Originally Posted by ladron
I'm thinking about getting a short ram for my 96 integra, I've read all the debates about it vs. a CAI, and I still have some questions:
1 - It rains A LOT in my area, would I need the bypass?
2 - If I'm getting the bypass, would I be better off with a CAI?
3 - Not so interested in performance, more the nice throaty rumble (not the farting-in-a-can sound from canister exhausts)
4 - would like to mod my car at least a little, but I have no access to a lift, and since this is one of the few things I can do without a lift, I was thinking about this
Advice/opinions/suggestions??
1. Through the word "hydrolocked" into our search feature...it will show you what happens when a CAI and persistent rain mix. IMHO, the bypass filter is absolutely mandatory for a CAI if you will encounter rain. It is infinitely cheaper than rebuilding a motor. Period.
2. Bypass valves are pretty much redundant with an SRI (short ram intake). It is much more difficult to hydrolock a motor with an SRI compared to a cold air intake...given that the filter and tubing stay within the engine compartment. You'd need to be fording a deep puddle - more than 8" - to run the risk of hydrolock with a SRI.
3. I'm not sure what you're asking here..? If you're referring to the sound of an SRI vs the sound of a CAI... both will have a complex range of tones depending on throttle position and revs. An SRI will be louder than a CAI - because the point of air induction is closer to the firewall. The tone will escalate in pitch as revs rise, just as an exhaust will. Neither an SRI or CAI will make much of a difference in noise at idle. You'll barely hear them.
4. An SRI will be a little easier to install than a CAI... neither are very challenging. In either case you'll want to remove the stock resonator box for weight savings (and to sell on, perhaps). Removing the resonator box does require a floor jack and jackstands, but a full blown service lift is overkill.
As I am doing the simple bolt-ons as well...here's my recommendation.
I'd go with a short ram intake... and if you feel the need, you can fabricate ducting that will supply cool air to the short ram intake - without sealing the SRI off. That way cool, dense air is fed into the motor, but with greatly reduced risk of hydrolock.