CAI: Which one do you have?

[Jman423]

Please tell us which intake setup you have, and why you chose the brand that you did. If you don't have one, but intend to purchase one in the future, please explain which one you are most interested in and why?

[deathbynosleep]

I bought the airaid because i've heard a lot of good things. Price was another issue. It was fairly inexpensive compared to some of the others. Of course now i'm leaning on switching it with the Volant.

[nyskinsfan56]

Don't have one yet, but I am leaning towards the Airaid. From what I've seen so far it seems to be the only one that has already incorporated the air injection hose on the 2005's. I know the K&N has instructions to do it yourself, but I like the fact that I don't have to go around drilling holes and cutting hoses to install the Airaid.

[Afoon]

I went with the AirAid so I could keep the silencer and the install was just too easy to pass up. Also more folks had the AirAid and I was able to get more personal experience recomendations over the others. I had my eye on the K&N 77 series but someone said it was loud (actually I believe his wife said it was loud :) )

[Envoy Fan]

I went with the AirAid so I could keep the silencer and the install was just too easy to pass up. Also more folks had the AirAid and I was able to get more personal experience recomendations over the others. I had my eye on the K&N 77 series but someone said it was loud (actually I believe his wife said it was loud :) )

Read on FSC.com that a user of the K&N 77 series said the chrome tube got real hot after awhile. No cold air from a hot tube. :worried:

[Jman423]

I bought the airaid because i've heard a lot of good things. Price was another issue. It was fairly inexpensive compared to some of the others. Of course now i'm leaning on switching it with the Volant.
I have heard good things about the Airaid too, but I am very happy with my Volant.

Don't have one yet, but I am leaning towards the Airaid. From what I've seen so far it seems to be the only one that has already incorporated the air injection hose on the 2005's. I know the K&N has instructions to do it yourself, but I like the fact that I don't have to go around drilling holes and cutting hoses to install the Airaid.
FYI: The Volant DOES have the hookup that you are looking for on every model, for the trucks that don't have that hose (like mine), there is a cap that goes over that connection.

I went with the AirAid so I could keep the silencer and the install was just too easy to pass up. Also more folks had the AirAid and I was able to get more personal experience recomendations over the others. I had my eye on the K&N 77 series but someone said it was loud (actually I believe his wife said it was loud :) )
A lot of people have complained about the sounds from an intake that removes the resonator, Airaid and Volant are two major brands that I know of that you must keep it installed, therefore cutting down on the sound a lot.

[Jman423]

This information is very helpful to those who are researching a CAI, is there anyone else out there that has an opinion on the CAI's?

[tblazed]

I didn't see anything commercially available that I thought was worthwhile or worth the cost anyway, so I made my own. I measured the before and after intake air temperatures (which is something I have not seen any of the CAI makers state in their claims) with my Carchip data recorder, and it reduced the intake air temperatures from sometimes over 140° to typically no more than about 10° over ambient temp. It upshifts at lower RPMs and stays in 4th OD on the highway much better too.

[Vince]

I didn't see anything commercially available that I thought was worthwhile or worth the cost anyway, so I made my own. I measured the before and after intake air temperatures (which is something I have not seen any of the CAI makers state in their claims) with my Carchip data recorder, and it reduced the intake air temperatures from sometimes over 140° to typically no more than about 10° over ambient temp. It upshifts at lower RPMs and stays in 4th OD on the highway much better too.


Got pics? I'm sure there are a lot of people who might be interested in what you did.

[FattyTBEXT]

This information is very helpful to those who are researching a CAI, is there anyone else out there that has an opinion on the CAI's?

I have an opinion... I just don't have a CAI yet... :laugh:

FWIW, I'm gonna get a Volant when I do get one...

[tblazed]

I bought a used air filter box for $10 to keep the old one just in case. With a Dremel tool and cutting wheel, I opened up the air filter box. Closed the hole I made in it with a piece of aluminum, held in place with two screws. The baffle that is made from rubberized PVC foam ( from an ACE hardware store) goes all the way to the back of the radiator support to seal off as much hot underhood air as possible. On '03s and newer that do not have the top plastic trim piece, the baffle can be extended across the top of the air filter box. I added a Green Filter for a little better breathing. (I have both a K&N and a Green filter. I think the Green filter is made better and should catch smaller dust particles because of the type of filter media they use.)

