Air Intake vs. Cold Air Intak, the difference/benefit?

[Donner]

After hearing so much about CAIs, I'm curious to know if it's something worth getting. I have a K&N air filter, the CAI is completely different, no? What is the benefit of having a CAI vs. not having one, and what, ideally, is the type of driver that this benefits? Thank you!

And where does it go? Anybody have an engine shot with a CAI installed?

 

[Exploderpilot]

A cold air intake is a setup that replaces your stock airbox and intake tube with an open element filter, usually with some plastic "walls" that protect the filter from engine heat. and the new tube is usually round, and therefore less restrictive than stock. you will see slight improvements in throttle response and mileage, nothing amazing though.

 

[Donner]

Excellent, thank you!

So in this case it would be more for show than performance? I don't really do anything special with the vehicle... Is it worth the cost, or is the current stock enough?

You know, around here people get impressed by things like this, so at the car wash when they pop the hood people would just ask questions and chat... it would be a slight upgrade, no? And I get to have fun with it too

I'll get one today if you think it's worth it... what do you say?

 

[JMan689]

Better throttle response, little bit more horse power, better gas mileage and you get that cool growl when you stomp on it

As with any mod you do performance wise, they compliment each other and yield you more power.

 

[Exploderpilot]

Yeah it's worth it. Just do a little shopping before you buy. It's one of the easiest, and most popular mods available for ANY car, so there are a lot of knock offs, and crooks out there overpricing them. and if you are a little creative, it's something you can build yourself too. Search the topic here, and look at what other owners have done. that way you see YOUR application, and you will have a look at the pros and cons BEFORE your money leaves your wallet!

 

[Exploderpilot]

oh yeah, i almost forgot the sound! it's cool.....

 

[Donner]

Thank you all very much!

I will post a pic as soon as it's done!

 

[ahent]

I got one and it is a great kit, but also search for the cold air intake whistle on this site, lots of people hear a whistle from intake when the stock box is taken off on the 4.0 liter V-6. There is nothing wrong with the kits, but the stock box just covers up this noise. Some people like it and think it sounds like a turbo spooling up, I find it annoying enough that I took off the $150 add-on within 2 days. I have not found a fix for this and from searching this site, nobody else has either (some older Ex's just needed parts replaced or cleaned, mine had less then 3,000 miles on it, this was not the problem, all parts checked out). But if you want a great inexpensive kit get the KKM cold air intake.

 

[Donner]

KKM? I have too look for that... thank you! I have to check this out! You all just added a lot of reasoning behind doing this... FUN! That's what it's about, thank you again... I'll be back as soon as it is installed. And better gas mileage, who can argue with that? $3.40+ here in the southland. Out...

 

[Jason94sport]

Depends on what type.

On my Acura a true CAI will net a 10-12 WHP(dyno proven) gain.

Most intake kits are short ram meaning the filter sits in the engine bay. These will not give the same gains as a true CAI.
I have not seen any mileage increase with these. More of a sound & throttle response change. Again unless it's a true CAI(filter sits outside the engine bay near the front of the car)

 

[Donner]

Good advice...

Depends on what type.

On my Acura a true CAI will net a 10-12 WHP(dyno proven) gain.

Most intake kits are short ram meaning the sit in the engine bay. These will not give teh same gains as a true CAI.
I have not seen any mileage increase with these. More of a sound & throttle response change. Again unless it's a true CAI(filter sits outside the engine bay near the front of the car)

I will check it out... The sound & throttle changes will be nice to hear!

 

[JMan689]

I have not seen any mileage increase with these. More of a sound & throttle response change.

You talking about the ram air intakes? Thats pretty much all the KKM is and i gained 90 miles to the tank with that and a cat back.

 

[TekMan05]

well I just installed my MAC performance CAI two weeks ago. And there is a noticable HP gain. It complimnets my Flowmaster exhaust very well and makes the growl more aggressive at acceleration. I'd say I'm sitting around 240 HP now after just my Flowmaster and CAI. Plus I run Royale Purple Synthetic oil in my motor.

Now All I gotta do is order my Torque Monster headers next spring and I'm all set performance wise for me. I'm not trying to turn my Explorer into a race truck just want it to breath well and beat my friends and the occasional Rice Burner! Not trying to set records.

 

[Donner]

Beautiful! Excellent pics!

That brings tears to my eyes... I will be visiting the shop this morning.

 

[Jason94sport]

You talking about the ram air intakes? Thats pretty much all the KKM is and i gained 90 miles to the tank with that and a cat back.

They are classified as short ram intakes. I have the KKM as well. I didn't see any increase in gas mileage. Not just the X but any car I've put an intake on. I guess if your a light foot will may see something. I'm a leadfoot.

 

[TekMan05]

Quick question about these Cold Air Intakes. I'm not at risk of damaging my motor by having one of these on during the winter months am I? Will it be safe from rainy, icy, EXTREME Cold, and snowy conditions that do happen in KC throughout the next 4 1/2 months.

 

[JMan689]

Yeah you will be fine. Assuming you have a hood on your truck.

 

[ThePhoenix]

whats the difference between the $60 intake and the $170 intakes on ebay for example. They both seem to have the same parts and a space for MAFS....

 

[ahent]

Make sure the one from ebay comes with a reusable filter. I have had better luck with fit and instructions on the better ones from K&N, KKM, and MAC.

 

[Donner]

K&N are never replaced, correct? They are just treated and washed?