What do CAI's REALLY do?

PenguinLTZ

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I don't think my money spending is going to endanger you.
 

Zembonez

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I should think not.

Did you read the whole post?
 

Zembonez

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:lol:


Gotcha.
 

Longshot270

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For many of the Ford applications the MAF sensor has to be recalibrated to keep the engine from running lean. That is why we have the Gotts/DWV mod floating around all those sites to remove the snorkel with an internal diameter of ~2"s with a piece of PVC pipe that has in ID of 3"s. On my truck, just that translated to approximately 6-9 hp by allowing an extra 10 g/s over the stock setup. That mod doesn't need to be calibrated for because it doesn't modify the MAF sensor or its immediate surroundings that could have a real affect on the readings.
 

Darkanion

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My experience with CAI's has been as follows :
1) Your "butt-dyno" thinks they help your truck go faster.
2) They make more noise under the hood, so you're likely to grin more.
3) They drain money from your wallet (cost of the CAI and through increased fuel usage due to #2).

Mainly, they do 2 & 3, though.. :lol:

If you want to get rid of the sound suppression from the stock air intake, get a Modular Intake Tube. I've never used a K&N, but I've heard good things about 'em increasing air flow a little. So, if you want increased air flow for getting a little more HP when you really wind it up on those WOT runs, get a K&N drop-in..

I think that about covers it. :thumbs:

(Yes, I know most of that was said before. But, I didn't see a reference to the butt-dyno. So, I thought I'd throw that in, too. :lol:)
 

Black02Silverado

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I can see a CAI making a difference if you highly modify your engine with bigger breathing heads, cam and exhaust, then the factory intake no longer fills the need.

Also CAI gains that are proved on dyno runs show it under WOT, like the post states, how many run their vehicle at WOT daily?

They add noise and looks and society has grown to the fact that if you pop someones hood and they have a nice looking CAI on the vehicle then everyone automatically thinks it is cool and can perform.

It is a huge selling aftermarket item because people want to believe all the hype they are getting the gains from adding one.

AMSOIL tried to venture into that area and found out it wasn't a good idea. Mainly because their prices were outrageous IMO. Their venture with Injen intakes didn't last very long.

Now about K&N. From all the UOA's I have seen with individuals running K&N filters their results always had a higher silicon count, meaning it was letting in more dirt than your average filter. Not all but according to Terry Dyson who I work with, on average running a K&N isn't a good thing if you plan on keeping your vehicle for along time. Just an FYI.
 

buckshot85

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They are good for messing up your mass air flow sensor.. went through 3 of them :facepalm:

Oiled filter?

Nope Roush CAI oil free. Just had a lemon truck :chipper:. Everything messed up on it. I have a AFM CAI on the GMC now and it's fine. And nah they deff weren't cheap ones. I never buy cheap stuff for my truck. I believe in the you get what you pay for.
 

BHB

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Any horsepower increase that a manufacturer claims from a CAI is done cold. As soon a s the engine compartment temp or ambient air heats up, the gains go out the window.
 

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