Originally Posted by Alan
Oscar Jackson dyno'd a few different airfilter setups on a JRSC SVT Focus. The best gains were found with the stock SVT airbox/snorkel and a K&N panel filter. Granted the results are probably different in a n/a SVT, but this is why I decided to just stick with a K&N panel filter and call it a day.
Check out FocusSport's cool-flo. Similar to the K&N in that it uses a short ram design with a heat shield to help keep the hot air away from the filter. I believe it still uses the stock SVT snorkel to pump cold air from the upper grille to the filter.
Being that the Tampa area floods so easily and severely in practically any rain storm...I would stay away from any kit that locates the filter into the fender well area. The minimal 1-2hp gain isn't worth the risk of water ingestion.
Currently, I am using a K&N panel filter in my stock airbox. There was no noticeable performance gain in my opinion. Also, I figured, cool air or warm air, more air has to be better. The tiny little snorkles that feed the stock SVTF airbox can't possibly be getting much air into the intake plenum/manifold. Then again, I'm sure the fine folks from Ford's SVE team and Cosworth that developed the technology in the SVTF would have considered that. So maybe the stock box should be left alone, and i should save my money. Damn...I dunno.