Do Cold Air Intakes do anything?

XTheOwl · 06-06-2003, 06:34 PM

Ok, I was seriously considering plunking some change down for a cold air intake system, but now I'm not sure.

I have seen what I thought were reputable manufacturers selling CAI's with claims of 10-15 HP increase, but now I've been told that a CAI will yeild no more horsepower than you would get with just a K&N airfilter alone.

Can anyone tell me for sure if a CAI is a scam or not?

Thanks again,

xto

Hammer · 06-06-2003, 07:33 PM

It depends on what you're expecting...

Is a CAI the best mod for 200 dollars for performance? No...

Will it get you 15 rwhp? No...

In my experience, CAI kits on the dyno have netted around 3-5 rwhp... (To give you an idea, a car can vary between + or - 5 rwhp between runs with no changes) so the gain is negligable....

You might feel it breathe a bit better at high revs or on a cold day, but that's about it as far as the butt-o-meter is concerned...

96_4.6 · 06-06-2003, 08:56 PM

Its been dyno proven in a recent ford mag that it flows the same as an K&N in the stock air box

96_4.6 · 06-06-2003, 08:58 PM

Actually that was the morso setup I think thats how you spell it that they tested on I beleive an 89 gt

jj_jonathon · 06-06-2003, 11:33 PM

they work wonders on non-mustangs....lol...but on a mustang, its a non-warranty breaker that can look really sharp....so what the hell right?

XTheOwl · 06-07-2003, 02:33 AM

96_4.6,

I understand that a cold air flows the same as just a K&N. I was asking if the "cooler" air resulted in more power.

From what people are saying, I guess the answer is no.

Steeda sells a cold air intake for the cobra they say is good for 15 HP. Is this a gross exageration?

They also sell a "Intake manifold heat sheild" for 5.0's that looks like just an insulated wrap they claim can get 8HP. Is this a scam then too?

What about people icing their intakes? Is this useless as well?

Thanks very much for all the info so far plus any more,

xto

95mustanggt · 06-07-2003, 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by XTheOwl
96_4.6,

I understand that a cold air flows the same as just a K&N. I was asking if the "cooler" air resulted in more power.

You've got to remember that the stock air box IS a CAI. It pulls the air from the fenderwell just like an aftermarket CAI. You just lose some of the irregularities of the interior sidewalls of the intake piping.

IMO, it cleans up the engine bay nicely compared to the stock air box, but compared to a drop in K&N that's about it.

Badass_yellowGT · 06-07-2003, 10:15 PM

you will get better throttle responce and you will get a little power
but best of all it looks dam good and the get rid of thr stock airbox and inlet pipe that weighs together more than 8 pounds

96_4.6 · 06-07-2003, 11:50 PM

Yea they say 15 horsepower if theres no airbox at all thats how they test it i.e they remove everything from the mass air meter down and test it then they add there CAI and say they gained this much its crap

SMOKE · 06-08-2003, 10:47 AM

Lie everyone else wrote .... they look great under the hood.

mutang281 · 06-08-2003, 05:01 PM

It helps dont know how much but you can tell a differance. I have a MAC CAI on my 01 gt and it sounds cool in the car to.

blackfang · 06-30-2003, 11:11 PM

The Mac cai is one of the worst ones out there. A nice sharp bend, and bright shiny metal for the engine bay to heat up and make that cold air hot air.

If you are gonna get one, get a UPR, or a densecharger which both use plastic which is not a heat condenser and uses a straight pipe which allows maximum airflow.

XTheOwl · 06-30-2003, 11:30 PM

Blackfang,

I've been thinkin that plastic would probably be a better insulator than metal.

I went to Densechargers website, and found this:

System #5: Part# 960246GTFL
'96-03 4.6 GT 100mm Kit (e-mail notify for 02 GT's)
Fender to throttle body system (100mm to MAF, 77mm to TB)

Includes 100mm Densecharger System with new CNC'd MAF Flanges
K&N # RU3480 6" Conical Air Filter
Does not fit properly with Strut Tower Brace
Price $160.00 + S/H

Anyone ever heard anything or have any experience with this?

