Capt Hair

Ok so what does a RAI actually do? I've been looking all across the net, but really can't find an answer, or atleast one I understand.

Is it somewhat the same as a CAI or are they different. If they're different what is the difference between them?

And can you install a CAI and a RAI, or can you only have one? If only one which one is better to have?

sorry if these questions are kind of common knowledge, im still very new to cars, and am trying to learn as much as I can. And try to dumb it down for me, to a level where a person new to cars would understand.

Thanks for the help!

Jeff-

avlon06

waste-o-money...just buy a K&N air filter, drop it in and your good..the plastic intake tube is actually a pretty good material cuz it doesn't heat up as much as metal ones.. plus you save $$$

DeathRattle

I can't explain this in technical terms but a RAI (Ram Air Intake) is kind of like having an intake routed to somewhere on the front of the car where it will use the vehicles speed to force the air into the intake. An example would be the 03-04 Mach 1 or even the ram air Z-28's and Trans Am's. A CAI (Cold Air Intake) is having an intake setup somewhere away from the heat of the engine. Most companies set their CAI's in the fenderwell. The Mach 1 can use both types because of how the hood scoop directs the incoming air. So its technically not a true RAI intake like the Z-28's and Trans Am's where the hood scoop directs the air straight into the throttlebody.

StriderTacticaL

You know there is something I was wondering about. Directing RAM air into the throttle body, even if filtered, will be be good?

I know the whole "making the hood scoop functional?" topics have been beat down many times but what if in theory you cut out the hood scoop to make it real and make some kind of ducting that reroutes the intake hose directly to the intake on the hood? So all that ram air flows directly into the throttle body. You can even add a filter.

Mustanggt9589

I actually have a setup similar to what you are describing. My stock scoop is functional with a ram air kit that i bought and have yet to see another one like it. PM me if you want pics and i can dig them up for you.

vroompshhtsi

This is kind of in this topic. With basic bolt-ons for a 03 GT, is a CAI really much better than a RAI? What will they show on a dyno? I'm thinking either k and n or JLT. Will the CAI JLT show significant more hp (more than 4-5)? I like the look of a RAI and if I only loose 1-2 hp I don't care (seeing that it's also $40 cheaper).

StriderTacticaL

I'm pretty sure the CAI will be worth it. The air inside the engine bay area gets really warm after a while and it would be a lot better to take in cooler air from the fenderwell.

But overall your not really gonna see big gains from any aftermarket CAI or RAI system. I have a stock intake with a K&N filter and I am done with it. I might cut the snorkel and put it back on so that it sits flush against the fenderwell so it blocks out all the air from inside the engine bay but still has a wider opening.