currently the 850 intake hose stops within the engine. I've heard someone extended the hose to come out of the engine and stick out of hte lower end of the bumper. he claims it improved his mileage from about 19mpg to 32.5mpg. Would this really work? and does it stress the engine in a weird way, such as mess with the air to fuel mixture ratio?

 

As long as the Mass flow sensor is still mounted then you should be fine.


BUT Be careful how low you go with it. You might pick up water and lock the engine.

 

It will have to be submerged in the water to get water lock.

 

I have seen pictures of what happens to an engine block when the owner decides to drive thru high-water. Air compresses - Water does not!!!!

It will do more than water-lock the engine. The head can be blown off of the block.

 

Seem Damage on a 960 from a big puddle with the stock setup. WASN'T PRETTY!!