Thanks,

xto

jmjett01 · 07-03-2003, 01:12 PM

You wont get your money worth. There are better upgrades in the same price range that you will benefit more from.... Look at a C&L MAF MAS

XTheOwl · 07-03-2003, 07:25 PM

jmjett01,

I've heard even a c&l kit doesnt do much more than just the k&n by itself.

Whats your oppinion?

-xto

ajcolv · 07-07-2003, 12:46 PM

My opinion would be that no CAI would be worth it at this stage. If you are stock or nearly stock, all CAI's will yield about the same hp. You would be better off investing in something that has been proven to be a better mod (not necessarily gets more hp, but better). I don't know what mods you have but look into gears, pullies, t/a, sfc's, or lca's.

lg3tech · 07-10-2003, 08:10 AM

Okay - a few things I'd like to touch on...

1. I understand everyone (may or may not) have a biased opinon on which C.A.I. system is the best bang for the buck. I own the FL (Full Length) Densecharger C.A.I. system and the decision to purchase came after first hand or third party experiences with other intake kits. So when I applaude Densecharger for providing us with one of the best "known" C.A.I.s on the market it is not from a "blind" standpoint. ABS plastic may NOT be 'bling bling' shiny chrome - however, ENTER FUCNTIONALITY OVER COSMETICS: as previously said it doesn't heat the cold air - BYE MAC C.A.I.s. The DC system also (and yes I know there are similar configurations) stuffs the K&N FC deep in the fender well - and obvious benefits there include: less bugs, more air, cooler air, and did I mention A LOT MORE AIR. If on a tight budget go with the MF (Meter Foward) kit - however, a few dollars more will rid you of the flow inefficient stock TB pipe.

2. As far as C.A.I.s and whether or not IT should be 1st on the list of upgrades for stock GTs - I believe it SHOULD. I would break the upgrades up into simpe categories (e.g. HOW MUCH FREAK'in MONEY DOES x COST?) "where 'x' is the upgrade you want". Numbers quoted by manufactures are rarely accurate (and usually over rated vs under). Everything from car audio amp power output to C.A.I. HP gains are more than likely embelished in favor of the SALE. Nonetheless, the C.A.I. falls in the $100 - $300 category and is dynamic and modular upgrade - C.A.I.'s will continue to boost power as you apply additional upgrades (mainly exhaust / air-related). Other variables such as installation cost (hey if you've changed a tire and drilled a hole or two, you can eliminate professional installation as far as C.A.I.s) - and finally upgrade risk factors: "Will I have to worry about overheating problems if I do this or that?" "Do I need to get spacers for the new x?"

3. Summary: C.A.I.s (Densecharger should be the brand of choice) meet all the aforementioned conditions - Simple "D.I.Y." installation, low cost, modular component, 0 risk factors (unless you accedentally ....FILL IN SOMETHING HORRIBLE HERE...)

If I've caused anybody's nose, eyes, or brain to bleed from this excessively lengthy post - I apologize

, but hope that at least some part of the reply helped...

Laters Stang Familia

Mustang92 · 07-10-2003, 03:06 PM

lg3tech you might want to close your eyes to this post.

I installed a Densecharger set up on my car after the bullitt intake swap and the car slowed down at the track. I swaped it out for a simple 3.5" steel tube and the car picked right back up. To give it a fair shot I even did a same day test against each and the DC set up couldn't match the simple steel tube set up.

Back to the DC there is the issue of quality and I've seen this on more than just my kit. Basically the densecharger kit is nothing more than a Home Depot cold air kit with a few pieces cut to fit and painted with spray paint. Anyone that has worked with rubber couplers and painted plastic knows that the paint has a tendancy to melt where ever the rubber is touching it. This makes the paint come off of the piping and sometimes leads to leaks. I never had leaks but I did have paint coming off on my hands when fitting it up. Sorry but that is just poor craftsmanship.

I also noticed issues with the IAT sensor fitting properly into the piping as well as on Dave's (Kurgan from the other Mustang boards) car. All in all a creative person could buy a K&N filter for $40 and buy the parts necessary for another $40 and do the same job.

I did a comparison with the MAC set up on my car prior to the bullitt intake and found the same results. The stock inlet tube with open K&N was worth a tenth over the MAC set up.

