Accordion Air Duct - Do They Always Fail?

[Erik]

Been reading about the accordion air intake duct, and it seems accepted wisdom that they will fail. I gave mine a squeeze, and while it seems soft, I don't know how soft it needs to be to actually effect the performance of the engine.

I did rev it some in the driveway and didn't see it move. But a few driveway blips are likely sucking no where near as much air as a wide open run.

Finally, is there any consensus on the best correction for this? Marc uses wires inside, while Jerry uses a harder rubber tube. Is there a third option I've missed?

[DRM500RUBYZR-1]

An empty large juice can with both ends removed and pressed to conform to the duct.
If it is a V8 or tomato juice can you have the added benefit of making a pitcher of Bloody Mary's to celebrate your inexpensive solution!

Marty

[CamP]

My car made 529rwhp on the dyno last month with the stock 32 year old duct. I doubt a collapsing duct is something to worry about with most ZR-1's.

[secondchance]

Originally Posted by Erik

Been reading about the accordion air intake duct, and it seems accepted wisdom that they will fail. I gave mine a squeeze, and while it seems soft, I don't know how soft it needs to be to actually effect the performance of the engine.

I did rev it some in the driveway and didn't see it move. But a few driveway blips are likely sucking no where near as much air as a wide open run.

Finally, is there any consensus on the best correction for this? Marc uses wires inside, while Jerry uses a harder rubber tube. Is there a third option I've missed?

3rd option - heavy gauge steel or copper rod bent to mimick the cross section of the duct X 3 or 4. Hotel coat hanger for pants was perfect.

[Erik]

Originally Posted by CamP

My car made 529rwhp on the dyno last month with the stock 32 year old duct. I doubt a collapsing duct is something to worry about with most ZR-1's.

Excellent point!

[Young1]

I buy 1/8 bronze rod at Lowes. Wrap it around the horn, cut to fit and insert it inside the plenum as a hoop support. I insert 2-4 depended on the suction sag.

[Erik]

Doesn?t seem to be doing anything here:

https://youtu.be/YFG5g44q50k

[Erik]

Originally Posted by Young1

I buy 1/8 bronze rod at Lowes. Wrap it around the horn, cut to fit and insert it inside the plenum as a hoop support. I insert 2-4 depended on the suction sag.

Good idea. No Lowes here, but I?ll see what the local guys have.