Leave the airbox in???

[jwollam]

So I called down to our local motorcycle shop (Apex motosport in Chico, Ca.). I wanted to get an idea of what dyno tuning would cost, as well as get some scheduled to get my bike dialed in.

I explained to the guy on the phone what has currently been done to the bike (airbox removed, K&N Pod filter, full area p, jetted carbs, etc...) The owner of the shop (Gary I think his name was?) Anyways, the guy is very well known around this area for being a top notch tuner, and one of the best in the area.

Gary didn't seem too big on the pod filters due to the ninja having constant velocity carbs, I was a bit surprised when he said the best thing to do is put the factory airbox back in.

I respect this guy, he's very well known around this area, and personally recommended by a few friends of mine. But two things... 1. I really don't want to go through the hassle of putting that factory airbox back in. and # 2. I would really like a second opinion.
Should I have him tune the bike as is (pod filter, no airbox) or would I be better off putting the factory box back in?

[DaBlue1]

If his name is Carry Andrew...yes!

http://www.sportrider.com/features/1...#ixzz1smgkzGhI

You can get just about the same result (HP & torque) with stock (or smaller jets) an airbox and full exhaust as you can with larger jets, pods and a full exhaust.

[rickthefix]

put air box back in, install a better breathing filter, aftermarket exhaust & then get the carbs tuned with jetting

[alex.s]

Airbox with no snorkel is the best

[TheDementedDrummer]

Would it be the same with the FI bike?

[Racer x]

+1 for the air box. But jetting the carbs with it in place is difficult. Easy way for the dyno guy is if you strip the whole back of the bike. That way he can pull it in and out easy and save you time and money.
Also pod filters are loud.

[Jiggles]

Your best option would be to design some custom velocity stacks

[Somchai]

Simple answer: YES
And about the snorkel in FI-Bikes look here (post #100 from kbryant) http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showt...ht=area&page=3
2. Removing the airbox intake snorkel does nothing, other than increase the exhaust note (and you can actually hear it above the exhaust note). And truly we noted consistent losses in power. It is not recommended without being able to adjust the A/F curve. So if you "feel" it is producing more power, this is what we refer to as "emotional horsepower".

[mgentz]

If you're trying for all top end, most HP possible, the pod is good. If you want some low-mid, and still get the top, keep the box. I am building a mid-top superbike motor and I am keeping the airbox, but I have modified it by cutting in some bigger holes at the far back end. The resonance of the three sides of the airbox, along with the factory designed intake runners should prove to be pretty effective for this goal.

But it does make jetting and maintanence a PITA.

[Motofool]

Originally Posted by jwollam

..........and # 2. I would really like a second opinion......

Sell the 2008 Ninja 250R and buy a bike with higher c.c.'s.

Avoid putting more stress on the parts of a little engine manufactured six years ago.

[choneofakind]

I say if the dyno guy says to keep the airbox, keep the thing.

I've seen some of the dyno charts from racers with airboxes, and they are impressive. Remember that the airbox is intended to keep a large volume of air to deliver smooth incoming air. It also is tuned to deliver resonances through the intake at a designated rpm that boost power.

As for removing the snorkel, post #100 by Kerry from Area P in the thread about the exhaust for the 300 was warning about removing the snorkel without adjusting the fueling. Of course that will produce less power.

Take the snorkel out, put in a high flow drop-in filter, and let the dyno guy have at it. I'm sure you'll get satisfactory results once he's done doing his thing on the dyno.

[jwollam]

Looks like next weekend I'm putting the stock airbox back in (I really like the look of that big K&N filter sitting behind the side covers lol). Any advice on what jets to throw in there to get it close so I can ride it over to the shop so he can have at it? Just put the stock jets back in?

I can't thank y'all enough for all of the help, unfortunately my work schedule can get pretty demanding which really cuts down on any test and tune to figure out what works. Your combined wisdom is a huge asset, thank you!
I just want to get out and ride

[DaBlue1]

Originally Posted by jwollam

... Any advice on what jets to throw in there to get it close so I can ride it over to the shop so he can have at it? Just put the stock jets back in?

Stock jets will work fine.

Check this thread. http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=102408

[msebastian]

I have k&n airpod on my bike but really had no say in the matter since that is how I bought the bike. Is it wise to get a airbox off of ebay and throw it in or just stick with the pods. Not trying to hijack, just did not want to start a new thread.

[LoD575]

I will be putting the factory airbox minus snorkel back in this spring with a Pipercross filter.

[nikreinert]

I was thinking about this today. What would happen if you got a set of velocity stacks and shimmied them into a pod filter. I'm sure there would be a performance loss, but would it be that great? I guess it comes down to how big the filter pod would need to be to not affect the flow.

[alex.s]

why do you guys want to get rid of the airbox so bad? it does nothing but beneficial effects to the engine. it cleans the air well, keeps liquid out well, you aren't going to get better performance by removing the airbox...