Bill

Red Mustang Gt 46 · 07-10-2003, 04:41 PM

Truth be known...I have yet to see any Hardcore Mustang Racer endorse any commercial "cold air kits" ...

The cold air does do one thing...makes it look like you did something to your engine...

lg3tech · 07-11-2003, 09:53 AM

Quote:

The cold air does do one thing...makes it look like you did something to your engine...

HAHAHAHA

06-06-2003, 06:34 PM	#1
XTheOwl Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 51	Do Cold Air Intakes do anything? Ok, I was seriously considering plunking some change down for a cold air intake system, but now I'm not sure. I have seen what I thought were reputable manufacturers selling CAI's with claims of 10-15 HP increase, but now I've been told that a CAI will yeild no more horsepower than you would get with just a K&N airfilter alone. Can anyone tell me for sure if a CAI is a scam or not? Thanks again, xto

06-06-2003, 07:33 PM	#2
Hammer AKA "Dr. Evil" Join Date: Feb 1999 Location: South Fork Ranch Posts: 1,721	It depends on what you're expecting... Is a CAI the best mod for 200 dollars for performance? No... Will it get you 15 rwhp? No... In my experience, CAI kits on the dyno have netted around 3-5 rwhp... (To give you an idea, a car can vary between + or - 5 rwhp between runs with no changes) so the gain is negligable.... You might feel it breathe a bit better at high revs or on a cold day, but that's about it as far as the butt-o-meter is concerned... __________________ Uncle Sam "What the hell is up with all the gauges? Calling Captain Kirk, your ride awaits... Phasers on stun...."

06-06-2003, 08:56 PM	#3
96_4.6 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Michigan Posts: 417	Its been dyno proven in a recent ford mag that it flows the same as an K&N in the stock air box __________________ 1996 Mustang GT, AODE -Trickflow Upper Plenum -BBK 70mm Throttlebody -02 PI Lower Intake -March Pulleys -BBK H-Pipe -2 Chamber Flowmaster mufflers -3000 RPM Stall -JLT CAI with special K&N -MSD Supercondutor wires -180 stat -FRPP 4:10's *FOR SALE C&L TRUE FLOW INLET PIPE WITH K&N* My Stang

06-06-2003, 08:58 PM	#4
96_4.6 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Michigan Posts: 417	Actually that was the morso setup I think thats how you spell it that they tested on I beleive an 89 gt __________________ 1996 Mustang GT, AODE -Trickflow Upper Plenum -BBK 70mm Throttlebody -02 PI Lower Intake -March Pulleys -BBK H-Pipe -2 Chamber Flowmaster mufflers -3000 RPM Stall -JLT CAI with special K&N -MSD Supercondutor wires -180 stat -FRPP 4:10's *FOR SALE C&L TRUE FLOW INLET PIPE WITH K&N* My Stang

06-07-2003, 10:15 PM	#8
Badass_yellowGT Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Western,MA Posts: 254	you will get better throttle responce and you will get a little power but best of all it looks dam good and the get rid of thr stock airbox and inlet pipe that weighs together more than 8 pounds __________________ Rice Haters Club Member #55 For My car Specs Click the Home page link http://www.badassyellowgt.50g.com/

06-06-2003, 11:33 PM	#5
jj_jonathon Trisket Join Date: May 2002 Location: University of Florida, FL Posts: ½ Posts: 1,560	they work wonders on non-mustangs....lol...but on a mustang, its a non-warranty breaker that can look really sharp....so what the hell right? __________________ University of Florida - Physics Major My 02GT vert Media Center Pics BBK Underdrive Pulleys \| K&N FIPK (Gen II) \| Bullet Grille \| Mach 1 Chin Spoiler \| UPR Interior Parts \| XM Radio \| Audiobahn Subs Ricer Hater's Club Member #1/2 (30) http://www.ricehatersclub.com/

