Confused about CAI and results - help
06-28-2008, 06:16 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location:
Posts: 5
Confused about CAI and results - help
I have been searching but remain confused, hopefully someone can clear me up. I have an 06 GT and have been thinking of adding a CAI and/or changing exhaust. I want slightly better performance and slightly more exhaust rumble. Just a 50 yeqr old guy looking for a richer sound, andquicker pickup, nothing crazy. Most likely someone else will have to do the work, I can do a few basic maintenance things, but not much more. Anyway here are my questions.
With CAI and factory exhaust, does the sound change?
With CAI do I have to re-tune computer
With CAI do I need to use premium fuel
If CAI installed without exhaust change does it really make a difference
Can I just change exhaust mid way, or do I need to start at headers
Does changing exhaust without CAI have any impact on performance or is it just for sound
Appreciate the help, thanks
With CAI and factory exhaust, does the sound change?
With CAI do I have to re-tune computer
With CAI do I need to use premium fuel
If CAI installed without exhaust change does it really make a difference
Can I just change exhaust mid way, or do I need to start at headers
Does changing exhaust without CAI have any impact on performance or is it just for sound
Appreciate the help, thanks
06-28-2008, 06:48 AM
#2
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 305
RE: Confused about CAI and results - help
1) You get a little more sound from the engine, a louder roar, but no change of exhaust note that I noticed.
2) Any CAI that's worth something (IMHO) requires a tune to go with it. There are some that don't.
3) The CAI doesn't require premium fuel, it's the tune. Most tuners (Brenspeed for example) will supply
you 3 tunes, an 87, 91 and 93 tune. It's up to you which to use. I started with the 87, I'm now using the 93
and will likely stay with it.
4) A CAI and tune is DEFINITELY worth it without the exhaust. I do plan to do an axle back on mine to
change the sound, but I'm told it makes little difference in power and Brenspeed says it doesn't even need a
new tune.
5) You can do what's called an 'axle back' if you just want sounds. Lots of people do different things, it's up
to you.
6) Not appreciable, so I've read.
06-28-2008, 07:13 AM
#3
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Harrisburg PA
Posts: 1,778
RE: Confused about CAI and results - help
I agree with Plutnicki's response.
Most of the gain is in the Tune (the software) not the Intake (the hardware). A CAI and good Tune will significantly alter the car's behavior - throttle response is much improved and you'll get ~20 HP increase at the rear wheels. Don't get an off the shelf tune (one that comes from the Tuner company) get a Tune specifically for the engine you have. www.brenspeed.com and bamachips.com are two good places.
Look under the back of your car, at the mufflers. You can replace those (the Axle Backs) and it will really change the exhaust note. There are a bewildering number of options, all of them sounda little different - from mild to obnoxious.
Most of the gain is in the Tune (the software) not the Intake (the hardware). A CAI and good Tune will significantly alter the car's behavior - throttle response is much improved and you'll get ~20 HP increase at the rear wheels. Don't get an off the shelf tune (one that comes from the Tuner company) get a Tune specifically for the engine you have. www.brenspeed.com and bamachips.com are two good places.
Look under the back of your car, at the mufflers. You can replace those (the Axle Backs) and it will really change the exhaust note. There are a bewildering number of options, all of them sounda little different - from mild to obnoxious.
06-28-2008, 07:23 AM
#4
3rd Gear Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Coatesville, PA
Posts: 932
RE: Confused about CAI and results - help
Swapping out the stock mufflers for a more aggressive axle-back will give you the sound you desire, but performance will remain unchanged. Adding a CAI with tune will give you a much crisper throttle response and as mentioned above, approx 20-25 extra RWHP. Considering the goals you stated in your post, for around $1,000 you can do both intake and exhaust and you'll be a very happy camper.
