MustangBoost97

Hey guys/gals,

I may or not be here. I'm looking into getting a CAI for my 97 3.8L, and the price difference is almost $100. AM has a 'brandless' CAI for $75 with aluminum tubing, but they also sell a BBK CAI for $160-$170, tubing is steel. How much impact could this have as far as tubing goes? I'm sure the filters are night and day, but those can be replaced rather effortlessly if I get the itch. To me I can see pros and cons to both. Concerning durability, weight, ect. What do you guys think? Is the extra $100 worth some steel?



Thanks,

MustangBoost97

mstngsule68

i like aluminum better, but im sure others have there opinion...

MOOK3456

It's not gonna make a huge difference either way. I'd be more concerned with the brand and reviews of it rather than the material. I read somewhere on here (have no idea where now) that they tested the different CAI tubing for heat absorption and they were all about the same, even the plastic.

My suggestion is to save more and get a CAI/Tune combo. It'll make you alot happier.

GreyStang

Yeah I prefer plastic over metal for the CAI tube.. metals transfer engine heat faster than plastics.. after all it is supposed to be a COLD air induction tube...

mstngsule68

as well as disapates the heat slower

MU71L4710N

the material itself is not an issue plastic, metal, or aluminum. they work perfectly fine and offer the same (SMALL) power gain as the 200$ ones, but their fitment sucks ***. that's the only reason to spend the extra money on the brand name ones is their fitment is ALOT better. those brandless CAI's the aluminum "heatshield" thing doesnt even line up to the bolt holes in the frame.