that maximum performance is achieved this way. Both FCI and Fuel ATV have actually gone as far as saying that more dirt gets trapped and eventually introduced to the filter element with an airbox, than without. Which leaves us trail riders in a dilemma. We want all-out performance, but we fear water and hi-dust getting to our air filters.
With the conditions here in Colorado, there isn't too much water to contend with, but it's always a possibility. The dust conditions here are severe, and my pre-filter is caked from dust after every ride.
So basically, my philosophy was to open up my airbox so dust/dirt/sand particles could flow in and out (before it was just in), but I managed to retain the base and mounts of the stock box to act as a splash guard for water.
You can see in this picture, all I did was remove material from both sides between the mounts to about 1 and 1/2 inch from the very base. I also cut the rear of the box to the base and complete removed the rear.
I also cut inside of the tunnel mounts so I can reattach the tunnel underneath the box
Since the side panel I removed from the shifter side also held the ECU, I relocated the bracket to the tool storage area attached to the rear fender plastics under the seat.
I'm gonna go shopping later for a new filter, but as it is now with the normal Pro-design and K&N filter, I can already feel a slightly better throttle response.
More info to come when I get a new filter, and take it for a ride.
Aaron