06-07-2003, 02:33 AM	#6
XTheOwl Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 51	96_4.6, I understand that a cold air flows the same as just a K&N. I was asking if the "cooler" air resulted in more power. From what people are saying, I guess the answer is no. Steeda sells a cold air intake for the cobra they say is good for 15 HP. Is this a gross exageration? They also sell a "Intake manifold heat sheild" for 5.0's that looks like just an insulated wrap they claim can get 8HP. Is this a scam then too? What about people icing their intakes? Is this useless as well? Thanks very much for all the info so far plus any more, xto

06-07-2003, 11:50 PM	#9
96_4.6 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Michigan Posts: 417	Yea they say 15 horsepower if theres no airbox at all thats how they test it i.e they remove everything from the mass air meter down and test it then they add there CAI and say they gained this much its crap __________________ 1996 Mustang GT, AODE -Trickflow Upper Plenum -BBK 70mm Throttlebody -02 PI Lower Intake -March Pulleys -BBK H-Pipe -2 Chamber Flowmaster mufflers -3000 RPM Stall -JLT CAI with special K&N -MSD Supercondutor wires -180 stat -FRPP 4:10's *FOR SALE C&L TRUE FLOW INLET PIPE WITH K&N* My Stang

06-08-2003, 10:47 AM	#10
SMOKE Old School ROUSH Join Date: Nov 1999 Location: Stockbridge, GA Posts: 531	Lie everyone else wrote .... they look great under the hood. __________________

06-08-2003, 05:01 PM	#11
mutang281 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: NC Posts: 2	It helps dont know how much but you can tell a differance. I have a MAC CAI on my 01 gt and it sounds cool in the car to.

06-30-2003, 11:11 PM	#12
blackfang Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 42	The Mac cai is one of the worst ones out there. A nice sharp bend, and bright shiny metal for the engine bay to heat up and make that cold air hot air. If you are gonna get one, get a UPR, or a densecharger which both use plastic which is not a heat condenser and uses a straight pipe which allows maximum airflow. __________________ Email: Blackfang@attbi.com 1997 Cobra FRRP 4.30's, Lakewood d/s loop, Steeda Tri-Ax, Mac o/r h pipe, Magnaflows, K&N 2000 Z/28 Ram Air, EGR mod, Lid w/K&N, Flowtech cutout

06-30-2003, 11:30 PM	#13
XTheOwl Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 51	Blackfang, I've been thinkin that plastic would probably be a better insulator than metal. I went to Densechargers website, and found this: System #5: Part# 960246GTFL '96-03 4.6 GT 100mm Kit (e-mail notify for 02 GT's) Fender to throttle body system (100mm to MAF, 77mm to TB) Includes 100mm Densecharger System with new CNC'd MAF Flanges K&N # RU3480 6" Conical Air Filter Does not fit properly with Strut Tower Brace Price $160.00 + S/H Anyone ever heard anything or have any experience with this? Thanks, xto

07-03-2003, 01:12 PM	#14
jmjett01 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Texas/California Posts: 16	You wont get your money worth. There are better upgrades in the same price range that you will benefit more from.... Look at a C&L MAF MAS __________________ "The bullshit stops when my right foot drops"

07-03-2003, 07:25 PM	#15
XTheOwl Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 51	jmjett01, I've heard even a c&l kit doesnt do much more than just the k&n by itself. Whats your oppinion? -xto

07-07-2003, 12:46 PM	#16
ajcolv Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Utah Posts: 58	My opinion would be that no CAI would be worth it at this stage. If you are stock or nearly stock, all CAI's will yield about the same hp. You would be better off investing in something that has been proven to be a better mod (not necessarily gets more hp, but better). I don't know what mods you have but look into gears, pullies, t/a, sfc's, or lca's. __________________ -Aaron "Lita" 97 Mustang GT Vert -------------------------------------- k&n, air silencer removed, Magnapack cat-back, BBK o/r h-pipe, Ford red front calipers

