Does CAI brand matter or just the filter?
 

I have a buddy that has modded cars and currently works for New York Transit as a mechanic for buses.

He suggests I buy the cheapest CAI I find on Ebay and to switch out the filter with a quality one. He says it's not the CAI brand that matters, it's the filter. I was going to pre-order the AfE Takeda for $367 but now I'm hesitant to.

Anyone know if this is true?

Unless you've swapped in a bus engine I'd say unlikely.

Lol. My friend has modded his cars. He's a good mechanic car or bus :)

And, alot of people make their own intakes. Maybe he's right. As long as there is a tight-seal that is.

There is a difference between intakes. Tube deigns, where it's pulling air from, fit and finish, and etc. Not all are alike. Sure there is a basic concept but there are differences.

If the run is the same it will likely be close. Some of the higher end intake mfgs will put a thermal paint on their tubes vs. the bare ones you see and they claim that this helps reduce heat transfer.

Ok this is the reality! So far cold air intakes dynos show about a 7hp gain and that's pretty weak compared to the 5hp gains that a drop in filter makes (per dyno testing). People can think they know what they are talking about (most the time its people who have never had a car tunes) but you gain more hp by altering the part of the air box before the filter, the use of a velocity stack with some type of ram air entry to the air box will help most with a drop in filter. I also like to use silicon hoses from the throttle body to the air box to make a smoother flow with less heat soak to keep the engine temperature down.

Based on the 7hp "pretty weak" dyno results on the CAIs would you recommend I hold off on buying one until there are better performing ones?

I'm interested in the aFe Takeda CAI which produced +9hp +10tq

http://afepower.com/shop/details_new...ily&brandID=78

You will not get 9hp from that system, it will give 7hp gain and 9hp peak meaningits not a consistent 9hp. Don't get me wrong its a good intake but with some other mods with a tune you will be good. If you find a post that i made about a rubbwe tube you will see what I'm going for. Best thing to do is drop a filter in and wait :)

A tune with parts will make this car shine, just as any other.

A part alone will net small gains. A part with a tune to take advantage of the increased air flow will net even larger gains.

A tune should be on anyone's list as they add parts to their car. You decide when you take that plunge. :)

I did a search for a rubbwe tube and this is the only post I found those words/ lmao :)

I'm guessing you meant rubber tube.

Are you getting the full kit from Zeta? Which filter? Purple or Silver?

I want it now :)

Haha yeah that's what I ment sorry I was using my phone

Depending on the price of the filers I will see. But if I do I prefer dry filters but I haven't made q choice yet.

I hear oiled has more air-flow and they can also be cleaned and re-oiled. The trick is not too much oil or MAF goes nutty

Oil does have more flow but I do not like to damage my MAF sensor. Some dry filters are washable and no still produce plenty of air flow.

Performance is determined by two things: flow and temperature. More filter surface area = less pressure drop = more flow. Lower temperature air = more dense air = more oxygen flowing per cfm. The volume past the filter acts as a buffer, improving throttle response. That's most of what you need to know when looking for or designing an intake.

at the stock power levels, I would say its mostly true... Hell i would even rip the stock airbox and throw on a 3" K&N filter for shits and giggles.. There is something to be said about a properly designed intake (like Airaid or SRT) specifically for your car though...