Any experience or recommendations on Spectre CAI's? A buddy of mine just picked one up at a cheap price. My recommendation to him was you get what you pay for and that not all CAI's are created equal. I had not heard of this brand before but then saw a magazine with the cover page car sporting a Spectre CAI. What is the deal with this brand? Any thoughts. I'd consider based on the fact that it isa great price and (states that) it does not require an immediate tune. I have not started my mods yet. Looking to soon but thought this may be a good one to play around with just to break the ice with the current stang. Thoughts, suggestions? Thanks!

 

You're a curious one aren't you. Spectre has been around for a few years making dress up items mostly. Lately, they're making a few performance items. The CAI is very affordable, and IMO requires a tune. Put it this way, ANY CAI that uses an intake tube that's larger (in diameter) than the factory size will require a tune. I'm sure you're buddy can use it, but getting the A/F settings correct would probably require a dyno day.

 

If AM and Brenspeed (or any of the other tuners) don't write tunes for it, then I wouldn't bother with it.

 

A stand alone CAI may only get you minimal gains (3-5 HP) at higher RPMs. A custom tune is what adds the most performance gain. I have an Airaid CAI, which does not require tune. I installed the stand alone CAI and drove around for a couple of months, until I had the money to order the tuner and custom tunes. During that period (CAI only), I was only able to feel minimal performance increase, which was in the higher RPM range.

 

My wife and I can't seem to find a good door stop. I may head in this direction.