07-10-2003, 08:10 AM	#17
lg3tech Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 2	Okay - a few things I'd like to touch on... 1. I understand everyone (may or may not) have a biased opinon on which C.A.I. system is the best bang for the buck. I own the FL (Full Length) Densecharger C.A.I. system and the decision to purchase came after first hand or third party experiences with other intake kits. So when I applaude Densecharger for providing us with one of the best "known" C.A.I.s on the market it is not from a "blind" standpoint. ABS plastic may NOT be 'bling bling' shiny chrome - however, ENTER FUCNTIONALITY OVER COSMETICS: as previously said it doesn't heat the cold air - BYE MAC C.A.I.s. The DC system also (and yes I know there are similar configurations) stuffs the K&N FC deep in the fender well - and obvious benefits there include: less bugs, more air, cooler air, and did I mention A LOT MORE AIR. If on a tight budget go with the MF (Meter Foward) kit - however, a few dollars more will rid you of the flow inefficient stock TB pipe. 2. As far as C.A.I.s and whether or not IT should be 1st on the list of upgrades for stock GTs - I believe it SHOULD. I would break the upgrades up into simpe categories (e.g. HOW MUCH FREAK'in MONEY DOES x COST?) "where 'x' is the upgrade you want". Numbers quoted by manufactures are rarely accurate (and usually over rated vs under). Everything from car audio amp power output to C.A.I. HP gains are more than likely embelished in favor of the SALE. Nonetheless, the C.A.I. falls in the $100 - $300 category and is dynamic and modular upgrade - C.A.I.'s will continue to boost power as you apply additional upgrades (mainly exhaust / air-related). Other variables such as installation cost (hey if you've changed a tire and drilled a hole or two, you can eliminate professional installation as far as C.A.I.s) - and finally upgrade risk factors: "Will I have to worry about overheating problems if I do this or that?" "Do I need to get spacers for the new x?" 3. Summary: C.A.I.s (Densecharger should be the brand of choice) meet all the aforementioned conditions - Simple "D.I.Y." installation, low cost, modular component, 0 risk factors (unless you accedentally ....FILL IN SOMETHING HORRIBLE HERE...) If I've caused anybody's nose, eyes, or brain to bleed from this excessively lengthy post - I apologize , but hope that at least some part of the reply helped... Laters Stang Familia

07-10-2003, 03:06 PM	#18
Mustang92 Drag Racer! Join Date: Nov 1999 Location: Lake Worth, FL USA Posts: 757	lg3tech you might want to close your eyes to this post. I installed a Densecharger set up on my car after the bullitt intake swap and the car slowed down at the track. I swaped it out for a simple 3.5" steel tube and the car picked right back up. To give it a fair shot I even did a same day test against each and the DC set up couldn't match the simple steel tube set up. Back to the DC there is the issue of quality and I've seen this on more than just my kit. Basically the densecharger kit is nothing more than a Home Depot cold air kit with a few pieces cut to fit and painted with spray paint. Anyone that has worked with rubber couplers and painted plastic knows that the paint has a tendancy to melt where ever the rubber is touching it. This makes the paint come off of the piping and sometimes leads to leaks. I never had leaks but I did have paint coming off on my hands when fitting it up. Sorry but that is just poor craftsmanship. I also noticed issues with the IAT sensor fitting properly into the piping as well as on Dave's (Kurgan from the other Mustang boards) car. All in all a creative person could buy a K&N filter for $40 and buy the parts necessary for another $40 and do the same job. I did a comparison with the MAC set up on my car prior to the bullitt intake and found the same results. The stock inlet tube with open K&N was worth a tenth over the MAC set up. Bill __________________ 2000 GT VRS O/R X, Dynomax Bullets, Steeda Pulleys, Pro-M 80MM, 4.30s, UPR Pro Series Suspension, UPR Tubular K-member, MAC Longtubes, Bullitt Intake, TKO, VT Engine Stage 1 NA Cams, SCT Tune. 285 RWHP/296 RWTQ 11.97 @ 113.20 M/M 100, 7085 www.uprproducts.com www.ponyexpressperformance.com www.modulardepot.com

07-10-2003, 04:41 PM	#19
Red Mustang Gt 46 13.3 @ 103 Join Date: May 2001 Location: Maryland Posts: 253	Truth be known...I have yet to see any Hardcore Mustang Racer endorse any commercial "cold air kits" ... The cold air does do one thing...makes it look like you did something to your engine... __________________ Equipment by: Steeda C&L COMP CAMS FRPP MSD Bassani Magnaflow MAC Last edited by Red Mustang Gt 46; 07-10-2003 at 05:30 PM..

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