Moving power steering box = longer air filter

[Meister]

I happened to mention, in a note to Rev.Hammer on the other forum, that the power steering reservoir was certainly a nuisance in its present location, preventing the use of a much longer air filter element. "Why don't you move it?" was his response. He then proceeded to inform me that the 350 hp Chargers can accept a larger filter than can the 300Cs & Magnums due to a different mounting location of the power steering pump from the factory.

The Rev. pointed out that by simply using the mounting slot at the mid-point on the coolant tank to suspend the power steering reservoir rather than the end slot, the reservoir is cleverly tucked out of the way of the air filter. Doing so provides room for an additional 3 or 4 inches of filtration, perhaps more depending on the filter, when using a conical air filter. To do so merely move the small locking tab at the base of the slot aside with your thumb and lift the power steering reservoir straight up and out.

Another great tip from the wily Reverend here: While it's out, rotate the hose clamps 180* with a pair of standard pliers to keep them from snagging the filter. Note that you're rotating only the clamps, NOT the hoses.

Then drop the reservoir gently into the mid-tank mounting slot, making sure the locking tab engages, and Voila!

Amazing! So simple, yet so effective.

Note: Relocating the power steering reservoir to the mid-point of the coolant tank requires the removal of most existing heat shields or filter boxes.

Pure genius! Thanks, Rev.

Edit: Despite the sheer simplicity of performing this configuration change, knowing how fond many are of pics I'd have included them if I had them. So far I've merely verified [using the V-6 Charger courtesy car the dealer provided while servicing my car] how simple removal of the power steering reservoir from its present location is, and that there is, in fact, the second slot at the mid-point on the coolant tank to receive it. When I receive my longer filter, remove my existing heat shield and relocate the power steering reservoir, I'll add pics. In the meantime, anyone who has been stymied at fitting a longer filter can easily proceed with the fix with the present, clear, instructions.

It would be inappropriate of me to withhold information of this import for weeks pending arrival of parts.

[65standard]

"inform me that the 350 hp Chargers can accept a larger filter than can the 300Cs & Magnums due to a different mounting location of the power steering pump from the factory."

i can't see any difference on where the pump is located on a daytona and my car.

[Meister]

Originally Posted by 65standard

"inform me that the 350 hp Chargers can accept a larger filter than can the 300Cs & Magnums due to a different mounting location of the power steering pump from the factory."

i can't see any difference on where the pump is located on a daytona and my car.

Read the post again, Tony - we're addressing the reservoir, not the pump. That should clear up your question.

If you still have questions refer to the attached photo. On 300Cs and Magnums the power steering reservoir sits in front of the typical aftermarket air intake, as shown here. If this were a Charger Daytona the power steering reservoir would be sitting to the direct left of the air filter element, nestled in the crotch of the tank, hanging from the slotted bracket molded into the coolant tank. In this picture my heat shield is mounted in that slotted bracket, blocking the slot from view.

To perform the mod one merely removes the air filter element and heat shield, moves the reservoir to the coolant tank's mid-point bracket and then installs a significantly larger filter. Or keeps the same size filter and takes advantage of the improved airflow to the funnel cone in the end of the filter. Either way airflow into the intake is facilitated.

Remember to rotate the hose clamps 180* with a pair of standard pliers to keep them from snagging the filter.

[65standard]

the daytonas are no different than the magnums or 300Cs that i can see. i understand where you want to move the reservoir, but the daytonas do not come stock in that new location.

if you move the reservoir, i can see it will allow for a longer filter, but it would limit the diameter now.

[SRT8DRVR]

Originally Posted by Meister

. If this were a Charger Daytona the power steering reservoir would be sitting to the direct left of the air filter element, nestled in the crotch of the tank, hanging from the slotted bracket molded into the coolant tank. In this picture my heat shield is mounted in that slotted bracket, blocking the slot from view.

To perform the mod one merely removes the air filter element and heat shield, moves the reservoir to the coolant tank's mid-point bracket and then installs a significantly larger filter. .

