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Cold Air Intakes - Do they really work?

adlep

adlep

Diamond Member
OK,
Is this too good to be true?
Just by spending $150.00 on an AEM kit I can gain up to 15 hp in my car...?
But will it still sound like a stock car?
I do not want to rice it up, just make some improvements without compromizing the reliability and comfort...
What are the cons of these replacment air filters?

P.S. I have a 4-banger 99 Accord
 
Up to 15 horse if you combine it with a header and cat-back exhaust. By itself you'll probably notice 0 difference.

EDIT: It will make your car louder as the stock intake is designed to be quiet.
 
might feel some improvement, but car will be louder. you will hear a whooosh sound when u step on it.

i dont have a CAI myself, but am considering one. so i started doing some research over in VWVortex...see what people say who have em. they mostly claim that u lose some low end torque but gain high end HP. some also claims that it increases gas mileage

im probably going to end up getting one for my GTI anyways. found a good deal for 120 shipped
 
It may add 1-2 horsepower, if you're lucky. Don't you think the manufacturer would include it if it added 15hp? All it is is a metal pipe.
 
Originally posted by: dirtboy
I'll believe 15hp when I see dyno slips.
Click to expand...

i heard CAI's dont fare that well in dynos cuz the lack of fresh cold air blowing into the intake (that you get when on the highway)
 
Originally posted by: notfred
It may add 1-2 horsepower, if you're lucky. Don't you think the manufacturer would include it if it added 15hp? All it is is a metal pipe.
Click to expand...

Well, I was thinking this same.
 
Originally posted by: Aharami
Originally posted by: dirtboy
I'll believe 15hp when I see dyno slips.
Click to expand...

i heard CAI's dont fare that well in dynos cuz the lack of fresh cold air blowing into the intake (that you get when on the highway)
Click to expand...

If that is the case, then it is unreasonable to say they add 15hp, because there is no way to prove it. The problem with mods is people want to brag and believe that their car is really more powerful then it is, so the number get inflated. Then people start believing those numbers and come up with reasons why it can't be proved.

Like notfred said, if it was that much hp, wouldn't the manufacturer do it?
 
15HP entails going from the worst case scenario on a modified engine to the best case. Too many people spend too much time focusing on the muffler and intake tube/filter because they can HEAR differences. Real gains come in intake manifold and cams. Unless you have a diesel, at which point the computer can do some stupidly high gains.
 
I'd like to try one just to check out the gas mileage increase claims, but I feel they are wildly overpriced for what they are.
 
Don't mod the GTI, the MAF sensors on the VWs are ultra sensitive, unless you want to take the risk. Save your 150 and get a chip for ~$300 and get REAL gain.
 
Originally posted by: KEV1N
It's for the sound, dude.
Click to expand...

Sound == meh
I want the engine in my car to be as quiet as possible, which makes me an anti ricer I guess 😱
I would love to drive a hydrogen powered car for that matter...
Hydrogen powered car == Almost no sound.
 
Originally posted by: Kwan1
Don't mod the GTI, the MAF sensors on the VWs are ultra sensitive, unless you want to take the risk. Save your 150 and get a chip for ~$300 and get REAL gain.
Click to expand...

yea...another possibility! this CAI is looking less and less desirable. I have a VR6. chip wont do as much. now, if i had a 1.8T, ECU upgrade is the first thing i'd do
 
Originally posted by: dirtboy
Originally posted by: Aharami
Originally posted by: dirtboy
I'll believe 15hp when I see dyno slips.
Click to expand...

i heard CAI's dont fare that well in dynos cuz the lack of fresh cold air blowing into the intake (that you get when on the highway)
Click to expand...

If that is the case, then it is unreasonable to say they add 15hp, because there is no way to prove it. The problem with mods is people want to brag and believe that their car is really more powerful then it is, so the number get inflated. Then people start believing those numbers and come up with reasons why it can't be proved.

Like notfred said, if it was that much hp, wouldn't the manufacturer do it?
Click to expand...

Put a fan in front of the car when you're dynoing it, that would prove them wrong pretty quick. 🙂
 
Originally posted by: Howard
Originally posted by: Kwan1
Fast foward a few months...

Help! my car hydrolocked!!
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
How often does that happen?
Click to expand...

go over to vwvortex forums, do a search on hydrolock...and you'll see how often it happens. the thing is, it happes often cuz dumasses with CAI dont drive carefully. you gotta realize that you cant take your car thru deep puddles when you have a air intake sitting 7-9" off the road.

hydrolocking is prevented somewhat by sticking a K&N oiled air filter on the end of your CAI
 
Is this too good to be true? Just by spending $150.00 on an AEM kit I can gain up to 15 hp in my car...?
Click to expand...
In most cases yes, but if you engine is setup to utilize a colder air intake system you could see some potential gains in the 15-30hp range at upper rpm. Most factory cowl inductions could get 30-35hp additional horsepower but only if the car were going below 70 mph, above that speed the airflow around the intake would be drawn away. The other problem is your car has a computer controlled fuel system. These systems monitor your intake manifold air temperature and will adjust your fuel mixture, EGR flow, and timing to compensate for the colder air charge reducing your performance gains.

But will it still sound like a stock car?
Click to expand...
Most factory induction systems are design for optimal air intake with minimal noise, especially under wide open throttle conditions. Changing the design of the induction system will alter the sound reduction capabilities.

I do not want to rice it up, just make some improvements without compromising the reliability and comfort.
Click to expand...
I would look at improving your exhaust and ignition system before spending money and CAI system.

What are the cons of these replacement air filters?
Click to expand...
I would have to say you would be replacing filter more often because of the amount of debris your intake would scoop up due to it?s position.
 
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