It gets all intake air from around the headlight, various existing holes, and a long gap underneath trhe headhight ass'y. Works great!



http://users3.ev1.net/~epadget/tbairboxmodstxt.jpg

[OurZoo]

I originally wanted the Volant especially at the recommendation of my local custom guy. However, they didn't have one for the V8 at the time. I went with the K & N instead b/c I had one on my Grand Prix with no problems.

[tblazed]

Here are some real results I measured before and after my COLD air intake mod. This was measured while driving in city traffic. Notice both charts start out just under 100°, but the one before the mods is already over 140° before 20 min. After my cold air mod, the temperature stabilizes about 110° and rarely ever gets up to 120° even in stopped traffic. This is measuring the Intake Air Temperature via the OBD2 port with my Carchip EX..


Before air box and baffle mods "Stock"
http://users3.ev1.net/~epadget/iatb4.jpg


After the air box mod and added baffle to block engine heat
http://users3.ev1.net/~epadget/iataft.jpg

[Vince]

I bought one from chrome intakes on ebay. The finish is terrible, if you look at it wrong it gets scratched. And no matter how much you polish it it never gets real shiny. I had to go out and buy more parts to attach the air injection hose. The instructions they sent with it were terrible, and they basically have no customer service. In other words, don't buy from them. Oh, and I had to rig up a bracket to hold it down. On a positive note my SOTP meter does seem to show an increase off the line. I don't keep track of mileage so I'm not sure if there is any improvement there. Here are a couple pictures of it.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a382/vartulvi/DSC00379.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a382/vartulvi/DSC00378.jpg

[Envoy Fan]

I originally wanted the Volant especially at the recommendation of my local custom guy. However, they didn't have one for the V8 at the time. I went with the K & N instead b/c I had one on my Grand Prix with no problems.

Which K&N did you get? :undecided

[blandmiller]

I agree with Envoy Fan, keep the metal tubes out of any CAI you select. I am very happy with my Airaid. Nearly any performance filter will show gains over the stock element. I would recommend replacing the corrugated tube between the filter and the throttle body with something smooth.

[Prey521]

When I do get it, it will def be the K&N FIPK!

[Robert1101]

I have been using K&N for a number of years and was always happy. So when I got the TB I went K&N 57series. Although I am going to build a better box.

[dallascowboys42]

:m2: The Volant being a sealed intake, and about the same numbers for increase in horsepower is the best bet. Mine is in it's way. Which ever way you go, the Trailvoy's need an intake. I fabricated my stock airbox for the time being, and it helped out quite a bit.

[CHEVYMEX04]

I went with the TRUE FLOW because it was $90 at a store in orange county,ca. I cant complaint and it sounds great.

[jeff83jr]

I made my own CAI and it work very well and under wide open throttle it is loud but everyone says it sounds good so i am happy! i have about $80.00 and some black flat black spray paint invested. Avg mpg. is 18.5 around the city, and at 72 mph on the high way at roughfully 2000rpm it gets about 22.5mpg avg. Cant complain with a full car load.

[Surveyor313]

I have been thinking about either a K&N 57 or 77. Appears that the 57 might be better.
Although I want to check out the Volants before I make my purchase.

[Surveyor313]

I have been thinking about either a K&N 57 or 77. Appears that the 57 might be better.
Although I want to check out the Volants before I make my purchase.


I ended up getting the K&N 57...installed a few hours ago :woohoo:

fairly easy install (30 pics on the instruction sheet helped)

Pics will be up tomorrow night...

[hazmatt24]

I got a wild hair today and there was a shop around the corner that actually had an airaid kit in stock so I went and got it. I just finished putting it in, haven't even driven it yet.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c265/hazmatt24/S7300978.jpg


http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c265/hazmatt24/S7300979.jpg

[hazmatt24]

ok, drove it, noticed much improvement :)

[Orangejuiced86]

How exactly is that a "cold" air intake? Looks like it still takes air from the enginebay.

Im used the the mustang ones where the filter is atleast in the fenderwell and out of the engine bay.

