5/2/06
I cut out a larger hole that I had sketched out previously.  I am now cutting up file folders to create a template for a new air ram which will be made out of sheet metal.  So far, so good...

4/18/06
I decided to switch back to a stock panel filter.  In doing so, I am considering altering more of the lower half of the airbox to connect to new ducting (instead of the soccer cone).  I took these photos as I investigated my options.  I was a bit disappointed to see the IC hose was in the way of the lower half that I had hoped to make a clear path towards.

10/21/03
On 10/17, I replaced my stock Intercoolers with AWE IC's.  I took some logs to look at intake air temperature and while looking at the logs, I noticed quite a difference in MAF values as well.  Trying to rationalize this, I'm guessing that the lower pressure drop across the AWE IC's is allowing the turbos to work more efficiently and thus able to move more air.  Or it could be that the ICs are causing lower IAT, which allows the engine to want to pull more air in for combustion.  Whatever the reason, check out the nice increase:

10/16/03
Ok, I decided to use my other lower aibox half, and add a port to be used with a velocity stack with the headlight removed.  I went with a 3" hole, and after wandering around Home Depot for some time, I decided on a orange traffic cone to be the best for shape, smoothness, connectivity, etc.  Including the clamp, epoxy, metal strapping, and scrap wood, this project cost ~$10.  The data below the pics shows the positive results.
 

10/14/03
Data now including K&N Cone Filter and Airbox with holes:

10/13/03
For the sole purpose of maximum airflow at the dragstrip, I've been thinking about removing the headlight and adding some sort of ram air intake.  So, I pulled the headlight to see what kind of room I have and where I can enter the airbox.  Ideally, I'd enter the lower half of the airbox since I have an extra useable lower that I could add a port connection and swap it in only for the dragstrip.  If I mod the upper half, I have to do so in a way that I can cap the hole when not in use.  Since I'm rarely at the dragstrip, I prefer the former solution as that way I don't alter what's in the car on a daily basis.  Here's what I have to work with:

10/11/03
I removed the airbox and added two holes.  I cut a 3" hole towards the fender liner just above the liner vents, and also a 1 5/8" hole towards the lowest part of that air cavity which is also protected from the engine and intercooler by the steel beans.

10/9/03
After installing the cone filter into a stock S4 airbox, I logged the MAF data and compared to previous results.  I will be adding a hole to this airbox and logging the data with both the filter and the hole.

10/5/03
Installed cone filter - Using some homemade means, I connected the K&N cone filter to the airbox via a mandrel bent pipe.
 

9/1/03
DAP was also interested in performing this mod, but before doing so, we wanted to collect before and after data to see the effectiveness.  We decided the best method for this would be to take both of our cars out (his Stg2+ with no hole, and my Stg3 with the hole) and log Mass Air Flow readings.  We did a few runs like that, swapped airboxes, then did a few runs in that configuration.  That gave us Before & After data for each car.  Since each time, one of us was performing our Before runs while the other was performing the After runs, we knew that weather conditions would not be an issue.  The weather was the same throughout anyway.  Sure enough, the hole conclusively proved to be better, by flowing more air in both cases.

8/26/03
The RS4 airbox that I have has a port already in it, however it faces forward against the headlight/IC hose.  I have decided to take my S4 airbox lower half and put a new hole facing the vented passenger side wheel well liner.  I drilled a 3" hole, inserted a subwoofer bass port, and capped off the opening with screen material.  It's all held in place with plastic epoxy.

8/4/03
I plan to replace the current panel filter with a cone filter inside of the airbox.  In addition, I am going to add a hole to the airbox, where it faces the vented passenger side wheel well liner.

Part 1: Investigation - Checking to see if my cardboard mock-up of the K&N RX-3990 will fit.  Also, checking to see if I can I connect a 3-3.25" pipe from the MAF connection to the filter.  And finally looking at where the best spot will be to place a hole in the airbox such that I'll get the coolest air.

Part 2: Purchase Filter (K&N RX-3990-1)