Random thought on Stillen Gen 3 and VVEL
 

I was looking at different dyno's of the JWT intakes vs the Stillen Gen 3 long tubes, and began to wonder why the huge difference in power. Yes the usual lower IAT thoughts come to mind, allowing for the ECU to keep/add timing, but that can't be it alone. Then I saw that video explaining some of the VVEL technology, and a thought came to me. Since throttling is happening at the point of the intake valves, and not at the TB during post startup operation, Tubes are essentially acting as an extension of the upper intake plenum. The longer tubes add additional volume, but also and more importantly increase air velocity. Both these factors are important in adding torque in NA motors. Basically the upper plenum has had several liters of volume added, and it's runners lengthened by 3 feet. Just a random opinion I thought I'd share.

Pete

I too have suspected that, intake air temp aside, the primary benefit of the Stillen Gen 3 intakes is that they're capable of increased air velocity over the stock intakes. I hadn't considered the volume aspect though. I suppose if under real driving conditions the throttle plates are mostly held wide open, then yes when you punch the gas, the whole air volume out to the filters is acting as increased plenum volume when the VVEL opens up the intake ports and demands more air.

On the other hand, I don't think plenum volume really does anything at steady-state, it really just helps in responding to sudden increases in air demand from the engine. Then again I really don't know jack about this subject at any deeply technical level, so take this all as random musings :)

Volume definately plays a part. I had a nitrous backfire once through a GT40 intake on 5.0l Mustang. The backfire expanded the upper by almost an inch in height, increasing the total volume. The car subsequently made 15 more hp on the dyno. The magical world of fluid dynamics!

Now that is pretty funny haha.

OP, interesting thought.