[rfross]

I really like the idea of the Volant intake and really want to like mine, but after aborting the installation due to various fitment issues, I'm just not sure anymore.

The first problem is on the Volant website the 2007 - 2010 2.9L PowerCore filter intake is listed with part number 154376. When mine arrived the part number on the box matched that but it was listed as an '08 - '09 3.7 intake. I emailed Volant and after a few days with no response called their tech support line (which is only open Mon - Thu) and the rep said that it was probably a typo on the label. I eventually saw on the enclosed spec sheet that it was for a 2.9. OK so far, I guess.

So tonight I went to install it and ran into all sorts of issues that included the box not aligning with a stud and bolt hole that required me to drill a new hole in the box to get the box to fit properly. Once the box was installed I found that the intake tube was too long even though the box was positioned as far forward in the corner as it would go. So I cut about 3/4" off the MAF/front end of the tube which allowed the tube to align to the throttle body and airbox and the tube was now a perfect fit.

I went to install the tube and the throttle body end silicone coupling was at least 1/4" larger diameter than the throttle body opening so I used the coupling off the K&N which was a perfect fit. The last thing was to install the MAF sensor which I could not do because the threaded holes in the tube were way to wide for my narrow MAF mounting screw holes. It's as if the MAF required an adapter plate like the one that came with the K&N intake but there wasn't one in the box nor did one appear on the instructions.

So I took it all apart and reinstalled the K&N after cleaning the MAF sensor. Monday I'll be making another call to Volant to figure out what's going on with this intake. Anyone else have similar issues?

Here's some pix since I know somebody will ask!

 

[2179]

looks like you got a 3.5l 04-06 tube and box......they changed the design of the maf sensor, and 07 up had extra hole in side of box for some smog pump thing..... take pictures of the box. also the throttle body is most likely smaller on the i4....Im pretty positive you got a 04-06 3.5l intake

heres something about the maf change. http://www.355nation.net/forum/sinsity-kustomz/14547-maf-adapter-plates-how.html

 

[rfross]

Thanks for your thoughts and the link, Ed.

There is a fitting on the box for the emissions hose but my truck does not have that. The K&N came with a small filter for that but it was not needed because I don't have the pump. My truck is a very early production run 2007 - VIN XXXXXXXXXXX200067 - so that may have something to do with it, although my K&N fit perfectly with no issues.

The throttle body end of the intake tube is the exact same diameter as the throttle body so all seems good there. It's just the diameter of he silicone coupling is too wide to fit correctly and seal tightly.

Interestingly, there are a couple of small self tapping screws included in the hardware package with no explanation of what they're for. I'm wondering if their intent is to use those to attace the MAF sensor to the tube? I can't imagine any intake manufacturer installing it in that fashion but you never know!

I'll get some box photos up later today.

 

[Aquivarious]

Well... You could send it to me and I could put it on my 3.7 and see if it fits

No, But seriously, if they don't make you send it back, I will totally want to see if it fits mine, and then we can make some sort of permanent arrangement. :thumbup:

 

[jakeraleigh]

Mine was the same way but with a little work everything fit, I just drilled my maf down with the screws given

 

[The Wolf!]

The opening on the maf location looks right. I think the self tappers are for the maf to the tube.

Be extra careful not to strip the plastic. Also make sure you have a good seal.

Another option(that should work )

is to run the ssk maf adapter plate. It will mount to the 2 threaded holes. Then the maf sensor will mount to the ssk plate.

Didnt even know that volant came out with one for the 07.

We put a 06 on a o7 with my maf adapter plate.

I would try it like it is. If it does not work, then try something else.

Let us know how it goes.

 

[Aquivarious]

Wait. Does that mean you can put a 3.5 intake into a 3.7 with the MAF adapter?

 

[The Wolf!]

wait. Does that mean you can put a 3.5 intake into a 3.7 with the maf adapter?

damn son were you been, under a rock.

The ssk maf sensor adapter plate, was the first ssk part for the coly.

I been running my 06 brute force on my 07 for 3 years. And yes the maf sensor adapter plate was born from coping a couple members on here that had home made plates welded to the tube.

 

[rfross]

Thanks for the suggestions, Ron. At this point I have nothing to loose (other than a little time) by mounting the MAF sensor on the Volant tube with the self tappers. I can also see how close the K&N tube shape matches the Volant and perhaps mate the K&N tube to the Volant airbox. I guess the thing that bothers me the most is the need to use self tappers into plastic to mount a critical component like the MAF sensor. I'll give this a shot one night after work, weather and other around the house projects permitting and update this thread with the results.

Bob

 

[The Wolf!]

no problem bob. let us know how it goes.

 

[Aquivarious]

damn son were you been, under a rock.

The ssk maf sensor adapter plate, was the first ssk part for the coly.

I been running my 06 brute force on my 07 for 3 years. And yes the maf sensor adapter plate was born from coping a couple members on here that had home made plates welded to the tube.

:muknow:

And now I feel dumb for passing every 3.5 CAI in the Classifieds. :gd:

 

[The Wolf!]

:muknow:

And now I feel dumb for passing every 3.5 CAI in the Classifieds. :gd:

now you know brother. lol

let me know when you need one.

 

[rfross]

I finally got this installation completed but I had to get creative, especially in light of the poor fit of the Volant intake tube and the need to use self tapping screws in the plastic tube to secure the MAF sensor.

So....I used my K&N intake tube and mated that to the Volant airbox. Now I've got cold air and the reliability of the K&N MAF sensor mount. But I also don't have a used K&N intake to sell now. Oh well. I'll try to get some pictures up later today.

I am using the Volant PowerCore filter and some on here suggested that caused CEL's but so far, with about ten miles on it, no problems. It's also a little quieter and doesn't have the annoying buzz that the K&N created at higher RPM's at WOT.

We've had a bunch of hot weather here in Detroit this summer and the Volant really works. I've monitored the intake air temperature this summer with the K&N using my ScanGauge. On hot, mid-80 + degree days like today the IAT would creep up when stopped at lights. I'd see temperatures of 115 to as high as 123 that I can remember. On my test ride this afternoon I stopped at a light and the IAT held steady at 92 degrees. So far I'm impressed.

Now that the intake is done I can finish my ram air project that I've started work on. I'll post pictures and perhaps a how to on it when I'm done.

 

[The Wolf!]

glad it worked out.