Rod has really worked hard to improve the system, and to answer some of the criticisms about warm air intake at take-off power etc. Here is a series of emails he sent me as the system evolved. Click on any picture for a blow-up.

John, I now have a 3" alum tube extension in lieu of the turbo hose. It is flared to fit the front of the ram air valve. A hole is cut in the top of the aluminum tube just ahead of the ram air valve and a fiberglass duct is incorporated to cover it and supply cool air the filter. This solves the cool air source for the filter. Now I have a system that has a separate cool filtered air, separate ram air and separate heated air in the event that a bird strike occurs. Still using the spring loaded air door as a safety device in the event of total inlet blockage.

I will keep you posted on the progress and let you know the dimensions for the system using the RU-2510 and RU-2520 filters. John, forgot to mention that the canister I sent you has been modified . I have increased the diameter by 1/4" to provide more side clearance for the 540 cu.in. motors. I have also made arrangements to have a machined alt air door kit that is to be put in with #8 screws rather than being riveted in. This will make the kit easier to put together and service the spring in event of failure.
Rod

John, a few pics on the latest version.. This system will allow fresh filtered air when the valve is closed and not rely on the warm inside air from the lower cowl. This system prevents any loss of fresh ram air pressure and still uses the cool outside air  available in a full time filtered air system that most aircraft use. In the event of ice or bird strike and the total inlet closure then the spring loaded alternate air door opens and allows the warm inside air to enter. I have a spring loaded billet door with integrated hinges for the alt air  and it screws into the canister with #6 screws for ease of maintenance. Post on your web if you want as I am still working on my own site. 

 Rod

Rod will sell individual pieces, or entire systems.

Rod Bower, n180rb "at" aol.com, or his cell phone, 559-972-6291.

1/22/06 -- Here are some pictures of the latest refinement of the system

The latest mod provides ram air pressure, even when the valve is closed (i.e. through the filter). When the valve is open, the air bypasses the filter.

9/1/08

Rod has now gone "whole hog" with this system. He has adopted my reed valve approach to the can, and tooled up for a spun aluminum can, and a full kit of professionally machined components.

Here are some pictures of the new 540 system (long filter) installed on my RV8.

                                   My Old vs New  

I machined a spacer to get the valve shaft forward of the starter and alternator. Since I have the ECI cold sump intake system, this may not be necessary in many installations. I have sent Rod a drawing of the spacer so he can supply them if there is a demand.

Details and dimensions are available on    Rod's website.