CAI: Carbon Fiber Inlet or Not?
 

Hey everyone,

I'm looking at the Steeda/Tuner combo from Brenspeed. Link is below. It comes with a "High Flow Plastic Injection Molded Intake" elbow. HOWEVER, for $100 more, I can buy the carbon fiber elbow. Is it worth the extra $100 or will the gain be about the same? Steeda.com advertises them both as being a +8hp/+8tq across the powerband addon, so I dunno if the difference is just looks or what.

http://www.brenspeed.com/3000steeda.html - Product
http://steeda.com/products/s197_carb...inlet_tube.php - Carbon Fiber


Thanks!

I believe the only difference is appearance. If you ever plan on showing your car at any shows the carbon fiber inlet would be a nice addidition but if not I don't think I would justify spending another $100 on it.

Exactly. It's up to you whether or not you can justify the extra $100 for looks on an intake.


The only advantage Steeda claims on their website is:

Quote:

---

This new carbon fiber version not only looks great but allows for colder air induction system temperatures resulting in less heat soak and lower air charge temperatures than competitive brands using metal tubes.

---

I have it and it looks awesome. For me it was worth it, even though my engine is not seen very much.

No performance difference. It looks pretty cool but that will depend on how YOU think it compliments your engine bay. I'd rather put the $100 towards other mods.

I like them. Right now I have the Steeda air box and tune with the stock inlet. I'd love one of these but they're $189 on eBay. $109 for the plastic one that I could paint whatever color I want. I'm leaning towards the plastic.

I just order the CF inlet tube. Should be here tomorrow!! And a side note, i'm from Killeen! I just moved to San Antonio :-P

Find a "or best bid/offer" auction and ask for $180 shipped. That's what I did for mine. You might even be able to get it for less... but I only tried for $180 :-P

There is one out there. I'm might. I have the interior carbon fiber kit, fuse box cover, strut tower brace caps, an extension for the front of the plenum cover and some custom laser cut plates waiting for my strut tower brace. I should get those things done and cool my heels before getting this too. :)

i have it and love it. looks amazing. best looking cai imo.

http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/f...t/DSC02733.jpg

That's a great looking angine bay all around. Nice job.