With the help of Science of Speed (due to lack of time to deal with it myself), it turned out to be a vac line.

There are a few vac lines at the front that usually mount onto the OEM intake. Well, since i have an aftermarket intake, those vac lines always just hang there. Apparently one got a little too close to the belt and the belt caught it and shredded one of them.

Thumbs up to Science of Speed, as they diagnosed, replaced, and permanently fixed it so that it won't happen again for $40. Furthermore, because I'm doing the tranny swap with them, they are going to apply that $40 as a credit towards the labor of the transmission swap. Thanks again to the guys at SoS; they definitely take care of their customers!!!

 

dude, you could've checked in 2 minutes if it was the vac lines!! either way, glad you solved your problem!!

 

Well, yes, i could've found it rather easily, but i just didn't have the energy or effort. I've been wrapped up with other things, plus i went to the doctor that day to find out i have a text-book case of migraines, and Monday (the day i got the car fixed) was one of the migraine days, and I just didn't have the energy to fiddle around in the engine with my head hurting. It was more that than lack of time; I only said lack of time for a "short" reason as to why I didn't do it myself.

But thank you I'm glad it wasn't anything major.