42 Draft Designs has long avoided the crowded air intake marketplace. In order for an intake project to captivate our attention, the goal must be difficult to achieve. With the Mk4 R32 as our platform, we set out to create a high quality intake with a clean look that truly delivers. Although the process was far from simple, the finished product exceeds our expectations with ease.
Our High-Flow Intake System combines an oversized air filter with an engineered velocity stack in an accurately shaped heatshield. Precision machining, fabrication, and finishing methods are used throughout. The result is an air intake system that delivers serious gains and looks the part.
To understand how it works, lets take a look at the construction. Starting at the MAF, an adaptor slides over the MAF while a silicone o-ring creates a seal. Our velocity stack slides through the heatshield and attaches to the MAF adaptor with an o-ring seal. The velocity stack represents the heart of the intake, drawing air equally from all sides and accelerating it to the opening of the MAF. An oversized air filter properly fits the velocity stack, minimally restricting airflow. The heatshield represents the backbone of the intake, holding the components together, mounting to the engine bay, and shielding the filter from engine bay temperatures.
The entire system assembles and installs with perfection thanks to the extensive craftsmanship used to create each component. The MAF adaptor and velocity stack are CNC machined from 6061 aluminum. O-ring grooves are utilized and contours follow the OEM MAF flange. The heatshield is constructed from waterjet cut 304 stainless steel. Each piece is fitted and TIG welded on precision tooling to assure accurate fitment. The heatshield is finished with a satin black powdercoat and stainless steel hardware is used to assemble the components.
Installed in the engine bay, our intake appears oversized and robust. On the road, our intake unleashes power and sound. The sound created by the velocity stack can only be described as vicious. Substantial power gains can be felt throughout the power band with no loss of low-end torque.
We set out to create a serious air intake system and we're confident that we've succeeded. To learn more about our High-Flow Intake System, follow the tabs above.
- CNC Machined 6061 Aluminum
- CNC Waterjet Cut 304 Stainless Steel
- TIG Welded Construction
- Silicone O-Rings
- 100% Stainless Steel Hardware
- Satin Black Powdercoated Finish
FITMENT NOTES:
- Fits 2004 Golf R32
- Fits OEM & Aftermarket Turbo Inlet Pipes
- Retains Factory SAI Plumbing
- Reversible - No Modification Required
No Silicone.
Eliminating the use of silicone couplers was an important goal for this project. Although silicone couplers get the job done, we saw two major drawbacks and decided to avoid them. The first lies within the coupler itself. Smooth transitions are key to the function of a velocity stack and proper MAF readings. If the MAF is connected to the velocity stack with a silicone coupler, a series of edges inside the coupler create turbulence which can counteract the effect of the velocity stack. We find that a smooth, shallow transition from the velocity stack to the nose of the MAF produces the most power. The second drawback is all about appearance. We think silicone couplers look messy, so we decided to machine a MAF adaptor that allows the MAF to slide into and bolt to our intake. The photos above and below show our CNC machined MAF adaptor and how we achieved our goal of no silicone.
6 Inch Aluminum Velocity Stack.
The purpose of this project was to develop an intake that delivered serious power gains. In order to achieve gains beyond a simple cone filter we designed a velocity stack to augment the intake airstream. Our velocity stack draws air from a 18.85" perimeter, accelerating and evenly distributing the air molecules across the inlet of the MAF. This methodical distribution of airflow from a larger area to a smaller area results in higher atmospheric pressures within the intake airstream and more accurate MAF readings. An overall increase in efficiency delivers power gains throughout the power band. Other intakes typically deliver top-end gains and low-end losses. Thanks to our velocity stack, our high-flow intake system delivers power from idle to redline. The photos above and below show various angles of our CNC machined velocity stack.
Massive 6 Inch Air Filter.
To compliment the airflow characteristics of our velocity stack a serious filter is needed. We chose a K&N filter with a 6 inch inlet and a 6 inch overall length. The shape of this filter allows our velocity stack to draw air equally from the sides without additional steps or turbulence. K&N filters were chosen based on their excellent reputation and proven performance. The photos above and below document just how massive this air filter really is!
Precision Fitment.
Precision fitment is the only fitment we offer. From o-rings to mounting brackets our high-flow intake system is built to fit like an OEM accessory. Starting with the MAF, our MAF adaptor follows the exact contour of the MAF flange, seals the nose, and allows the MAF to bolt to our intake system. The velocity stack slides through our heatshield and attaches to the MAF adaptor with a silicone o-ring seal. The heatshield is CNC waterjet cut from stainless steel, bent and TIG welded. Waterjet cutting gives us accurate shapes and repeatable fitment. Our mounting brackets are perfectly positioned to fit without bending or modification. Air filter placement is no accident. Precision placement of our velocity stack within the heatshield allows the air filter to install without touching the heatshield. This ensures the air filter will never be "banged-up" like other intakes. The photos above and below highlight the details and the overall fitment of our intake system.
Complete SAI Hardware.
Many intake systems fail to include proper secondary air injection hardware. Most include a filter and a zip tie leaving the installer to "figure it out." That approach is not good enough for our customers. To address the loose SAI tube we machined an adaptor which allows the installation of a small filter. This adaptor clicks into the SAI hose like a factory connection. No modification to the factory hose is necessary making this upgrade completely reversible. Our adaptor allows the connection of a filter with a 1" inlet. The filter we include is visibly larger than most SAI filters. This larger filter allows the SAI pump to breathe, keeping it quiet when in use. A stainless steel rubber lined clamp is included to support the assembled tube and filter.
The Details.
If you haven't noticed, we're obsessed with detail. We believe the quality of a product is only as great as the sum of the details. Our high-flow intake system is no exception. From the overall fitment down to the milling marks on the aluminum, we've left nothing to chance. Take a look at the detailed machining that lightens the velocity stack. Every edge is finished and chamfered. Take a look at the heatshield and notice how the cutouts allow the machine work to shine. This intake system is loaded with detail from top to bottom. The photos above and below highlight a few interesting details.
42 Draft Design is a manufacturer of high performance parts and accessories for VW, Audi, Porsche, and BMW vehicles. From exhaust and intakes to custom catch cans and billet aluminum engine parts, 42 Draft Designs covers it all and prides themselves on never cutting corners, always delivering the best possible products to enthusiasts.
42 Draft Designs products are manufactured from scratch in Millersville, MD. We use high-quality American-made materials throughout our products, manufacturing in-house every component possible. When necessary to outsource, we start with American companies that manufacture their products in the USA. Our modest manufacturing facility is staffed by a team of 12 machinists, metal fabricators, and TIG welders trained to work in exacting precision. From design to manufacturing we never rush, cut corners, or take shortcuts.
Due to growing demand for our products, lead times may exist.
Most items with a lead time are considered 'Made To Order' items and are subject to an early cancelation fee and a restocking fee if returned.
)