[07 Cdnvoy]

I first started useing K&N back in 1992, I ran with that filter for 320,000 KM's, when I picked up my envoy, I stopped at the performance shaop and ordered the CAI, thought I would get the 77 series, add a little bling under the hood :dielaugh:
I do know that from the driver information center computor, I have increased the fuel mileage from 7.2 KMs per liter to 9.8, and on highway I get 12.6 KM's per liter. on average I see approx 850 - 900KMs per tank, for myself that is great, note I also use Castrol Syntec 5W30, and Lucas fuel additive ever 5 tanks.
I plan on changing the "airbox" to stainless in the future

[Foosh]

yeap from what i've been told by others, the k&n is favored. also since it bypasses the airbox, it gives the engine more direct flowing air.

[1badls]

I have the Air aid! i love it it can feel a little bit of a different performance wise! i just wish i could hear the sucking of the air a little better!

[JeremyM]

12/30/08 - I just bought a K&N 77 series online. Will be here in about a week and I'll update this post with pictures and any noticable changes.

Edit: Just got shipping info and turns out, the thing is in PA and I live in Southern NY. It is estimated to arrive tomorrow. Hopefully I'll use my day off on Jan 1st to throw it in and test 'er out.

[Hid-hq]

I custom fabricated my own and used a k&n filter.....

I had the air-raid and the k&n cai kits.....

My custom setup now runs at a minimum of 20 degrees colder than, the other two....

Best of all it fits within the stock air box.....

Any questions hid-hq@live.com:thx

[Chevy-TB-lover]

Do you have any pictures?

[KHill]

My newly installed 57 series K&N CAI.

http://i495.photobucket.com/albums/rr315/KHHill/P1000563.jpg

So I was drivin this around town to try it out after I got it installed and the only thing I noticed was a hissing noise I had was gone. So I decided to try it on the highway and I'm sitting at the intersection waiting for a break in traffic and get impatient, so I find a small opening and gun it. HOLY CRAP.:eek: It scared me half to friggin death. It was like I had a totally different engine in my car, sound and performance wise. It was a lot more responsive and powerful at 50+ mph. I'll get some video and charts up later on performance stuffs.

A word of warning, the grommets that come with the kit are a pain in the a$$ to stick things in. Took me a half hour just to get the IAtemp sensor in and almost broke the darn thing in the process. Also note the hose clamp on on the intake tube by the heat shield. This attaches the saddle bracket to the intake tube, it doesn't say anything about this in the instructions.

Other than that :woohoo:

[Michblaze02]

I don't care for the look of not having the intake resonator, but I know the sound is much different without it. The other thing I noticed on k&n's is the lack of good seal around the air dam, the airaid is much better but keeps the resonator on and the sound is no different then not having one.:m2:

Would be interested in how yours sounds KHILL.

[KHill]

As soon as i get a few AAA's ill get my recorder in my car and go toolin around. Ill post it tomorrow if im not too busy.

As for the seal on the heat shield, some pipe insulation across the bottom should fill the gaps pretty well, ill get pics of that too when it get it together.

[KHill]

well, my current recorder cant pick up well enough from the inside so I will post later when I get my camcorder this weekend.

As for the seal, I posted a followup article here:

[holmes]

have they corrected the issue from the first page with the 05's?? for the 05's is there one brand I should look at over another.

[Hid-hq]

http://gallery.trailvoy.com/showphoto.php/photo/12291

http://gallery.trailvoy.com/showphoto.php/photo/12292

http://gallery.trailvoy.com/showphoto.php/photo/12293


The secondary filter has a check valve installed, if the primary filter doesnt prive enough air the secondary will open and provide extra filtration.....

Ooo and its jdm tyte yo....:bonk: :suicide:..>Jdm tyte = fail

[johnny5z2]

So I ordered the K&N 77 series online and its taking a really long time to get here, getting a little impatient :suicide:

But in the mean time how was the 77 to install? any difficulties or pretty easy stuff? anyone have the 77 on an I6?

What other things can you do to the I6 to get a little more power or at least get rid of the sound of an airplane taking off every time I hit the gas LOL

[Hid-hq]

A custom exhaust will make the largest difference in sound.....

An intake makes some racket, but the manifolds are pretty restrictive and muffle alot of the sound produced by the filter/downtube....