06-28-2008, 08:17 AM
#5
3rd Gear Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location:
Posts: 912
RE: Confused about CAI and results - help
If you go with a CAI you "must" get the tuner. A few CAI makers claim you don't require a tune,however, you will eventually throw a MAF code. So consider the cost of tuner into the grand total. IMO, other then the fact that the CAI makes the engine compartment look nicer, you'd be hard press to notice a performance difference. Like an earlier post stated, after you drop about a grand, you will have a throatier sound and an additional 15 hwp. More if you opt for the higher octane tune download. Don't get me wrong, I too love to modify and tinker with my stock ride. But I have come to realize through experience that alot of these performance claims are hype and nothing more. My returned to stock "as Henry designed it" GT dances around almost every car on the highway. All this and more at 87 octane!
06-28-2008, 09:15 AM
#6
Multi-Tasking Moderator!
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Detroit Rock City!
Posts: 15,618
RE: Confused about CAI and results - help
I agree with 300GT, this guy, and Argonaut!
ORIGINAL: plutnicki
1) You get a little more sound from the engine, a louder roar, but no change of exhaust note that I noticed.
2) Any CAI that's worth something (IMHO) requires a tune to go with it. There are some that don't.
3) The CAI doesn't require premium fuel, it's the tune. Most tuners (Brenspeed for example) will supply
you 3 tunes, an 87, 91 and 93 tune. It's up to you which to use. I started with the 87, I'm now using the 93
and will likely stay with it.
4) A CAI and tune is DEFINITELY worth it without the exhaust. I do plan to do an axle back on mine to
change the sound, but I'm told it makes little difference in power and Brenspeed says it doesn't even need a
new tune.
5) You can do what's called an 'axle back' if you just want sounds. Lots of people do different things, it's up
to you.
6) Not appreciable, so I've read.
1) You get a little more sound from the engine, a louder roar, but no change of exhaust note that I noticed.
2) Any CAI that's worth something (IMHO) requires a tune to go with it. There are some that don't.
3) The CAI doesn't require premium fuel, it's the tune. Most tuners (Brenspeed for example) will supply
you 3 tunes, an 87, 91 and 93 tune. It's up to you which to use. I started with the 87, I'm now using the 93
and will likely stay with it.
4) A CAI and tune is DEFINITELY worth it without the exhaust. I do plan to do an axle back on mine to
change the sound, but I'm told it makes little difference in power and Brenspeed says it doesn't even need a
new tune.
5) You can do what's called an 'axle back' if you just want sounds. Lots of people do different things, it's up
to you.
6) Not appreciable, so I've read.
06-28-2008, 11:35 AM
#7
3rd Gear Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Dallas, TX area
Posts: 941
RE: Confused about CAI and results - help
ORIGINAL: Argonaut
Look under the back of your car, at the mufflers. You can replace those (the Axle Backs) and it will really change the exhaust note. There are a bewildering number of options, all of them sounda little different - from mild to obnoxious.
Look under the back of your car, at the mufflers. You can replace those (the Axle Backs) and it will really change the exhaust note. There are a bewildering number of options, all of them sounda little different - from mild to obnoxious.
06-28-2008, 01:00 PM
#9
5th Gear Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location:
Posts: 2,997
RE: Confused about CAI and results - help
Just a friendly warning from another member of the 50+ club.
Once you put you CAI/Tune on.....and see the improvement. Even though this was all you wanted in the first place, the following scenario WILL HAPPEN, well maybe I'll just get the FRPP X-Pipe it will only set me back $125., and maybe that GT500 Spoiler, hey these UD Pulleys sound pretty good, I should get those Sequential Taillights they look cool, Honeycomb Blackout is only $139. I guess that would be OK, this power outlet plug has to go, I really could use some Chrome Rims, I need a differnt sound Axle Back time, this antenna is too big,and so on and so on......until
Once you put you CAI/Tune on.....and see the improvement. Even though this was all you wanted in the first place, the following scenario WILL HAPPEN, well maybe I'll just get the FRPP X-Pipe it will only set me back $125., and maybe that GT500 Spoiler, hey these UD Pulleys sound pretty good, I should get those Sequential Taillights they look cool, Honeycomb Blackout is only $139. I guess that would be OK, this power outlet plug has to go, I really could use some Chrome Rims, I need a differnt sound Axle Back time, this antenna is too big,and so on and so on......until
