I have a pretty much stock 95 formula auto, and am debating putting on a CAI and a high flow muffler. I'm wondering what the pro's and cons of a CAI are...and if the gains are worth any hassles like water issues from the under-car filter ect. Thanks for partcicipating in the poll and any feedback

 

Overtime on a DD, with gas prices the way they are a CAI will pay for itself eventually. Even if it's only a 3-5 mpg increase.

I live @ 6,800 ft. in elevation, so I might not get even close to what the HP gain of say someone living close to sea level, I think I can live with a $200.00 pricetag, especially if the CAI alone gives me about 12hp/tq?.

If you can't fork over the dough for a new unit you can always build your own for next to nothing, or try to find one that is used for dirt cheap.

 

Water hassels- Never heard of anyone with this issue, its kind of coverd by the under body plastic.

Pros
Better mpg from what I hear
10ish whp
can buy a used one cheap, or get a new one for under $200

con's
Can hear it sucking air (not really a con but just so you know)

 

In my opinion the only con to a CAI is the need to wash and oil the filter every once in awhile. It is really not even a con because I just look at it as maintance like an oil change.

There are too many pros for you to not consider the option. Better MPG's, more power and even a little bit of eye candy...

 

Depends on which brand you get, but the only drawback I see is that it's harder to replace/clean the filter if you get one where the filter is "below" the engine deck. Some short CAI have the filter on top, so that's easy.

I can "feel" the difference in power..not sure about added mpg, b/c when you feel there's more power, you're usually heavier on the gas peddle too because it's more fun..so not sure if mpg is a big reason.

Personally, a CAI is my first recommended mod..you need to let that engine breathe.

If you're worried about cost...just get a used one from this board. I got my K&N for about $120 a few years back.

 

I agree. A very noticeable difference in performance, but the mpg increase can be up for debate. But then I didn't buy the thing for mpg . One of my best mods to date, besides exhaust. As for the sucking sound. it can be loud at higher RPMs but I like it. I've had a couple guys ask if I had a blower.

 

CAI is an easy 10HP. Mounting the filter "below the deck" provides the coldest air. The K&N filters should only be cleaned in the range of 25,000-50,000miles, for most effective performance, so "maintenance" is no big deal. If you go deep enoungh in water to flood the air intake, your engine will stop pretty quickly because the Opti will be soaked as well. Its really a no-brainer.

As far as the "high flow muffler".... not the best choice. You want a high quality full catback, with a 3" mandrel-bent intermediate pipe.

With the Callaway CAI (same as the Moroso) and the Borla catback, I saw a 3/10 th's reduction in 1/4-mile ET.

 

sorry to take this off topic a little bit, but what do you guys use to clean your moroso cai's? i searched and im not sure if it uses oil or not. my car came with one, and the plastic has been cut out so the filter is pretty exposed. i was thinking about getting a prefilter for it, something like this:

http://www.donaldson.com/en/gasturbi...ary/000475.pdf

 

You can use a K&N filter cleaning kit on just about any CAI filter.

 

I'm guessing that a catback system is replacing the exhaust tubing from behind the stock catalytic converter back? And where is the intermediate pipe? I'm pretty new to modding car exhausts...especially ones with cats I've always thought the cat and muffler were the biggest restrictions in the system...besides the stock exhaust manifold. Does the cat HAVE to stay in for emmissions testing? Or would a high flow cat be better? Thanks

 

I just passed MA emissions with a high flow cat and a bunch of other bolt ons.

 

I voted "no noticable gain", but I put it on a long time ago... That said, I'd still do it again when you're going to replace the air filter anyway...

When I took the OEM filter and box out, I couldn't believe how small the opening was. Put in a K&N FIPK and I at least feel better about the quality/volume of air my motor gets now.

Heck, you could even "rig" an K&N filter and a 3" pipe to the end of the existing elbow that goes to the box.. (probably $50 for that)...