Cold air intake bypassing ECU, issues?

[TheLaw]

When I did my intake, I noticed that the factory air intake passes over the ECU module, and I was under the impression it was like that to help it stay cool. But with my current intake, I left the ECU part untouched. It's still in the box with the air openings (though I hacksawed off one end where it stuck out.)

Is there any long-term or short-term reliability issues with this?

I know most automotive electronic parts are usually rated for temperatures in excess of 200*F, but I'm not too sure with a 20 year old car if this will cause issues.

Ideas?

[nilo420]

don't know but i routed my cold air into the ecu. seems to work well.

[DPE91]

I did similar on my P-body but I did put a small computer fan on mine.

[ChargedDust]

Split the case and clean off all the heat sinks real good, then go with the computer fan.

[TurboDodge]

It really depends on the climate you live in and the average ambient air temp. I live in the PACNW, and it really is only hot here for two months a year, if your lucky. And when I say "hot" I mean 85. I have owned so many TD's over the years that had aftermarket intakes w/ out ducting to the ECU and I have never had an ECU failure due to it. HOWEVER, if I lived in an area that consistently had high ambient air temps, ESPECIALLY in areas with summer temps soaring in the 100's, I would think about keeping the "air draw" over the ECU board, or install a cooling fan as previously described. If you live in Alaska, your underhood temps are freeeeeezing, those guys don't worry so much about electronics overheating. But, after all this being said, the HP gains of an aftermarket intake are nil. So, if you are really worried about ECU failure due to overheating, keep it stock.

[ub3r l33t dud3]

i have been driving mine for two years with out my intake routed through the ecu, havent had a problem since. however i live in Michigan.

[CBMDennis]

Did you still have the scoop forcing air into the ecu?

[6g72 acclaim]

I've been running mine for 2+yrs without the intake hooked to it with no issues. I still have the factory scoop at the front of it. The temps here range from below freezing to 100+ over the course of the year.

If you are really worried hook a fan up to it.

[DPE91]

My P-body didn't have the scoop thing when i bought, and the only reason i added a fan was to be safe because it does get into the 100's sometimes where i live in NC.