[signguy62]

Have been doing a lot of internet searches ever since I got my 05 TB 3 weeks ago and and intake for it is on my search list. I keep seeing both CAI (cold air intake) and SI (short intake)...........Difference?

[Ricky81]

I custom fabricated my own and used a k&n filter.....

I had the air-raid and the k&n cai kits.....

My custom setup now runs at a minimum of 20 degrees colder than, the other two....

Best of all it fits within the stock air box.....

Any questions hid-hq@live.com:thx

How do you know if it runs 20 degrees colder than the K&N and air-raid system?? I have tried that route as well....even gutted the air box...it felt like it restricted the air more than compared to just having the heat shield.....also with the little filter....is it not deriving more heat since it is closer to the engine....


Have been doing a lot of internet searches ever since I got my 05 TB 3 weeks ago and and intake for it is on my search list. I keep seeing both CAI (cold air intake) and SI (short intake)...........Difference?

There are 2 types of an air intake.....


Cold-air intake: An intake system that draws cold air from outside the engine compartment

Short-ram intake: An aftermarket intake system that draws air from inside the engine compartment.

Here is the difference......major companies that I have dealt with sell mostly short ram intakes....on the Envoy and TB's they are short ram intakes.......it would be a sweet mod if someone can fabricate a CAI for our vehicles.....

[Army Mike]

I purchased the TrueFlow system as I was at the RADCO Truck store picking uo some hood scoops for my old man and it was more of a convience thing. I have always ran with K&N as I feel no matter what you stick it on it always sounds great. The True Flow is a Custom Fit tube that replaces all the factory air intake componets. Except the Air box itself, it is recomened to keep the air box in place. I fell that with some custom work you can leave the custom box but add some tubbing into the grill to create somewhat of a ram air intake as well as a true cold air intake.

[Boricua SS]

I have the IEATSRT8 intake to let my LS2 breathe nicely :woohoo:

[CHIEF BIG RIDGE]

I still need to get one.

[blacktrail04]

I've had my TB for a few months now, but I haven't had too much money to play with it. I want my CAI to be my first mod, and I've been leaning towards one I found on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2002-2005-ENVOY-BRAVADA-TRAILBLAZER-4-2L-AIR-INTAKE-D_W0QQitemZ280333623658QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_C ar_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item280333623658&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=72%3A1171|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318

To be honest, I'd prefer to get a more "name brand" setup like K&N or something, but cost is a huge issue for me right now.

[07BlazerMan]

blacktrail04 I believe I have seen a post on this cai kit and was mentioned that its cheaply made. I have seen in the ebay stores the k&n pretty cheap just my 2 cents:m2: the sellers name is clubmustkara and for the 02-05 was $218.

[blacktrail04]

blacktrail04 I believe I have seen a post on this cai kit and was mentioned that its cheaply made. I have seen in the ebay stores the k&n pretty cheap just my 2 cents:m2: the sellers name is clubmustkara and for the 02-05 was $218.

I'm really reluctant to throw anything more than $150 into the intake, man. But I suppose I still owe enough money on my TB (I bought it used a few months ago) that I should spend $218 for the tried-and-true KN v the other eBay one.

[Army Mike]

I went with the TRUE FLOW because it was $90 at a store in orange county,ca. I cant complaint and it sounds great.Thats crazy I paid $299 for mine in Minnesota at RADCO....I am pissed now..

[CHEVYMEX04]

Thats crazy I paid $299 for mine in Minnesota at RADCO....I am pissed now..

It was on special I guess since it was fairly new not a whole lot of people knew about the kit so to make room they where almost given them away at that price.

[blktblazer04]

any bad things about the rock-it dual cai

[CHEVYMEX04]

any bad things about the rock-it dual cai

THERE IS A MEMBER THAT HAS IT OR USED TO HAVE IT ON HIS BUT NEVER HEARD FROM HIM AGAIN WHEN ASK TO DO A SOUND CLIP.:undecided

[blktblazer04]

:suicide: ive seen it just wanted to no if it was worth the 200$ i would make a heat sheild

[e-iowa-o]

I've been on the fence about whether to get the CAI. Have kept the OEM paper filters due to better filtration and forfeited the increase in air flow. I also have been cautious because I don't want it to be excessively loud.

