My rant about Cold Air Induction aftermarket vs stock.
08-22-2012, 01:31 PM
#21
3rd Gear Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Florida
Posts: 732
I have attached a dyno sheet that was a test we did about a year and a half ago of the stock airbox vs the cold air.
On this test the car was loaded with a basic tune with no cam timing changes just so we could have a higher rev limiter that way we could rev the engine to the same RPM with both intakes without running into a limiter. Ignition timing was the same for both tunes.
The results show a “peak” gain of only 5 horsepower, but there is a lot more there if you read the dyno sheet. Gains started at about 4,500, with gains of 6 to 9 horsepower between 4,500 and 5,000. Between 5,300 and 6,100 gains were 7 to 10 horsepower. And between 6,700 and 7,200 the gains were an impressive 12 to 15 horsepower. So you can see measureable gains from a cold air intake.
Let me talk to Gus and see if we had recorded temperatures and what not.
On this test the car was loaded with a basic tune with no cam timing changes just so we could have a higher rev limiter that way we could rev the engine to the same RPM with both intakes without running into a limiter. Ignition timing was the same for both tunes.
The results show a “peak” gain of only 5 horsepower, but there is a lot more there if you read the dyno sheet. Gains started at about 4,500, with gains of 6 to 9 horsepower between 4,500 and 5,000. Between 5,300 and 6,100 gains were 7 to 10 horsepower. And between 6,700 and 7,200 the gains were an impressive 12 to 15 horsepower. So you can see measureable gains from a cold air intake.
Let me talk to Gus and see if we had recorded temperatures and what not.
08-22-2012, 07:42 PM
#22
1st Gear Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Baltimore
Posts: 115
08-22-2012, 09:21 PM
#23
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Arizona
Posts: 598
I have attached a dyno sheet that was a test we did about a year and a half ago of the stock airbox vs the cold air.
On this test the car was loaded with a basic tune with no cam timing changes just so we could have a higher rev limiter that way we could rev the engine to the same RPM with both intakes without running into a limiter. Ignition timing was the same for both tunes.
The results show a “peak” gain of only 5 horsepower, but there is a lot more there if you read the dyno sheet. Gains started at about 4,500, with gains of 6 to 9 horsepower between 4,500 and 5,000. Between 5,300 and 6,100 gains were 7 to 10 horsepower. And between 6,700 and 7,200 the gains were an impressive 12 to 15 horsepower. So you can see measureable gains from a cold air intake.
Let me talk to Gus and see if we had recorded temperatures and what not.
On this test the car was loaded with a basic tune with no cam timing changes just so we could have a higher rev limiter that way we could rev the engine to the same RPM with both intakes without running into a limiter. Ignition timing was the same for both tunes.
The results show a “peak” gain of only 5 horsepower, but there is a lot more there if you read the dyno sheet. Gains started at about 4,500, with gains of 6 to 9 horsepower between 4,500 and 5,000. Between 5,300 and 6,100 gains were 7 to 10 horsepower. And between 6,700 and 7,200 the gains were an impressive 12 to 15 horsepower. So you can see measureable gains from a cold air intake.
Let me talk to Gus and see if we had recorded temperatures and what not.
But it seems to me I could probably get close if not the same results by simply opening the factory air box on the dyno while the hood is up and let the stock plumbing breath a lot more. Obviously, this won't work with the hood down, and the results will change. I want to know what changes when you close the hood with the aftermarket unit compared to the stock.
In my mind, the most ideal setup would be a filter mounted outside of the engine compartment that draws only fresh air. The plumbing to the engine would then be constructed of low density material such as a plastic, to reduce heat soak. Maybe even tubing that is double walled like a heat shield. I think that would be a great setup.
08-22-2012, 10:12 PM
#24
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Virginia
Posts: 2
This reminds me of a series tests one of the mainstream car magazines did years ago. I think it was Car & Driver and it was with a stock Civic and one with typical bolts ones.
One test was multiple 1/4 miles runs back to back with minimal rest and the hoods were not opened in between. I think the Civic with the CAI had a faster first run, but heat soak got to it really fast. The stock Civic was faster at the last test. Again this is all from memory so I could be totally wrong.
I'm highly skeptical that in real world conditions CAIs have any major increases in performance. Until I see data from a test like the one I described above I'm going to save my money.
One test was multiple 1/4 miles runs back to back with minimal rest and the hoods were not opened in between. I think the Civic with the CAI had a faster first run, but heat soak got to it really fast. The stock Civic was faster at the last test. Again this is all from memory so I could be totally wrong.
I'm highly skeptical that in real world conditions CAIs have any major increases in performance. Until I see data from a test like the one I described above I'm going to save my money.
08-23-2012, 07:27 AM
#25
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: NJ
Posts: 181
Dyno is one thing, actual 1/4 run results are another thing. I seriously doubt one will see any difference in the time sheets. Just like you probably will not see any difference comparing the 2012 and 2013 1/4 run with the 8hp difference.
08-24-2012, 07:34 PM
#26
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Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Georgia
Posts: 231
azalloy you post a very good point! Ive never believed in aftermarket cai and tunes. I have a 13 gt and i am leaving my factory air box and filter where it is. If you want better power. Add some psi... Ive had 600 hp mustangs. yeah they pull hard but all they do is spin. If you want better track #s do suspension stickys etc...
08-24-2012, 08:56 PM
#27
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Virginia
Posts: 2
azalloy you post a very good point! Ive never believed in aftermarket cai and tunes. I have a 13 gt and i am leaving my factory air box and filter where it is. If you want better power. Add some psi... Ive had 600 hp mustangs. yeah they pull hard but all they do is spin. If you want better track #s do suspension stickys etc...
08-25-2012, 01:45 AM
#28
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Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Arizona
Posts: 598
I can see making the piping bigger to pull in more air. As long as its quality air.
I like how Steeda has posted up here. I would love to here from the actual tuners too. Also would love to hear from Airaid. They also look like they have a solid design.
I like how Steeda has posted up here. I would love to here from the actual tuners too. Also would love to hear from Airaid. They also look like they have a solid design.
08-25-2012, 02:13 PM
#30
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Join Date: Jul 2006
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Posts: 880
Please correct me if I'm wrong but wouldn't this be resolved by just uploading a 91-93 octane tune w/factory air box on the car, do a dyno run then put the C.A.I. of your choice on & dyno again????? Then you would have before & after dyno runs w/just a tune done which everyone agreed that a tune is essential.