Tuning but want to keep stock CAI
05-09-2015, 01:47 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Tampa, Florida
Posts: 41
Tuning but want to keep stock CAI
I want to keep the stock box CAI on the car with a bama tune.
Is it THAT much more worth the cost to install a CAI with tune together? Is it essential/required?
I am not seeking every HP gain just need to tune the car as stock is horrible.
Is it THAT much more worth the cost to install a CAI with tune together? Is it essential/required?
I am not seeking every HP gain just need to tune the car as stock is horrible.
05-10-2015, 12:24 AM
#3
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: MI
Posts: 37
I tuned my 2013 but just did an AEM drop in dry filter for good measure. My opinion is that for 2011+ 5.0's and maybe even before, an aftermarket CAI is at best a very low bang for the buck item and at worst a total waste of money performance wise.
05-10-2015, 08:35 AM
#4
3rd Gear Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 874
Most of the gains people notice are from the tune and the stock intake does work very well. Just go with the tune, you won't be missing out on a whole lot. There are some folks here who will tell you any aftermarket intake is a complete waste of money.
05-10-2015, 10:29 AM
#5
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Tampa, Florida
Posts: 41
If the CAI's weren't $300-$400 and for what mostly plastic (or metal) and filter then I'd consider it but the price is ridiculous imho. If it were $75 ok then maybe. Would the engine run cooler and more efficiently with less bends? Maybe a very minimal amount if at all. So thx for your opinions I'll go with just a tune.
05-10-2015, 11:08 AM
#6
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Tampa, Florida
Posts: 41
Found this sounds legit.
"Aftermarket Cold Air Intakes are largely snake oil and this is why; The premise it that they induce cooler air than a stock intake system into intake manifold. The idea behind it is that cooler air is more dense and denser air means more horsepower...that's true.
The fallacy is that somehow these will be able access cooler air than the stock system. In most cases that's absolute BS, in fact some do just the opposite by picking up air inside the engine compartment, that's HOT air and will have the opposite effect.
Take a look at your stock intake, I'll bet it draws air from outside the engine compartment. There may be some measurable air flow advantage to the "cold air intake" but it will be most likely be a straighter air path or less restrictive filter, neither of which will necessarily gain a single horsepower.
I tip my hat to the marketers of these, they have done a excellent job of convincing a naive public that they're peddling performance, when in fact they rarely do. Don't take my word for it, look at the third party dyno testing, which sometimes shows a DROP in HP.
One thing is certain, if you install one, it will sound different, maybe even "tougher" but you'll have done more to line the pockets of charlatans than improve performance. Oh, and it will look pretty!
Think about this, if there were significant gains to be had, why wouldn't the car mfg. incorporate into original designs? That assumes they didn't know what they were doing, yet they somehow designed and built an entire car. We're talking about significant engineering vs snake oil, my friend.
The whole world wants magic, but rarely is it available without a well thought out, engineered solution.
Save your money and get something real and tangible."
Correct me if I am wrong but cold air intake draws air top of the engine where it is hot vs stock airbox from bottom or side of engine? Heat rises.
"Aftermarket Cold Air Intakes are largely snake oil and this is why; The premise it that they induce cooler air than a stock intake system into intake manifold. The idea behind it is that cooler air is more dense and denser air means more horsepower...that's true.
The fallacy is that somehow these will be able access cooler air than the stock system. In most cases that's absolute BS, in fact some do just the opposite by picking up air inside the engine compartment, that's HOT air and will have the opposite effect.
Take a look at your stock intake, I'll bet it draws air from outside the engine compartment. There may be some measurable air flow advantage to the "cold air intake" but it will be most likely be a straighter air path or less restrictive filter, neither of which will necessarily gain a single horsepower.
I tip my hat to the marketers of these, they have done a excellent job of convincing a naive public that they're peddling performance, when in fact they rarely do. Don't take my word for it, look at the third party dyno testing, which sometimes shows a DROP in HP.
One thing is certain, if you install one, it will sound different, maybe even "tougher" but you'll have done more to line the pockets of charlatans than improve performance. Oh, and it will look pretty!
Think about this, if there were significant gains to be had, why wouldn't the car mfg. incorporate into original designs? That assumes they didn't know what they were doing, yet they somehow designed and built an entire car. We're talking about significant engineering vs snake oil, my friend.
The whole world wants magic, but rarely is it available without a well thought out, engineered solution.
Save your money and get something real and tangible."
Correct me if I am wrong but cold air intake draws air top of the engine where it is hot vs stock airbox from bottom or side of engine? Heat rises.
05-10-2015, 11:24 PM
#7
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Austin, Texas
Posts: 1,155
Your car already has a highly effective CAI. Stick with just the tune, save your money, and enjoy. 2005-2009 benefited more from an aftermarket intake than 2010+
But, even then, aftermarket units are way overpriced for the minimal gains you get with a N/A engine.
But, even then, aftermarket units are way overpriced for the minimal gains you get with a N/A engine.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post