Bike feels different-Ram Air Filter Kit

[buddazero]

Hey Everyone,

I've been riding for 3 years and I still have a lot to learn, so I apologize in advance if what I'm about to say sounds stupid.

I went to the dealership and had them install the Ram Air Filter Kit, I didn't wanna install it myself because I would have messed it up ( still learning ). When I first got on the bike back after installation, I noticed several new things. Mainly the sound, which is not a problem, its loud and it sounds great.

First things first, I know for a fact this dealership did nothing wrong, because the mechanic has a rocket, as well as several guys, and they've installed this thing plenty of times, and not one of the people who got this kit ever complained about it, and they've been riding for 20+ years.

The Ram Air filter kit is suppose to give you a bit more Horse Power, does that necessarily mean more acceleration? I use to be able to "feel" the bike more because the air was flowing underneath me, now since it's not anymore, the feeling is coming more towards the front now. Right now, since this installation, the bike sometimes feels like its working just a tad bit harder...to get to where it has to go. Maybe its in my head because the "feeling" is different, again I apologize if I sound stupid right now. I can't tell if this kit changed anything at all, except the location of the filter (I took out the old filter under the seat when I got home, since its now needed anymore).

Another thing I noticed is that the bike runs hotter, yes I was in traffic, but for some reason this time it felt it was hotter, the temperature gauge kept coming on. Now this can be explained because I was riding 1st gear a lot because I was trying to compare the acceleration to before I got this kit (as you can tell...I'm paranoid), plus it was 83 degrees.

Again, this kit was installed perfectly by seasoned professionals who have 20 + years experience, and those before got it installed by them had no issues. So, since I don't have that experience...can anyone put my mind at ease by explaining to me:

1) Does this kit give more HP, thus more acceleration...or not?

2) Does it make the engine run hotter?

3) For anyone who has gotten this kit, what has been you experience?

4) Should I get it Dyno tuned (and is it called "Dyno tuned")?

Best,

Budda

 

[Boog]

Hello Budda,
You should indeed hear more air coming in and the injector noise is often likened to chirping crickets. That is normal.
The RamAir allows the engine to breathe better thus you should have more power.
Have you modified the exhaust?
Did the dealership install a new tune in your ECU?
To get the best improvement both should be done. Keep in mind that the engine is just a big air pump. The more air it pumps, the more power you get. Having the correct tune keeps the air fuel ratio balanced so your engines not run hot.

 

[breeze]

no expert I am but more air you let in the leaner its going to run therefore the hotter it will run maybe just the ram air maybe not but...,the know more than me will join in when they can

 

[buddazero]

I still have the Stock Pipes,, was thinking of getting new ones.

I'm unclear if they tuned my ECU, that's something I have to ask first thing tomorrow.

 

[barbagris]

1) Does this kit give more HP, thus more acceleration...or not?
2) Does it make the engine run hotter?
3) For anyone who has gotten this kit, what has been you experience?
4) Should I get it Dyno tuned (and is it called "Dyno tuned")?

1) It will allow you to flow more air which CAN allow more power. But on it's own without some other alterations it alone does not give more power.
2) Again you are allowing more air in, but without more fuel - you run lean - Lean can equal HOT. You mention slow hot running. Hot temps and poor airflow over the rad, will mean hot air wash getting drawn into the RamAir - this results in low air density - less O2 - so the bikes adjusts to less fuel still. It can become a vicious circle.
3) The RamAir was designed to ease maintenance and still fit under the air claw. NOT specifically for more power. The guy who designed it DOES NOT work for RamAir. He designed it (with my prodding) and made a present of the design to Ramair. He gave the prototype filter to me and I ran with it for years until Ramair insisted on giving me a production version. It does flow more air. But you will almost certainly need to have the fueling altered to get the extra grunt.
4) Dyno tuning ALWAYS helps. But you are advised to look for a specialist who KNOWS how to do the R3.

IF - you decide to change the exhausts - and especially if you change the headers - Expect to HAVE TO DYNO TUNE.
Or add a Power Commander V with the Auto-Tune add on box.

But I would suggest you look for other guys local to you who can tell you which Dyno guys in your area do the R3 well.

 

[scot in exile]

What you feel is all in the mind(except the noise) as stated no power gain when only changing the filter, a good start but to get the benefits you will need a new exhaust so as the engine can breathe.

 

[MIG]

I haven't done this yet, but have read enough to know the install should follow with a an updated tune to adjust to for the added airflow and leaner mixer (which runs hotter as already mentioned). I suggest you read up on TuneECU, acquire the the proper cable, and talk more with the experts here on the right tune for your needs. (I know just enough here to be dangerous... and take 3-times as long to do it.)
-MIG

 

[buddazero]

I got in contact with the dealership. They told me that they did Tune the ECU, is just standard, which I suspected. I do believe that the feeling is all in my head due to the now power gain, so thank you for clarifying that @scot in exile . As stated the Ram AIr Filter kit by itself is just a relocation kit for the air filter. So, I know that my next step is to get a new exhaust. I'm based in New York, so Carpenter Racing is 2 hours away from me.

They specialize in the Rocket 3 and exhaust pipes, so my first thought was to give them a call.

This may sound childish, but personally I love the look of the dual exhaust, but this may be something I just have to get rid of.

@barbagris Thank you for taking a look and getting back to my concerns, and to everyone else I thank you as well. Now, going from when you said the bike running hotter. Since the ECU was Tuned after the install, is this still normal for the bike to run hotter then it did before? Tomorrow I'm going to take the bike out again, ride around the city and see how it runs, and if not tomorrow then definitely Monday.

Has anyone here replaced their exhaust system? And should I get a slip-on, or a full system exhaust upgrade?

 

[Paul Bryant]

This may sound childish, but personally I love the look of the dual exhaust, but this may be something I just have to get rid of.

Has anyone here replaced their exhaust system? And should I get a slip-on, or a full system exhaust upgrade?

I build this twin muffler slip on (to the stock header) kit, my header will slide straight into this if required, or wanted at a later date.

 

[barbagris]

@1olbull -

.....They told me that they did Tune the ECU, is just standard, which I suspected.......Since the ECU was Tuned after the install, is this still normal for the bike to run hotter then it did before?

That there is the answer - The retune to the same stock tune - did nothing - just reset any prior adaption back to zero. Ride about a bit - but not in traffic and it may well settle down a bit.

If you decide to change pipes - for any reason other than aesthetics - make sure you go for a full system with well flowed headers. Have it all Dynotuned once fitted - and you WILL see more power - but moreover torque.