CAI - Worth the $$$

Narshadda · 03-13-2006, 03:52 PM

I hate even skirting this subject since I can imagine it is a largely debated topic but, here is my question...

I removed the Air Silencer and replaced my stock filter with a K&N filter. I left the stock intake arm (tube) on. What kind of gains would purchasing a CAI give me? I can understand how some people feel a difference and others don't(Each Car is different) , but does anyone have any reference to say what dyno numbers a CAI actually produced?

They look way cool, but I don't think spending $150 or so is justified by 2-3 HP.

Any thoughts?

-Narsh

2001GTPEWTER · 03-14-2006, 09:39 AM

Dyno numbers, no. But I have a cold-air intake and K&N filter...The air intake though is an aluminum copy of K&N's product, even so I got a louder exhaust and a noticeable change in acceleration at high RPM. CAIs' are I think for those of us not ready to spend $4000 on a supercharger and power pipe.

Narshadda · 03-14-2006, 10:08 AM

I felt a change by just taking out the Air Silencer and changing the filter.
But the only way I see the CAI making more of a difference is if it brought a bigger MAF.
If anyone has any info to shine some light on the subject, I would definitely appreciate it.

2001GTPEWTER · 03-14-2006, 05:27 PM

At first, I bought a large K&N air filter to attach to my stock intake, but when I got the cold air unit it was too big, so I had to use a smaller K&N filter and route the system back down thru the air dam where it was originally. I hated to give up the big filter but the difference in performance (however little you can get with just a CAI) was noticeable. The CAI will also save your gas mileage a little, cold air compresses more easily which translates into more horsepower and less labor on the engine.

Hammer · 03-14-2006, 08:36 PM

Nar,
You've got the right idea... K&N filter and take the silencer off....

Honestly, you might notice a small difference at high RPM, but it probably won't be more than the average 2 to 3 rwhp....

You would notice more of a tangible improvement by going full aftermarket induction (CAI, T/B, MAF), but it is expensive for the power you would gain.

If these are your first mods, there are better bangs for the buck such as 3.73s and a short shifter (if manual)

P.C. · 03-14-2006, 10:40 PM

Hi Narsh.I have the Mac straight shot.It came with the bigger billit mass air meter.It makes a all around noticable difference.Compared to the stock rubber hose.If you look in the stock piece you will see a restrictive section 4 inches from the throttle body.The stock mass air is weak too.Ford is known for restrictions on lots of their parts!I read a test on hooker long tube headers gave 37 more hsp than stock manifolds on a 4.6! But they aint cheap.nor is the install.

2001GTPEWTER · 03-15-2006, 11:18 AM

Geez, Hooker Headers'...We handle them at FedEx..someone please tell these people that copper staples DON'T HOLD!!

Narshadda · 03-15-2006, 01:58 PM

Thanks again guys,
I was looking at the complete kit, but it is close to the price of a Gear set.
I think I have a pretty good plan of what to do next but thanks so much for your replies.

-Narsh

03-13-2006, 03:52 PM	#1
Narshadda Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 50	CAI - Worth the $$$ I hate even skirting this subject since I can imagine it is a largely debated topic but, here is my question... I removed the Air Silencer and replaced my stock filter with a K&N filter. I left the stock intake arm (tube) on. What kind of gains would purchasing a CAI give me? I can understand how some people feel a difference and others don't(Each Car is different) , but does anyone have any reference to say what dyno numbers a CAI actually produced? They look way cool, but I don't think spending $150 or so is justified by 2-3 HP. Any thoughts? -Narsh

03-14-2006, 09:39 AM	#2
2001GTPEWTER Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: East Long Island Posts: 180	Re: CAI - Worth the $$$ Dyno numbers, no. But I have a cold-air intake and K&N filter...The air intake though is an aluminum copy of K&N's product, even so I got a louder exhaust and a noticeable change in acceleration at high RPM. CAIs' are I think for those of us not ready to spend $4000 on a supercharger and power pipe. __________________ Greeeeeeeg

03-14-2006, 10:08 AM	#3
Narshadda Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 50	Re: CAI - Worth the $$$ I felt a change by just taking out the Air Silencer and changing the filter. But the only way I see the CAI making more of a difference is if it brought a bigger MAF. If anyone has any info to shine some light on the subject, I would definitely appreciate it.

03-14-2006, 05:27 PM	#4
2001GTPEWTER Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: East Long Island Posts: 180	Re: CAI - Worth the $$$ At first, I bought a large K&N air filter to attach to my stock intake, but when I got the cold air unit it was too big, so I had to use a smaller K&N filter and route the system back down thru the air dam where it was originally. I hated to give up the big filter but the difference in performance (however little you can get with just a CAI) was noticeable. The CAI will also save your gas mileage a little, cold air compresses more easily which translates into more horsepower and less labor on the engine. __________________ Greeeeeeeg

03-14-2006, 08:36 PM	#5
Hammer AKA "Dr. Evil" Join Date: Feb 1999 Location: South Fork Ranch Posts: 1,721	Re: CAI - Worth the $$$ Nar, You've got the right idea... K&N filter and take the silencer off.... Honestly, you might notice a small difference at high RPM, but it probably won't be more than the average 2 to 3 rwhp.... You would notice more of a tangible improvement by going full aftermarket induction (CAI, T/B, MAF), but it is expensive for the power you would gain. If these are your first mods, there are better bangs for the buck such as 3.73s and a short shifter (if manual) __________________ Uncle Sam "What the hell is up with all the gauges? Calling Captain Kirk, your ride awaits... Phasers on stun...."

03-14-2006, 10:40 PM	#6
P.C. SIT DOWN SHUT UP AND HOLD ON! Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: EASTON P.A. Posts: 27	Re: CAI - Worth the $$$ Hi Narsh.I have the Mac straight shot.It came with the bigger billit mass air meter.It makes a all around noticable difference.Compared to the stock rubber hose.If you look in the stock piece you will see a restrictive section 4 inches from the throttle body.The stock mass air is weak too.Ford is known for restrictions on lots of their parts!I read a test on hooker long tube headers gave 37 more hsp than stock manifolds on a 4.6! But they aint cheap.nor is the install.

03-15-2006, 11:18 AM	#7
2001GTPEWTER Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: East Long Island Posts: 180	Re: CAI - Worth the $$$ Geez, Hooker Headers'...We handle them at FedEx..someone please tell these people that copper staples DON'T HOLD!! __________________ Greeeeeeeg

03-15-2006, 01:58 PM	#8
Narshadda Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 50	Re: CAI - Worth the $$$ Thanks again guys, I was looking at the complete kit, but it is close to the price of a Gear set. I think I have a pretty good plan of what to do next but thanks so much for your replies. -Narsh

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Worth upgrading brakes?	1969Mach1	Windsor Power	7	05-01-2009 12:55 AM
Is it worth my time to.........	dragstang86	Windsor Power	4	11-13-2002 12:35 PM
71 Sportsroof, is it worth having?	setherek	Classic Mustangs	1	09-24-2002 12:03 PM
HELP! Dead Starter! Heavy Duty Worth It?	MTU 50	Windsor Power	6	04-30-2001 06:57 PM
Is the car worth it?	Brian88	Windsor Power	1	01-07-2001 05:30 PM