BajaRon
Well-known member
I purchased and installed a JT Air Filter mod for my 2008 GS Spyder. This mod will fit any SM5/SE5 Spyder (2008-2016).
It is pretty well known that the stock air box on these model Spyders is a real obstacle to any top end maintenance. Including changing the air filter, spark plug wires and spark plugs. It is pretty restrictive for air flow as well. Plus, this giant box pretty much completely occupies the air space above and around the engine making for a very hot environment in and around the engine compartment. A K&N 50k service air filter helps with air filter maintenance and air flow restriction issues. But you still have that humongous air box to deal with.
You have to understand that the OEM air box's primary purpose is noise reduction, and many other things were sacrificed to achieve this. There were numerous, better options which the BRP engineers could have utilized if efficiently filtering as much air as possible were the primary function they wanted to achieve.
The JT Air Filter Kit provides a great option and cures a lot of ill's. However, everything is a trade-off, and every component has it upside and its down-side. With the JT Air Filter Kit it is additional noise. Some people love the awesome sound made by the intake system. Some don't. I highly recommend the optional foam Pre-Filter. This not only helps the primary filter to last longer. It also reduces intake noise. There is about twice the square inch filter medium with the JT setup as with the OEM filter. And the foam pre-filter isn't going to impact air intake/flow in any appreciable manner.
I did make 1 modification to the JT product. I believe that at least some of the increased noise will be generated from the air, at high velocity, going over the sharp edges on the intake plate. So I cut the intake vortex off of my stock air cleaner, sanded it flat and even on my belt sander, drilled a hole in the center for the mounting bolt and applied a bit of high temp silicone sealant to the bottom of it to make an air-tight seal to the intake plate. This will smooth the air flow, eliminate the sharp edge and theoretically flow more air.
Will any of my additional efforts make a difference? Who knows. I have not had the chance to try it out yet. It won't curb any of the throttle body throat noise. But I enjoyed the process and who knows? It might actually make a difference! Can't hurt!
It is pretty well known that the stock air box on these model Spyders is a real obstacle to any top end maintenance. Including changing the air filter, spark plug wires and spark plugs. It is pretty restrictive for air flow as well. Plus, this giant box pretty much completely occupies the air space above and around the engine making for a very hot environment in and around the engine compartment. A K&N 50k service air filter helps with air filter maintenance and air flow restriction issues. But you still have that humongous air box to deal with.
You have to understand that the OEM air box's primary purpose is noise reduction, and many other things were sacrificed to achieve this. There were numerous, better options which the BRP engineers could have utilized if efficiently filtering as much air as possible were the primary function they wanted to achieve.
The JT Air Filter Kit provides a great option and cures a lot of ill's. However, everything is a trade-off, and every component has it upside and its down-side. With the JT Air Filter Kit it is additional noise. Some people love the awesome sound made by the intake system. Some don't. I highly recommend the optional foam Pre-Filter. This not only helps the primary filter to last longer. It also reduces intake noise. There is about twice the square inch filter medium with the JT setup as with the OEM filter. And the foam pre-filter isn't going to impact air intake/flow in any appreciable manner.
I did make 1 modification to the JT product. I believe that at least some of the increased noise will be generated from the air, at high velocity, going over the sharp edges on the intake plate. So I cut the intake vortex off of my stock air cleaner, sanded it flat and even on my belt sander, drilled a hole in the center for the mounting bolt and applied a bit of high temp silicone sealant to the bottom of it to make an air-tight seal to the intake plate. This will smooth the air flow, eliminate the sharp edge and theoretically flow more air.
Will any of my additional efforts make a difference? Who knows. I have not had the chance to try it out yet. It won't curb any of the throttle body throat noise. But I enjoyed the process and who knows? It might actually make a difference! Can't hurt!
Last edited:
hyea:
opcorn: will try that mod out and see if I see or hear a difference. 
