short ram VS. cold air
Registered User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: houston, tx
CAI will give you the "AEM hump" in the middle of your powerband, while it guts your low-end power and has no difference in the top-end. The SRI will give you better throttle response than the CAI simply because it's a shorter pipe which facilitates faster air flow. Less bends also helps with the flow. Don't get a CAI. AEM lied to you with "10-15hp gains;" that's bullshit.
The only advantage the CAI has over the SRI is that it sucks in cold air. True, cooler air leads to a denser air mix, which translates to more oxygen for your car to burn. However, when your car is travelling at 20mph or above, the air that's flowing through your engine bay will keep the air as cool inside as it is outside. If you're really paranoid about warmer air with an SRI, get a Comptech Icebox or if you're on a budget make a DIY heat shield over the filter. Those two options are the best compromises for power.
People who tell you their CAI made their car faster are using their butt dyno. It's been proven that the CAI does very little in terms of performance compared to the SRI.
Finally for those people who still think their CAI is hella awesome, the hydrolocking tendencies of the CAI can be avoided with a bypass valve. Good call.
The only advantage the CAI has over the SRI is that it sucks in cold air. True, cooler air leads to a denser air mix, which translates to more oxygen for your car to burn. However, when your car is travelling at 20mph or above, the air that's flowing through your engine bay will keep the air as cool inside as it is outside. If you're really paranoid about warmer air with an SRI, get a Comptech Icebox or if you're on a budget make a DIY heat shield over the filter. Those two options are the best compromises for power.
People who tell you their CAI made their car faster are using their butt dyno. It's been proven that the CAI does very little in terms of performance compared to the SRI.
Finally for those people who still think their CAI is hella awesome, the hydrolocking tendencies of the CAI can be avoided with a bypass valve. Good call.
CHRISTMASTIME IN IRAQ
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 12,413
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area
Originally Posted by yourmom25
CAI will give you the "AEM hump" in the middle of your powerband, while it guts your low-end power and has no difference in the top-end. The SRI will give you better throttle response than the CAI simply because it's a shorter pipe which facilitates faster air flow. Less bends also helps with the flow. Don't get a CAI. AEM lied to you with "10-15hp gains;" that's bullshit.
The only advantage the CAI has over the SRI is that it sucks in cold air. True, cooler air leads to a denser air mix, which translates to more oxygen for your car to burn. However, when your car is travelling at 20mph or above, the air that's flowing through your engine bay will keep the air as cool inside as it is outside. If you're really paranoid about warmer air with an SRI, get a Comptech Icebox or if you're on a budget make a DIY heat shield over the filter. Those two options are the best compromises for power.
People who tell you their CAI made their car faster are using their butt dyno. It's been proven that the CAI does very little in terms of performance compared to the SRI.
Finally for those people who still think their CAI is hella awesome, the hydrolocking tendencies of the CAI can be avoided with a bypass valve. Good call.
The only advantage the CAI has over the SRI is that it sucks in cold air. True, cooler air leads to a denser air mix, which translates to more oxygen for your car to burn. However, when your car is travelling at 20mph or above, the air that's flowing through your engine bay will keep the air as cool inside as it is outside. If you're really paranoid about warmer air with an SRI, get a Comptech Icebox or if you're on a budget make a DIY heat shield over the filter. Those two options are the best compromises for power.
People who tell you their CAI made their car faster are using their butt dyno. It's been proven that the CAI does very little in terms of performance compared to the SRI.
Finally for those people who still think their CAI is hella awesome, the hydrolocking tendencies of the CAI can be avoided with a bypass valve. Good call.
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Seattle
speaking of the DIY heat shield for the intake, how do u make that? i've been looking everywhere for steps on how to build that and havent found it yet.
anyone want to link me if they know?
THANKS
anyone want to link me if they know?
THANKS
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 0
From: Dallas
Originally Posted by tommy1223
speaking of the DIY heat shield for the intake, how do u make that? i've been looking everywhere for steps on how to build that and havent found it yet.
anyone want to link me if they know?
THANKS
anyone want to link me if they know?
THANKS
CHRISTMASTIME IN IRAQ
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 12,413
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area
Originally Posted by tommy1223
but wouldnt the metal absorb heat over time and defeat the heat sheilding purpose? or is there some kind of heat spray i need to spray on it
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
i heard a lot about the ice box system...supposed to give good gains and incorperate features of both the cold air and short ram systems. im really lookin at this product...only thing is its kinda on the expensive side. although there is a DIY kit out there...good luck in your build
alohas
alohas
cgp dc4
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 270
Likes: 0
From: NA
I have a SRI and I love it, just depends on where you live. An intake wont give u any noticeable power gains but definatly a deeper sound with the SRI. If you live in a rainy state like me get a bypass even though the chances of sucking up water are slim cuz its pretty hard, it can still happen, I'd gow ith the SRI www.dragracing.com has them for 75 bucks and great service thats where i got mine. Good luck!!
Registered User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: houston, tx
Nah that $75 is still too much. Go with an ebay intake and put a K&N filter on it. All other systems show negligible gains/losses. The ebay one may run you $30-40 max. Just make sure to ask that the diameter of the pipe is 3".