But... Found this deal and figured that for this price, if I don't like it I can just take it back off. True flow kit $47 with free shipping. I'm going to try it out.:yes:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009N4O7S

Only 3 left (noon 4-23-09) so if you want to go for this deal don't drag your feet.

[WOOLUF1952]

That's the kit I have on my '03. It is not very loud if you keep the air filter cover on as suggested in the instructions. That is a great deal. I paid $266 for mine.

[glfredrick]

I've been on the fence about whether to get the CAI. Have kept the OEM paper filters due to better filtration and forfeited the increase in air flow. I also have been cautious because I don't want it to be excessively loud.

But... Found this deal and figured that for this price, if I don't like it I can just take it back off. True flow kit $47 with free shipping. I'm going to try it out.:yes:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009N4O7S

Only 3 left (noon 4-23-09) so if you want to go for this deal don't drag your feet.

I ordered mine early this morning! :yes:

Killer deal!

I'm going to do a pictoral write up on this unit install, so look for that coming up. I might also be able to do some before and after testing at our local 1/8 mile track. If I take the kit along, I can do back-to-back testing to see if it does anything for real, other than sound and look.

[thtrmike]

Hey guys- I am a new member with a 05 TB 4.2 I6 I just ordered the http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280329795155&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT&viewitem=
Before I found this site and now I am kinda wishing I didn't. Should I just saw screw it and let it sit in my garage, or give it a try?
Let me know.....Thanks

[Hid-hq]

I bought that same intake......Not worth the box it was shipped in.....

It fits and looks like crap.....Cant really hear it.....The stock resonator( plastic piece that says vortec 4200) really restricts it.....

You can see the windshield washer reservoir exposed, it acts as a heat sink....

I just custom made my cai...look at my pics......

http://s538.photobucket.com/albums/ff348/Dvsconceptz/?action=view&current=023.jpg

OOO and look at my custom powder coated brake swap....Heres a preview

http://s538.photobucket.com/albums/ff348/Dvsconceptz/?action=view&current=250.jpg


:excited: :woohoo:

[thtrmike]

I bought that same intake......Not worth the box it was shipped in.....

It fits and looks like crap.....Cant really hear it.....The stock resonator( plastic piece that says vortec 4200) really restricts it.....

You can see the windshield washer reservoir exposed, it acts as a heat sink....

I just custom made my cai...look at my pics......

http://s538.photobucket.com/albums/ff348/Dvsconceptz/?action=view&current=023.jpg

OOO and look at my custom powder coated brake swap....Heres a preview


http://s538.photobucket.com/albums/ff348/Dvsconceptz/?action=view&current=250.jpg


:excited: :woohoo:

Can you email me the pics thtrmike@gmail.com?

[glfredrick]

I ordered mine early this morning! :yes:

Killer deal!

I'm going to do a pictoral write up on this unit install, so look for that coming up. I might also be able to do some before and after testing at our local 1/8 mile track. If I take the kit along, I can do back-to-back testing to see if it does anything for real, other than sound and look.

Quoting myself... :rolleyes:

Got the kit, installed it, love it. Can't beat the price!

Check out my step-by-step installation thread in the induction forum. I've also placed two short video clips of the sound.

[thtrmike]

Quoting myself... :rolleyes:

Got the kit, installed it, love it. Can't beat the price!

Check out my step-by-step installation thread in the induction forum. I've also placed two short video clips of the sound.

Will this fit the 05 4.2 I6? and is it worth it better than what I ordered check out my above post.

[Hid-hq]

I just custom made my cai...look at my pics......

http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/ff348/Dvsconceptz/022.jpg

http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/ff348/Dvsconceptz/023.jpg

http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/ff348/Dvsconceptz/024.jpg



custom brake swap....Powder coated / flash baked by yours truly!!!!


http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/ff348/Dvsconceptz/227.jpg

http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/ff348/Dvsconceptz/250.jpg

4wd swap....notice the 4wd actuator???

http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/ff348/Dvsconceptz/193.jpg

http://i538.photobucket.com/albums/ff348/Dvsconceptz/212.jpg

encoder motor pigtail....:tiphat

[Army Mike]

I have replied to this post in the past, I have made some changes to what I have and I like the way my TB sounds and runs. I use the TrueFlow tube with a Vector AirFilter, It has a mean sound and I really feel like it makes a difference, I want to add hood scoops or one hood scoop to connect it into my intake. What do you think!!!

