I know similar questions have been asked on numerous occasions, and I have done quite a bit of research on the subject.
I have read Shazaam!’s very informative post on this subject:
http://www.ducati.ms/forums/showthread.php?t=18854
I’ve seen the Dyno charts on the Sigma Performance website:
http://www.sigmaperformance.com/996biptech.html
I’ve read threads on here and elsewhere:
http://www.ducati.ms/forums/showthread.php?t=61239&highlight=madduc
The bike is a 996. It has the following relevant modifications:
- Pistal High Comp Pistons
- G-Cams
- 54mm Throttle bodies from Vee-Two
- 54mm full Termignoni system
- Large capacity carbon airbox from Vee-Two
- Larger carbon air runners
- Corse carbon large oil breather tank
- 1.6M ECU, Power Commander III and relevant chip
The bike is to be raced in the UK’s National Endurance series, which comprises 6-hour events.
In its standard road going form the bike did have an ITG aftermarket, over the velocity stack filter. This was mostly for safety, and previously the locking bolt thingy from the tank had been lost down bell mouths (f*ck!).
However, from everything I have read these types of filters reduce air flow and resonance in the airbox, resulting in a loss in horse power. Given that we’re racing a 9 year old bike against modern R1s and the ilk, this is not what we want! I've read about between 3-10bhp loss due to these types of filters.
Having said that, I’m also concerned about the safety aspects of a crash resulting in crud going down the bell mouths. I can’t afford another rebuild this season.
Have considered the MadDuc filters, but are reluctant for two reasons:
- People saying that the filtration properties of these race filters aren’t great. I don’t mind regular cleaning of filters, and would do so after every race, but this bike will be flogged for 6 hours at a time, not a 15 lap sprint.
- They fit directly over the velocity stacks and adversely affect airflow around them.
I’ve considered the stock OEM in-air-runner filters, but those like the Pipercross filter won’t fit in our larger carbon airruners.
This leaves me thinking about the Superbike (Australia) filters:
http://www.ducationly.com.au/ducati_air_filters.html
We would lose the additional safety of having something covering the bell mouths, but would gain in that they take up very minimal space in the airbox and don’t disrupt velocity stack air flow. Their filtration properties look good (well, I haven’t seen anyone complain) and I’m happy to clean after every race.
Of course, as Shazaam! has pointed out in his article and on various threads, they don’t provide any Dyno charts comparing to stock OEM filters.
One Ducati dealer, had this to say about my query:
"I don't really have an opinion or preference on air filter, nor have tested for power gains etc. I would say, ITG is good for safety, although standard filters do a bloody good job. Ideally you want, free flowing filter, minimal air flow intrusion, over the inlet tract. Lots of choice as you have found."
Doh!
What do you fine Ducati people on the Interwebs think? Are there other solutions I’m not aware of? Opinions please!
I have read Shazaam!’s very informative post on this subject:
http://www.ducati.ms/forums/showthread.php?t=18854
I’ve seen the Dyno charts on the Sigma Performance website:
http://www.sigmaperformance.com/996biptech.html
I’ve read threads on here and elsewhere:
http://www.ducati.ms/forums/showthread.php?t=61239&highlight=madduc
The bike is a 996. It has the following relevant modifications:
- Pistal High Comp Pistons
- G-Cams
- 54mm Throttle bodies from Vee-Two
- 54mm full Termignoni system
- Large capacity carbon airbox from Vee-Two
- Larger carbon air runners
- Corse carbon large oil breather tank
- 1.6M ECU, Power Commander III and relevant chip
The bike is to be raced in the UK’s National Endurance series, which comprises 6-hour events.
In its standard road going form the bike did have an ITG aftermarket, over the velocity stack filter. This was mostly for safety, and previously the locking bolt thingy from the tank had been lost down bell mouths (f*ck!).
However, from everything I have read these types of filters reduce air flow and resonance in the airbox, resulting in a loss in horse power. Given that we’re racing a 9 year old bike against modern R1s and the ilk, this is not what we want! I've read about between 3-10bhp loss due to these types of filters.
Having said that, I’m also concerned about the safety aspects of a crash resulting in crud going down the bell mouths. I can’t afford another rebuild this season.
Have considered the MadDuc filters, but are reluctant for two reasons:
- People saying that the filtration properties of these race filters aren’t great. I don’t mind regular cleaning of filters, and would do so after every race, but this bike will be flogged for 6 hours at a time, not a 15 lap sprint.
- They fit directly over the velocity stacks and adversely affect airflow around them.
I’ve considered the stock OEM in-air-runner filters, but those like the Pipercross filter won’t fit in our larger carbon airruners.
This leaves me thinking about the Superbike (Australia) filters:
http://www.ducationly.com.au/ducati_air_filters.html
We would lose the additional safety of having something covering the bell mouths, but would gain in that they take up very minimal space in the airbox and don’t disrupt velocity stack air flow. Their filtration properties look good (well, I haven’t seen anyone complain) and I’m happy to clean after every race.
Of course, as Shazaam! has pointed out in his article and on various threads, they don’t provide any Dyno charts comparing to stock OEM filters.
One Ducati dealer, had this to say about my query:
"I don't really have an opinion or preference on air filter, nor have tested for power gains etc. I would say, ITG is good for safety, although standard filters do a bloody good job. Ideally you want, free flowing filter, minimal air flow intrusion, over the inlet tract. Lots of choice as you have found."
Doh!
What do you fine Ducati people on the Interwebs think? Are there other solutions I’m not aware of? Opinions please!
