Air Cleaner Housing: Description and Operation

Intake Air Distribution and Filtering

COMPONENT LOCATION

Intake Air Distribution And Filtering:

OVERVIEW
The engine air intake and distribution system comprises:
- Two air cleaner boxes
- Two air intakes
- Electric throttle
- A supercharger
- Two Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensors
- Two supercharger charge air coolers

Air is supplied to the supercharger via the 2 air cleaners, air cleaner outlet pipes, throttle body intake pipe, throttle body and induction elbow. The supercharger delivers pressurized air to two separate charge air cooler units mounted onto the cylinder bank it supplies. Pressurized cooled air is fed from the charge air coolers directly into each inlet port. The supercharger is attached to the three mounting bosses between the two cylinder heads. The supercharger has a filled for life internal lubrication system. The supercharger is positively aligned with the drive belt by a doweled mounting bracket.

A Mass Air flow sensor is fitted at the outlet of each air cleaner box. The sensor provides an input to the engine control module (ECM). The intake elbow directs the metered airflow from the throttle body outlet (underside of the throttle body) into the intake of the supercharger.

A supercharger by-pass valve assembly is located between the supercharger outlet and the induction elbow. A butterfly valve inside the assembly is opened by a diaphragm actuator operated by vacuum feed from the elbow. At closed or partially open throttle positions, the butterfly valve opens, allowing the airflow from the two charge air cooler inlets to be directed back to the supercharger inlet. This action inhibits the supercharging effect and reduces engine torque. Progressive opening of the throttle causes the by-pass valve to gradually close.

Each cylinder bank is fitted with a charge air cooler which supplies pressurized air to the four cylinders. The inlet ports to the two charge air coolers are connected to the supercharger via the supercharger outlet pipe consisting of adjustable metal ducts with bonded rubber seals. The charge air coolers are water cooled via a radiator and water pump.