Exhaust Extractor DIY – Tune Indoors!

We built Datsun Ranch in 2014, and it was the culmination of a lot of dreams, hard work, planning and 8 months of construction. 2800 square feet, three bay doors, lots of room for the collection and all the associated restoration and maintenance shenanigans… it really is a dream shop, and we love having people over to wrench, borrow the lift, build something for their car, or just hang out.

However – and there’s always a however – we’re in AZ. Not far from Phoenix, to be specific, and we have about 6 months of extremely hot weather – hot enough that you don’t want to be working on a car outside. We keep it about 82* in the shop (cool enough to be comfortable, but not cold enough to get lazy and stiff). Some of you in cold climates have the same issue, so this applies to you as well.

Starting up the cars for troubleshooting or carburetor tuning (especially for the cars with no catalytic converter) is a pain in the summer. I can hear my Dad yelling, “Close the door, I’m not air-conditioning the whole damn neighborhood!” but running a car inside a closed building is a HUGE mistake.

A few weeks ago, I was sitting in line to get the Datsun Ranch hauler emission tested and a thought occurred to me – Why couldn’t I set up an extractor system like the emissions testing place has? Well, for around $100, I did. And it works AMAZING!

[disclaimer: Operating a vehicle in an enclosed space is not recommended. The risks are real, and what I do in my shop is by no means a suggestion that you do the same.]

Here’s what you’ll need (prices on a couple of these items have gone up since I bought mine, but it’s still a small investment that will help you get the most out of your shop). Click on the pics of the item to go directly to the purchase page.

VEVOR 4 Inch Inline Duct Fan HVAC Exhaust Blower Kit AC Variable Speed Control – $54.99

iPower Flexible 4 Inch 25 Feet Aluminum Ducting – $13.99 x 2


NO-PEST VENT, Dual Door Dryer Vent Cover Outdoor 4 inch – $16.99


BN-LINK Wireless Remote Control Electrical Outlet Switch – $12.99

Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector – $17.21

I wanted the unit near the lift, so I vented the extractor through one of the garage doors (rather than cut through drywall and stucco). The outdoor flap swings open about 30* when running, and I was excited to see the old Silvia belching smoke out through the port on initial startup.

The hoses collapse and sit on the shelf when not in use. Since the shop is always evolving, and stuff gets moved around a lot, I’ll rig up some hooks and maybe even add a second unit on the other end of the shop later. You also may want an assortment of spring-loaded metal clips to secure the hose. I used a pair of binder clips to keep the hose from slipping off past the rear valance.

The remote outlet units are great – I already have one that operates my big shop fan, my bug zapper and my shop stereo, so it made perfect sense to put the exhaust extractor on one too. No need to fumble with plugs, just hit the button on the remote from anywhere in the shop. Handy!

The CO detector makes sure we’re not accidentally getting an unhealthy dose of exhaust in the shop, and if you’re inclined to do a project like this, convenience is great, but safety is critical.

And here’s the completed project.

So far, we’ve tuned a set of SU carbs on the CSP311 using this setup, and most recently, used it to chase a TPS issue on the 510. Works like a charm, and the venturi effect created by the fan keeps the hose from getting too hot from the exhaust. Shop temperature stays at 80*, no air-conditioning the neighborhood, and everyone’s happy.

Thanks for popping in, and share this post if you know someone who needs this in their shop!