Dashboard Ventilation

Owned by Cordelia Pui Men Yu (Deactivated)
Last updated: May 08, 2021
3 min read

ASC ventilation regulations

Photos to get a general idea on what we’re trying to achieve:

Website the above photo is from: https://www.howacarworks.com/cooling-systems/checking-heater-and-ventilator-output

  • In the above photo, you can see how the ventilation ducts are connected to the vent openings

Website the above photo is from: Gasoline Smell in Car, 5 Common Causes

  • Generally, air comes in from the gap where the bottom of the windshield and top edge of the hood meets

  • Air also comes in from the front bumper, but that’s generally used to cool the engine in a normal vehicle

Websites to look at for background info on ventilation:

  • How ventilation works in vehicles:

*Basic, high level knowledge if you don’t know how ventilation works in a vehicle

https://drivetribe.com/p/how-car-heating-and-ventilation-MjhMvzo4TmCACCDYrKgCEw?iid=Ujk-t4SVRVCVN1Gq7C-5mg

 

  • Car with no dash to reference where air is coming from

*Helpful to get an idea on which areas the air enters from behind the dashboard

https://www.billswebspace.com/BMWE30DashboardSwap.htm

 

  • Air filters

*For if we consider using an air filter - Spoke to Renzo about this, and this is TBD, might not need air filter

*Air filters are used to prevent toxins from outside air from entering the vehicle cabin

Reference photos:

*To get an idea of what an “air filter” refers to

https://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/759928-secondary-cabin-air-filter?highlight=secondary+air+filter

How to change an air filter:

*May be helpful if we would like to add one to our design - gives us an idea on how and where to install it

How to Replace Your Automotive Cabin Air Filter - 2CarPros

 

  • Highest pressure is at bumper:

*Air flows from high to low pressure, so you want to place your entering point at an area of high pressure

http://www.gcdataconcepts.com/carairflow.html  

 

Videos to get an idea on how to DIY a vehicle air intake:

  • Using an aluminum air duct from Home Depot:

Air Duct?! What is this?

  • Using a PVC pipe to DIY a cold air intake:

DIY Cold Air Intake p1 - The Racing Seat

  • Another PVC pipe DIY cold air intake:

DIY cold air intake (SAVE GAS)

  • Silicon hose DIY cold air intake:

MX5 NA Miata - How to build your own Cold Air Intake and heat shield

Most common duct materials:

Reference website: https://www.eastsideventilation.ca/b/how-ducts-are-made#:~:text=Galvanized%20steel%20and%20aluminum%20are,an%20alternative%20to%20metal%20ductwork .

Summary of / key points from website above:

  • Galvanized steel and aluminum - most common metals used to create ducts

    • Most metal duct manufacturers add fiberglass liners to insulate the duct and reduce air leaks

  • Fiber glass on its own is an alternative to metal ductwork 

    • Lightweight and has built in heat and sound insulation

    • More expensive than metal though

  • Plastic ducts are also used

    • Their flexibility is notable

 

Price comparison of different materials:

Google sheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1p60YIb5TGCI6koNWzts8Qk9SDey9gd1OiO1GJCeZ8gE/edit#gid=0

  • The sheet has all of the details and specs about each material and where to purchase it as well

*I believe we’re going with the chip bag option

 

How air flows works for vehicles:

Helpful info for DIYing the duct: