Greetings all, just wondered if anyone has used a "Tornado" air intake swirl device? Their web site claims the usual, more power, better MPG, etc. I have seen them at Autozone and PepBoys. Any comments and do these things really work

 

Snake oil.

 

MmmmKayyyyy. you lost me there? What's snake oil

 

I said the same thing.

 

I HAD ONE ON MY DODGE DAKODA V8 PICKUP. IT DID INPROVE MILAGE BY 3MPG AND I CHECKED IT OUT 5 TIMES. DIFF GAS STATIONS SAME OCTANE 89 AS FOR PERFORMANCE ID SAY YES AS MY FOOT WAS ALWAYS TO THE FLOOR ON THAT TRUCK

 

I was given one, by a relative in Indiana on a recent vacation. I used it for about 2 tanks of gas. I did have an increase of slightly more than one mile per gallon but, I can't testify that it was due to the device. It was in use for the time I was in that state and I had no actual comparison for it. Only an estimation of what I usually get in MPG, for city driving, and what I actually achieved. But, that could have been due to cooler temperature, humidity, road conditions, fuel composition, etc. Last I heard it was still sitting on his workbench.

So, in an honest statement...I will reserve my OPINION. But, I will say.....this device and others that are similar have been around for a while. Would you not think the auto manufacturers would have adopted the concept, and employed it into their own intake designs, if it is so revolutionary??????

Oh, as stated below.... I did get engine codes twice, but it didn't seem to alter performance/roadability.

 

Beware the siren's call of the Tornado.

The numbers that are shown on the packages for "proven results" are all in Ford vehicles. That's all well and good ...

... if you have a Ford.

I tried one on my Firebird. It lasted all of two days before I returned it. Not only did it not fit properly (an air-cleaner temperature sensor got in its way), but having it over the throttle body triggered the "Check Engine" warning (which went away the minute I took it off).

If you are really into increasing power, mileage or both, three things will do it as well as the Tornado claims to:

1) Free-flow air filter (the CGS system would do this, but if you don't have that kind of money, just the K&N replacement filter would do)
2) Higher spark power. (Not sure if there are COP SuperCoils available yet, though ... I know MSD makes them for Ford, not sure if they'd do it for the Ecotec)
3) Wider, more free-flowing exhaust (system and/or headers. If in doubt on headers, the Cobalt/G5/Ion headers will fit because exhaust manifolds are not model-specific).

 

Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:
Snake oil is a traditional Chinese medicine used to treat joint pain. However, the most common usage of the words is as a derogatory term for compounds offered as medicines which implies that they are fake, fraudulent, or ineffective. The expression is also applied metaphorically to any product with exaggerated marketing but questionable or unverifiable quality

 

The cost of manufacture for these things is probably aout a buck. If the actually worked, automobile manufacturers would have them in there already.

 

Smart people on this forum. I would stay away if I were you.