I get it, but what happens to the heat shield. If you are now using the slotted bracked in the tank for the reservoir mount, then there is no place to remount as well as no room for heast shield. Sounds like a fair amount of cutting and refitting is called for.

[Meister]

Originally Posted by SRT8DRVR

I get it, but what happens to the heat shield. If you are now using the slotted bracked in the tank for the reservoir mount, then there is no place to remount as well as no room for heast shield. Sounds like a fair amount of cutting and refitting is called for.

Possibly you missed the following note in post #1: "Note: Relocating the power steering reservoir to the mid-point of the coolant tank requires the removal of most existing heat shields or filter boxes."

There are a number of LX owners of 5.7s who are attempting to install larger filters and are running up against the power steerting reservoir. The purpose of this post to make all aware of the alternate mounting location for the reservoir in case they are in need of additional space behind the left headlights.

You now know what all the available options are and can thus make a much more informed decision as to how to proceed should you desire to install a larger filter, which is, afterall, the basic premise of post #1.

If happy with your present system, by all means stay with it.

Originally Posted by 65standard

...if you move the reservoir, i can see it will allow for a longer filter, but it would limit the diameter now.

Not by nearly as much as you may think. With the power steering reservoir relocated to the mid-point of the coolant tank one can now angle the intake duct down and thus fit the filter below the main bulkhead, down where the coolest air is just above the air delivery port cut out.

Total filtration/flow area will definitely increase.

[StealthAuto]

Meister, GREAT write-up!!!

-Aaron

[Meister]

Originally Posted by StealthAuto

Meister, GREAT write-up!!!

-Aaron

Thank you, Aaron. The implications are far reaching in terms of what a clever modder can now do with all the potential free space behind the left headlights.

Originally Posted by 65standard

the daytonas are no different than the magnums or 300Cs that i can see. i understand where you want to move the reservoir, but the daytonas do not come stock in that new location...

You are absolutely correct, Tony. I had misunderstood what the Rev.Hammer told me - none of the LXes has its power steering reservoir relocated to the mid-point of coolant tank at the factory.

Which means that it was an original discovery all the way on the Rev's part. Making it even more sheer genius than I'd originally thought. Wowzers!

[65standard]

"it was an original discovery all the way on the Rev's part"

it is a good idea for guys that need the extra room. i need the rev in my corner to help work out the bugs in my combination.

[MattRobertson]

Here's what it all looks like if you need something to visualize...

First of all, I moved my intake out of the way in about a minute. then I spent about 10 seconds moving the reservoir. Its that easy. However there were a couple complications.

The hoses have enough memory of their old location to be a bit goofy in their chosen paths. While I would have preferred to use a wire tie or two to bind them together (where did I put them, anyway?), a bungie cord worked in a pinch (I know. Shaddap).



At this point I could get the filter in, but there was STILL some wasted space. There's this little plug affixed to the front framework and if it was just not there, I could make use of a few more inches of room (and we could all use a few more inches, right ladies?).



Removing the plug was simple. It only sits on a little clip. Remove the thing and stuff it down on the corner. Theres plenty of extra wire and no need to tug around on it.



Whats next is Frankentake-specific, since Frankentake sits down low so it can sit face first in the middle of all that cool air. I have extended the filter out on the tube so much that it will sit on the fender. So a little red 3M super-sticky tape in a couple layers provides a permanent, durable cushion and rattle-eliminator. You can see a previous application of the same stuff from a different Frankentake just to the left of the new patch.



The filter's edge sits nicely on the tape cushion; way down low in the breezeway.



And here's the end result: A 12" Frankentake III mk.2 which uses the longer tube designed for the 10" mk.1. Boy that blue hose sure looks crappy now that the blue filter is gone. Cheap $2 fix, fortunately.



How much was gained? See for yourself. Look at the mounting bolt for the stock airbox. Note its position relative to the filter. Thats one hell of a difference; and PLENTY to get the filter fully into the ambient air pocket.