k&n Intake Modification

[06JeepXKHEMI]

As I mentioned a few weeks ago I installed the k&n CAI series 63 and loved everything about it, the sound, gain in mpg and performance. It was recently I noticed an issue and potentially major issue. When installing CAI you remove the entire airbox exposing the underside of intake to all elements with absolutely no protection, refer to pictures below..
From Top

From underneath


You can see clearly anyone who wheels or even enjoys the childish drive thru puddles after a heavy rain, the issue of hydrolocking is there and inevitable. After speaking with 07jeepxk, we both agreed modifying the lower portion of the airbox would be the best idea. Tricky part was test fitting and deciding how much to trim to prevent air flow restriction but yet still providing protection from water splashing up. This is what I came up with..
From top

From underneath


As you can see there is much more of a shield from underneath, still a small opening but an improvement. Thinking of maybe trimming a piece of plastic to fit that small area and creating my own splash shield for the bottom of intake so the worry is mostly gone. Ive also been considering installing the fresh intake tube for protection from the front.. hhhmmmm Im seeing a custom airbox in the very near future

Here are before/after shot from underneath:

[pjmjr508]

You are on the nose about it can Hydrolock your jeep, it did to mine last year so been scared to hit any water with it. I don't want to put a snorkel on so will be watching to see what you do.

Don't know if this will help you I have been playing with the idea of grafting the AEM bypass in the tube to help to prevent a hydrolocking issue.

[06JeepXKHEMI]

What Im thinking and will probably do this weekend is using some type of apoxy if anyone has a suggestion and fabricating the fresh intake tube along with bottom of airbox into one piece to protect from underneath as well as front while still providing adequate airflow to k&n. Not quite sure how its all going to work but Im going to give it a shot. Once its done Id sand it and paint to look right... Anyone who has ideas would definitely take in to consideration

[07JeepXK]

I think this will help out greatly. When we hit the trails you can just use my Jeep as a guage to how deep the water is before you go though something that might be to deep and hydrolock the engine! I'd like the performance ofa CAI but love knowing Im protected with the snorkel.

[06JeepXKHEMI]

I think this will help out greatly. When we hit the trails you can just use my Jeep as a guage to how deep the water is before you go though something that might be to deep and hydrolock the engine! I'd like the performance ofa CAI but love knowing Im protected with the snorkel.

Looking forward to the Whispering Pines trip soon! Ill have this mod buttoned up Saturday, when you installed your snorkel I see you used some type of black bonding agent, what is that called? Im going to cut pieces of plastic and bond them together as well as trim/clean up the edges to air box so its more complete. Have any thoughts on fresh intake tube? Should I reinstall it?

[07JeepXK]

Looking forward to the Whispering Pines trip soon! Ill have this mod buttoned up Saturday, when you installed your snorkel I see you used some type of black bonding agent, what is that called? Im going to cut pieces of plastic and bond them together as well as trim/clean up the edges to air box so its more complete. Have any thoughts on fresh intake tube? Should I reinstall it?

I just used normal black RTV that you can buy at any auto parts store. I'm not to familiar with the fresh intake tube. Are you talking about the piece that goes on the front of the air box and sits right behind the grille?