2013 Warm Air Intake Mod Suggestions?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by James Analytic, Oct 19, 2020.

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  1. James Analytic

    James Analytic Member

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    I think @mjoo corrupted or inspired me, take your pick. (y) In his post; Oil Catch Can, Eliminate that knock! | Page 6 | PriusChat, he noted the aluminum screen that reminded me of the cabin air intake for the cabin screen paradigm I was thinking about with no-see-um screen also.

    On that tangent screen topic... I like to spray my air filters in the house with nano silver enzyme (not made anymore by Code Blue and am almost out) for additional filtration. Maybe nano copper will be suitable also. I plan to do this when I swap in the new cabin air filter.

    Well back on the topic..., of course, once I realized the comment was regarding the Air Intake to the engine..., then that developed into more critically thinking regarding the Air Intake for the engine though routing either over the exhaust pipe past the catalytic converter as I've thought about in the past or from a trapezoid design to evenly extract warm/hot air from over the engine block. I get a little nervous being from the engine block due to warp'age concerns.

    Lately, I was thinking exchanging the warm air from the EGR Cooler and that circuit since pre the EGR Valve and the controls will be able to utilize after to regulate flows... and then similarly the thermostat can control the coolant if recycling heat from the radiator maybe if directed from.

    Anyhow, wanted to post my thought and the references I found regarding:
    Blocking Air Intake/winter Driving | PriusChat
    Warm air intake_-_hot air intake:) | PriusChat
    Warm Air Intake - Icreased Winter MPG - Insight 1 | PriusChat
    EBH not as important in Gen 3? | PriusChat

    Any others thoughts, references, comments, concerns, etc?

    The above idea with a "T" with a valve on the air intake; coupled with a MCU, or specific circuit, designed with additional temperature sensors to control shutters motors for the radiator air intakes opening and closing are always on my mind when I drive seems since the colder weather is moving in.
     
    #1 James Analytic, Oct 19, 2020
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  2. mjoo

    mjoo Senior Member

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    If you wanted to do a WAI on the Prius IMHO it's probably one of the easiest cars to do. Just block the radiator in the winter and remove the air scoop that collects air in front of the radiator and presto! With all the plastic from the underbody tray/ skid plate this has to do a great job at sealing the warm air around the engine. I guess use a laser thermometer to find out for sure.

    I had thought about wrapping exhaust with fibreglass to keep exhaust warmer for the engine heat recuperator but am too busy/lazy to remove the plastic underbody right now. :D

    Happy hunting for more MPGs!
     
    #2 mjoo, Oct 22, 2020
    Last edited: Oct 22, 2020
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  3. Vman455

    Vman455 Senior Member

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    The 3rd gen doesn't have an engine air intake in front of the radiator; the intake tube inlet is behind the passenger headlight. (The 4th gen, on the other hand, does).
     
    #3 Vman455, Oct 23, 2020
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  4. James Analytic

    James Analytic Member

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    Do you have a photo of the Gen4 design by chance? I'll see what I can find for some inspiration online.
     
    #4 James Analytic, Oct 23, 2020
  5. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    Never realized I was doing the WAI mid this entire time!!! Thanks for letting me know, I can add this on to my list of mods done.
     
    #5 Grit, Oct 23, 2020
  6. James Analytic

    James Analytic Member

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    #6 James Analytic, Oct 23, 2020
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  7. mjoo

    mjoo Senior Member

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    Not sure if you're being sarcastic or real or if I care
     
    #7 mjoo, Oct 23, 2020
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  8. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    No, being serious here. It’s confusing because most of the time it’s sarcasm haha.
     
    #8 Grit, Oct 23, 2020
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  9. Vman455

    Vman455 Senior Member

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    Here's the Toyota parts catalog diagram, the tube #10 sits in front of the radiator:
    [​IMG]
    The Gen 4 press release stated:
     
    #9 Vman455, Oct 23, 2020
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  10. James Analytic

    James Analytic Member

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    Engine Block Heater for 2010-2015 Toyota Prius - PriusChat Shop

    Didn't realize there is an engine block heater also. Wondering what the most cost effective high quality equivalent is? Seems like this is nothing more than a $12 cup or more of water immersion heater that's higher quality?
     
    #10 James Analytic, Oct 29, 2020
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