Pros/Cons
11-28-2007, 08:20 AM
#11
5th Gear Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,401
RE: Pros/Cons
Sure, people have had problems, but it's going to happen sometimes.
Generally, i don't think there are too many downsides with the CAI system if properly installed and setup. Personally I take issue with canned tunes and it seems that 99% of the folk that have issues run the canned tune their kit came with. For best performance you need to have the car individually tuned, Yea, i know that's taking the cost to the next level, but when you consider that the CAI doesn't give you that much raw increase in power, it's easy to foul it up and actually get nothing or less.
I also believe that problems that some folk have, after some time already running a CAI, are often due in part to a bad tune having unleashed some slow release problems which take time to **** the ECU off enough to throw codes. Rich running causing O2 sensor clogging. Lean running damaging sensors & valves. Too much spark causing detonation culminating in valve/piston damage.
A more immediate [possible] con is the increase in induction noise, which while impressing the Hell out of me, might not be so attractive for others.
Generally, i don't think there are too many downsides with the CAI system if properly installed and setup. Personally I take issue with canned tunes and it seems that 99% of the folk that have issues run the canned tune their kit came with. For best performance you need to have the car individually tuned, Yea, i know that's taking the cost to the next level, but when you consider that the CAI doesn't give you that much raw increase in power, it's easy to foul it up and actually get nothing or less.
I also believe that problems that some folk have, after some time already running a CAI, are often due in part to a bad tune having unleashed some slow release problems which take time to **** the ECU off enough to throw codes. Rich running causing O2 sensor clogging. Lean running damaging sensors & valves. Too much spark causing detonation culminating in valve/piston damage.
A more immediate [possible] con is the increase in induction noise, which while impressing the Hell out of me, might not be so attractive for others.
11-28-2007, 08:24 AM
#14
5th Gear Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Orlando, FL
Posts: 2,031
RE: Pros/Cons
Pro-Get to places you want to go faster
Con-more mileage because you want to drive your car more often
CAI and tune are my only mods at the moment, and very happy to say that they've gotten me into the 12s!
Con-more mileage because you want to drive your car more often
CAI and tune are my only mods at the moment, and very happy to say that they've gotten me into the 12s!
11-28-2007, 08:29 AM
#15
RE: Pros/Cons
Pros:
More power
Better fuel economy
Less throttle lag
You'll have a tuner which you can use for other things.
Cons:
There is a chance that you will have to work with your tuner to get the tune working right.
Can possibly void warranty
More power
Better fuel economy
Less throttle lag
You'll have a tuner which you can use for other things.
Cons:
There is a chance that you will have to work with your tuner to get the tune working right.
Can possibly void warranty
11-28-2007, 08:48 AM
#16
5th Gear Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location:
Posts: 2,691
RE: Pros/Cons
I agree a CAI won't give you better mileage, its the tune thats doing that. Putting more air into an engine uses more fuel, not less. If less were true than a supercharger would bump you up to about 45mpg.
Anyways, people also say CAI filters don't filter as well and your engine will get full of dirt. Not likely. I used to believe it too, but since Ford itself uses CAIs in their drag packs, Shelby GT, and the new bullit, which are all under warranty, then clearly a CAI filter does the job just fine.
Anyways, people also say CAI filters don't filter as well and your engine will get full of dirt. Not likely. I used to believe it too, but since Ford itself uses CAIs in their drag packs, Shelby GT, and the new bullit, which are all under warranty, then clearly a CAI filter does the job just fine.
11-28-2007, 10:07 AM
#18
3rd Gear Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Indianapolis
Posts: 770
RE: Pros/Cons
i also think i lost mileage with the tune.
but i'm not complaining...
but i'm not complaining...
ORIGINAL: RED121572
I guess Im the only one that still argues that a CAI and tune doesnt give you better fuel economy, buts that me. *smile*
IMO, the only downside of a tune would be is that a dealer cpu updatewould beyour biggest enemy. Other than that, its all good.
I guess Im the only one that still argues that a CAI and tune doesnt give you better fuel economy, buts that me. *smile*
IMO, the only downside of a tune would be is that a dealer cpu updatewould beyour biggest enemy. Other than that, its all good.
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