5speed

Just want to get your guys opinions. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

don_w

I went with the C&L because I believe it is constructed better than the K&N. The C&L is cast aluminum (vs. plastic) and the filter heat shroud appears to be a better design as well. Just my 2 cents.

Daniel60

Sounds like a good answer , however what is the difference in the cones'. They have different sizes?

don_w

Yup, probably just the size... the K&N looks a bit smaller.

Zeio

I would go with the C&L over the K&N for build quality and performance. I plan on actually going with the Steeda because of the design and performance and the fact that it gets the same performance increase by using the stock inlet tube minus the carbon trap. I talked to one of the guys at Steeda about their intake versus the C&L and basically their reason behind using the factory inlet tube over an aluminum (C&L) was to avoid a heat sink that would negate the cold air effect. He said if a metal/aluminum inlet tube increased the power, they would use one, but so far they haven't seen the need to change. I guess they just upgraded their mass air sensor housing to 90mm as well, whatever effect that may have I don't know. Still expect around 30 rwhp though. That being said, C&L was my first choice, but after learning more I will probably go with the Steeda. After all, I can always add the C&L inlet tube to the Steeda CAI if I feel the need later.

don_w

Did they give any indication about airflow turbulence within the pipe? The aluminum is much smoother with less airflow disturbance. I avoided a discussion on thermodynamics earlier... I don't want to get too technical on fluid dynamics either. LOL

Herknav

Your not going to start talking about laminer flow or anything are you? Because that is the limit of my airflow understanding... just cus I fly planes don't mean I completely understand what keeps them in the air...

don_w

Drink a toast to Bernoulli! lol

Zeio

Don, they didn't, but you do have a valid point. I agree the C&L aluminum pipe would appear to have less resistance than the stock inlet tube. I'm not sure what offsets the other, the increased air resistance of the plastic slotted stock inlet tube, or the temperature of the aluminum C&L tube. Most likely they both produce similar results regardless, but it is an interesting thing to consider. It comes down to only the C&L and Steeda for me, for now I'll go with the Steeda for flexibility, but both are fine mods IMO.

edit: however i'm not so sure I should be debating this with you anyway don, you have the engineering degree, and probably know a hell of a lot more about cars than i do

don_w

Either way.. you will notice more ponies under the hood!