[Hid-hq]

To tell you the truth with these newer vehicles, the hood scoop connected to the air intake really wont make a noticeable difference......
You are definitely thinking "old school" so to speak lol......

"Its all in the tune" as they say........Damn computerized everything....
But it will probably look much cooler and if that's what you like, well go for the gold......

[glfredrick]

To tell you the truth with these newer vehicles, the hood scoop connected to the air intake really wont make a noticeable difference......
You are definitely thinking "old school" so to speak lol......

"Its all in the tune" as they say........Damn computerized everything....
But it will probably look much cooler and if that's what you like, well go for the gold......

I disagree...

By your logic, raising the static pressure in the intake tract would be of no benefit, but physics says otherwise. By directly presurizing the air box at speed (usually called ram air) you will presurize the intake tract over ambiant air pressure, which will force more air into the cylinders at any given rpm. Same effect as a turbo or supercharger, on a smaller scale. The gains won't be measured in the hundreds of horsepower scale, but there will be a boost at speed.

Note that a chassis dyno won't pick up boosts like this, as there is no air under pressure flowing through the system. This one takes road speed.

As far as the computers... Re-mapping the parameters, as many of us are doing via PCM for Less, HP Tuners, Westers, etc., does make a difference also. We're changing the set points that the engine management shoot for and there are indeed performance gains to be found in that manner.

[blktblazer04]

Hid-Hq what part of mass u live ?

[ubuthedog]

is there even one made for the 5.3? or am i stuck making my own:confused:

[Chevy492]

so i took a look on ebay at air intakes and i was just wanting people's opions on the cheap kind i looked at a brand that is just a crome intake with a k&n filter.... so i was wondering if anyone has bought one recently.... an di want one that sounds deep and mean lol let me know what ya think?:)

[blktblazer04]

look for ebay seller chrome intakes. i bought that one and it sounds good after like 2500 RPMS

[Chevy492]

yeah thats i think the one i was looking at i might get it if you think it sounds pretty good. it wasn't hard to install was it?

[blktblazer04]

not hard at all. connect hoses and a wire. and the bigger hose connected to the bottom of the stock air tube gets a lil mini filter.or at least mine did.

[Black04 SLT]

I have the K&N CAI FIPK----gives the truck some decent sound under moderate to WOT. A little improvement in gas mileage as well. Seeing about 17 in the city to 22ish on the highway.....

[07BlazerMan]

Just ordered the K&N 63 series.:woohoo: I feel like a kid in the candy store.

[TXTrail]

I am going to lob a duece into the punch bowl...

All I am reading here is a lot of hearsay and butt-dyno testimonies. Does anyone have any real data to back up significant performance gains of a CAI on a Trailvoy or its cousins? Show me some dyno plots that compare different systems. BTW, I don't count K&Ns data (much respect to K&N)...but what good is 9-10hp to a vehicle that weighs 4400 to 5100 pounds?

[crazytb]

Txtrail

I don't have any dyno numbers to back it up but hands down a good CAI will increase power. I made my own becase i don't believe in buying a name. But the concept is known to increase hp and tq> more air=more power and the stock one is clearly restrictive with its circulatory box system. Best bang for your buck is get a CAI and a tune. I would stay away from an ebay CAI though. I went that path and it was clearly a universal thing with extra holes and a tiny air filter. I made mine for like 30 bucks plus the 50 dollar k and n i had on my stock box

[TXTrail]

Txtrail

I don't have any dyno numbers to back it up but hands down a good CAI will increase power. I made my own becase i don't believe in buying a name. But the concept is known to increase hp and tq> more air=more power and the stock one is clearly restrictive with its circulatory box system. Best bang for your buck is get a CAI and a tune. I would stay away from an ebay CAI though. I went that path and it was clearly a universal thing with extra holes and a tiny air filter. I made mine for like 30 bucks plus the 50 dollar k and n i had on my stock box


I understand all that. I have a CAI on my other car. That decision was based on seeing dyno data for other CAIs. It seems that few on here bother with dynos in their tuning.

