How Air "Works"

[RETed]

Interesting thread...

I dunno why the original poster gave up after the initial flurry, but one of the big things that wasn't touched upon is resonance or Helmhotz[sp?] tuning?
Mazda did mess around with it a lot on the stock induction systems, and having only two combustion chambers, this effect does get magnafied.
This type of tuning is actually counter to the statement about air being a liquid; in this case, the air(flow) is a wave.

As for the replies about pipes, layout, etc...
Placement of the heat exchanger (the IC) is primary.
The placement and paths of the IC pipes are secondary - i.e. just make them fit.
FMIC are popular due to the fact that you're placing the heat exchanger in the most efficient position - where the ambient airflow is highest and most pressurize, i.e. - the front bumper facing forward.
I, personally, don't like all that V-mount crap, cause it's a compromise design - yes, you get short and more direct pipes, but ambient airflow is compromised, usually.
Not many of us measure this efficiency over the entier IC system - pressure in versus pressure out - and dialing most boost is the easy answer to overcome "poor" efficiency numbers...
Running more boost is usually easier than rerouting IC piping...in most cases...


-Ted