Analytical Data Supporting A Proper C.A.I. Design

[Joe Gilbert]

There has been a fair amount of discussion concerning the Cold Air Intakes (C.A.I.) sold by aftermarket suppliers and in particular by Brazles. There has been the question "does such a modification pass muster with Workhorse an/or G.M.". Also, there is the possible worse case scenario of the home-made C.A.I. such as mine (see "Still Another C.A.I."). I used the S&B RO862 filter which I believe is the filter Brazles uses.

For the record I purchased my W22, Dolphin, new and took the 1st oil sample at the 2nd oil change. The oil was and is Mobil 1. The RV had about 9000 miles when the 1st sample was taken and the oil in that sample had 4000 miles of use.

Following is oil analysis information on my 8.1l, W22. You will note a siginificant improvement in intake air cleanliness after changing to my C.A.I., as manifested in the improved/lowered silicon (dirt) concentrations.

Oil Sample # Oil Type Milage on oil Silicon in PPM

1 Mobil 1 4000 78 (Sampling lab felt this level was a
potential problem)

2 Mobil 1 5000 38 (C.A.I. installed after this sample)

3 Mobil 1 4000 13

So! One can say that as my engine broke in the silicon concentration became less, and this would be expected to some extent. Having said that 78 PPM is a high value. However, one can also say that the S&B filter is a better filter than the stock GM unit. I believe this is also a true statement. I think the real point is that Workhorse or GM would be hard pressed to claim my C.A.I. to be a problem. I believe the same can be said for the Brazles design (I get nothing for saying this). It is what the facts indicate to be true.

Oh, and by the way my C.A.I. also cured the water injesting problem and along with the ECM program change added to my milage and performance.

Joe

[Joe Gilbert]

There has been a fair amount of discussion concerning the Cold Air Intakes (C.A.I.) sold by aftermarket suppliers and in particular by Brazles. There has been the question "does such a modification pass muster with Workhorse an/or G.M.". Also, there is the possible worse case scenario of the home-made C.A.I. such as mine (see "Still Another C.A.I."). I used the S&B RO862 filter which I believe is the filter Brazles uses.

For the record I purchased my W22, Dolphin, new and took the 1st oil sample at the 2nd oil change. The oil was and is Mobil 1. The RV had about 9000 miles when the 1st sample was taken and the oil in that sample had 4000 miles of use.

Following is oil analysis information on my 8.1l, W22. You will note a siginificant improvement in intake air cleanliness after changing to my C.A.I., as manifested in the improved/lowered silicon (dirt) concentrations.

Oil Sample # Oil Type Milage on oil Silicon in PPM

1 Mobil 1 4000 78 (Sampling lab felt this level was a
potential problem)

2 Mobil 1 5000 38 (C.A.I. installed after this sample)

3 Mobil 1 4000 13

So! One can say that as my engine broke in the silicon concentration became less, and this would be expected to some extent. Having said that 78 PPM is a high value. However, one can also say that the S&B filter is a better filter than the stock GM unit. I believe this is also a true statement. I think the real point is that Workhorse or GM would be hard pressed to claim my C.A.I. to be a problem. I believe the same can be said for the Brazles design (I get nothing for saying this). It is what the facts indicate to be true.

Oh, and by the way my C.A.I. also cured the water injesting problem and along with the ECM program change added to my milage and performance.

Joe

[Tom N]

This is the results of engine breaking in. You need a control sample to draw any conclusions. A control sample would be another new coach with the stock air intake.

Put the stock system back on and run it until your next oil analysis.

[Joe Gilbert]

I do understand about "controls" and I could put the stock system back on however, I'm not going to. I'm very comfortable that my C.A.I is an improvement in all ways over the stock filter and the data seems to supports my conclusions.

I thought others would find this interesting and I expect they will. Take it for what it is worth but I felt actual data to be of more value that just words.