[glfredrick]

I'll start by saying that I am a fan of the CAI and have one my self (True Flow) and that I notice a difference in the way the car runs with the CAI in place (with a PCM for Less tune). It is definitely snappier after 3000 rpm with the CAI in place.

But, does it add enough HP to make it worth the cost? Probably not. Especially if the CAI isn't actually a CAI after it is installed, like most of the ones I see posted on the board. Just an open air filter element laying under the hood will probably decrease HP instead of increase it from the hot air being sucked into the intake tract.

I picked up my True Flow for under $100 at Amazon.com and it uses the stock air box (modified -- hogged out) which draws in cool outside air. Future plans include a cowl induction hood with ducting to the top of the air box, which will net some increase HP at freeway speeds from the ram air effect (even slightly over atmosphere pressure increases power). I also like the sound of the intake, which is the main reason I'm running it. I dislike the "silent" factory sound of the TrailVoy platform, so I've done the intake and resonator delete to get a bit of sound when I'm getting on it.

If I had to spend my money somewhere for a HP increase, however, I'd spend it on the tune first, then somewhere else -- gears, torque converter, etc., before I did a CAI that cost me close to $400 like some do.

[gilmore550]

Installed a K&N 63:) on my '09-very simple. Past experience w/K&N drove decision. Chose plastic pipe version cuz I'm in Phoenix and wanted lowest heat gain on unit. Why CAI? Upgraded 17's to 20 in Centerlines, and lost out of the hole performance and 1.5 mpg. 20's(forged) are same weight as 17's(stock), tire heavier. CAI restored both! Lived with poor performance for a month to be sure the TB computer had time to adjust-it didn't, b4 making the change---WELL WORTH IT!
Picked it up on ebay for about $265.

[glfredrick]

For what it's worth, all an air intake setup can do is lower the resistance of the air entering the intake tract. It cannot add air above atmospheric pressures unless there is some means of actually boosting that pressure.

To explain air density and weight, imagine a column of air as tall as the earth's atmosphere. That column of air weighs in at 14.7 pounds at sea level, so the weight of a charge of air not otherwise boosted by any external means is limited to that 14.7 pounds. That is the force being pushed into the intake tract. Density is the amount of oxygen available in that charge of air to power the burn from the air/fuel mix, and density can change based on temperature of the air. The colder the air the more dense it is, providing more atoms of oxygen to burn.

There are several means of boosting the atmospheric pressure in the intake tract, one of which is ram air (where air pressure generated from a higher air pressure zone at some point on the vehicle body is directed to the air intake),another is a turbocharger, or another means a supercharger.

Additionally, air density can also effect power production, and one can increase air density by keeping or reducing in-coming air charges as cool as possible. Cooler air is more dense and can support a higher charge of fuel, making more power.

A well-designed CAI system will accomplish both of the goals above -- reducing any back pressure that robs the intake tract of the full 14.7 pounds of atmospheric weight (at sea level -- higher elevations have less air weight) and/or keeping the air charge as cool as possible for maximum density of the air charge. A CAI cannot increase air density or weight from atmospheric levels -- it can only preserve all that already exists by not offering resistance (through bends, ripples, etc.) and by not heating the air. An intake can reduce atmospheric pressures by resistance (bends, etc.) so that a couple of psi of air is not available for introduction to the combustion chamber, for instance a restrictive filter that flows less cubic feet per minute than the engine needs causing the weight of the air at the throttle blades to be less than 14.7 pounds (or whatever your air weight is at your elevation).

Additionally, an internal combustion engine will also draw air into the intake tract by way of piston movement. As the pistons go down in their bores, air is pulled into the cylinder. At normal atmospheric levels only the amount of air that equals the volume of the combustion chamber can be drawn into an engine. No more can be introduced than is physically possible by the volume of the chamber. Of course, less than optimal air charges can be introduced my any number of means -- length of time that the valves are open, rpm of the engine (not leaving adequate time to completely fill the cylinder), overlap of valve timing (allowing some air to exit with the exhaust gas), or amount of air-vane opening in the throttle body (or carburetor). It is the regulation of the amount of air entering the combustion chamber that governs engine speed, hence the throttle body plate that limits air flow into the system. Modern engines can also alter fuel charge via computer control of injector pulse width, making for better efficiency.

