I'm just wondering what this plastic box above the air intake duct does?

(not my car, just a random engine bay image)

http://i61.tinypic.com/2rm4bja.jpg

I think you've circled the intake resonator (black plastic thing sticking up from the snorkel like a haemorrhoid). Some models have another hanging below. They are basically expansion chambers designed to absorb pressure waves heading back up the snorkel each time an intake valve closes which can reduce the amount of available air (ie. reduce air pressure) at the valve the next time it opens. The resonator robs the outgoing pressure waves of energy and prevents them from limiting the amount of fresh air coming through the MAF. Removing them may make the engine sound rumblier, but may actually rob you of some performance and/or efficiency.

The design of the plenum chamber is also tuned such that shock-waves running from the closing valve travel the length of the intake tube and return to the valve several times before arriving at the valve for the next opening (at a particular RPM) effectively increasing the air pressure (ie. amount of air) at the valve opening.

More importantly, what is that bracket that is screwed onto the driver side strut tower?

It's holding what almost looks like a compressor or something, with a long black hose running around the front of the engine to the intake. It's got me buggered. Anybody?

Gas thingie

More importantly, what is that bracket that is screwed onto the driver side strut tower?


It's holding what almost looks like a compressor or something, with a long black hose running around the front of the engine to the intake. It's got me buggered. Anybody?


Gas thingie


LPG conversion, re-route of the A/C lines. that's what I see.

I replaced mine with a lid of sorts (from Repco) because it rubbed on my strutbrace. Made no appreciable difference either way.

I replaced mine with a lid of sorts (from Repco) because it rubbed on my strutbrace. Made no appreciable difference either way.

You must be psychic.

I am looking at making a strut brace out of steel, and was thinking that this plastic box may be in the way.

If it was turned 180 degrees with the straight edge towards the radiator, there may be a few extra mm of space available to get the center of the bar closer to the center of the strut tower.

Tomorrow, I will measure it.

@Ensoniq5

Thanks for the explanation.