So, an engine's air needs can be computed very precisely via mathematical formula -- X number of pistons moving at X speed, drawing X amount of air equals the amount of air needed. There is no way to cheat this system with an intake system unless that system can raise the pressure of the air above atmospheric conditions via the means listed above. Our goal then, is to make our intake tract as EFFICIENT as possible so that the maximum amount of cool air enters the intake tract as can in concert with atmospheric pressures. We find CAI systems that do exactly that with some degree of success depending on the individual system, how well it flows (most will flow more than the engine needs) and how cool the air remains in that system until it meets the spark that ignites it.

A secondary (but very important) element of the CAI system is good filtration of the incoming air. Best, of course, would be a ram air stack (like drag racers of old) poking up through the hood of the car with no filter in place -- that would flow the maximum amount of air on every intake charge, but the engine would not last long at all! In the real world, we need to compromise somewhat and find a system that allows as cool of air as possible to get filtered as good as possible and that also feeds as much as possible to the engine whenever it needs it.

Hope this helps to explain what is going on in the intake tract so that good decisions can be made for CAI systems.

[gilmore550]

Most DIY projects are analyzed by the SOP method, by feel or easy calcs of the the speedo. Only when racing SCCA(B-P), did I bother with dyno readouts on individual components. With 5 kids-two in college, its more driven by lack of access, lack of $'s, & time than professional or scientific curiosity. I did re-acquire the 2 mpg lost & tip-in performance lost with the tire/rim upgrade by my 3rd tank of gas. Bsides-it looks cool! Granted- it would be great to have hard numbers-oh well.

[4x4forLIFE]

I am going to lob a duece into the punch bowl...

All I am reading here is a lot of hearsay and butt-dyno testimonies. Does anyone have any real data to back up significant performance gains of a CAI on a Trailvoy or its cousins? Show me some dyno plots that compare different systems. BTW, I don't count K&Ns data (much respect to K&N)...but what good is 9-10hp to a vehicle that weighs 4400 to 5100 pounds?

Bragging rights lol just like my tb spacer "adds" about 10hp and some torque,, which I soon found out doesn't do anything.

But anywho, I purchased my K&N simply for the name.. it's a respected name and I've heard nothing really bad about them.

[shdamaj]

i had received my custom CAI from Chrome intake:woohoo:, that requires the remove of resonator, easy to install if you know what to do, my Throttle body was very dirty, i clean it with a can called "throttle body cleaner" , smells like nail paint remover, after installing the CAI, and test it.
1. very good push up in HP, specially after exceeding 2500 RPM.
2. very beautiful sound, i couldn't imagine that can produce such sound, you can feel the VROOOOOOOOOM coming out down the hood.
3. i didn't notice in Gaining MPG's, i will post later if any pops up.
i think i will never claim more MPG's if i still hit hard on Gas to hear the sucking air from CAI.
during test, i kicked a BMW X5 ass so hard that he start to cry :sadcry: :dielaugh:

[SailorJay451]

not hard at all. connect hoses and a wire. and the bigger hose connected to the bottom of the stock air tube gets a lil mini filter.or at least mine did.

Ok, so I was looking at the Chrome Intake ones as well, but not to stoked about the little strap holding the filter and tube down on the windshiled washer reservoir. Is it strong enough in your guys opinion? My plan was to get the Chrome Intake one, hollow out the stock airbox, drill some holes in the front of the air box to allow more air flow, and put the stock air box with my alterations over the Chrome Intake filter. Think that would work?

:thx

[glfredrick]

Like a lot of hot-rodding, you may just have to try and see.

[Dizzlenator]

I got the AirRaid because I found a member that wanted to trade me for a pushbar I had when I upgraded to my current grill guard setup. I didn't notice anything at all until I deleted my intake res and replaced it with a piece of PVC pipe. I gotta say it sounds sick, nice and loud, and feels like it added a little. Woke up my flowmaster 70 as well. My buddy said it is WAY louder since I added the intake...

[soundman63]

Hi Guys,
I'm a new member and have been reading alot of very helpful info posted about CAI. I did get the K&N77 series and I like the sound, it reminds me of my 91 SPG Turbo. Noticed some boost when towing as well from a stop light.