CAI vs Good HI Flow Filter

[bchampion]

Ok, my question is the following. Really, how much better is a CAI vs just getting a really good HiFlow(AEM, K&N, etc...) filter using the stock box? Looking at what Ford Racing offers, they just remove the box and stick on a cone type filter to the stock tube. Just curious.

Thanks,

 

[NastyStang113]

If the filter is exposed that's a cold air intake. Are you talking about a cold air intake vs a drop in? If so, the power difference is going to be huge especially when you add a tune which I highly recommend. Take a look at www.VMPTuning.com. Just writes great tunes and sells the best CAI, IMO, C&L Racer with 88mm maf tube.

 

[PSYKOSTEVO]

There's no comparison between the two. The difference is night and day.

And the FRPP intake is basically an overpriced joke.

 

[bchampion]

Call me a skeptic. But if the filter is exposed, I would think it would suck in more hot engine air than cold, since it stays darn hot in the engine compartment. At least in the box, it is isolated somewhat from the hot engine compartment air. I'm not really interested in hp numbers as I am in efficiency. I'm sure there is some data out there showing what a CAI flows vs the stock box with a stock filter, vs stock box w/performance filter. I'd like to see some data on the temp readings of what the exposed CAI's are sucking in vs what the stock box is seeing.

 

[NastyStang113]

Call me a skeptic. But if the filter is exposed, I would think it would suck in more hot engine air than cold, since it stays darn hot in the engine compartment. At least in the box, it is isolated somewhat from the hot engine compartment air. I'm not really interested in hp numbers as I am in efficiency. I'm sure there is some data out there showing what a CAI flows vs the stock box with a stock filter, vs stock box w/performance filter. I'd like to see some data on the temp readings of what the exposed CAI's are sucking in vs what the stock box is seeing.

A exposed filter will have higher IAT temperatures when sitting idle. However that hot air is sucked right out of the motor compartment when the car gets rolling. If you're not interested in horsepower numbers than why be concerned with an air intake?

 

[PSYKOSTEVO]

What you are concerned about is CFMs I suppose.

The CFMs pulled in with a CAI vs the stock box WAY offset the difference in temperature. Just get a plastic armed CAI so that you don't get as much heat soak.

If the CAI intake was not as "efficient" as you say, then how is it making more HP?! LMAO!

 

[kooldawg6]

It will be difficult for a "drop in" filter to out perform an open air filter as the stock box has quite a bit of restriction and as already mentioned, once moving, the open air filter will get cooler air.

At least in the box, it is isolated somewhat from the hot engine compartment air.

This is yet another reason I got the WMS CAI as it has the big tray that isolates the filter from the bay and sits right behind all the openings in my grill.

 

[ski]

Call me a skeptic. But if the filter is exposed, I would think it would suck in more hot engine air than cold, since it stays darn hot in the engine compartment. At least in the box, it is isolated somewhat from the hot engine compartment air. I'm not really interested in hp numbers as I am in efficiency. I'm sure there is some data out there showing what a CAI flows vs the stock box with a stock filter, vs stock box w/performance filter. I'd like to see some data on the temp readings of what the exposed CAI's are sucking in vs what the stock box is seeing.

A CAI is normally supplied with a heat shield that helps to isolate the air filter from hot underhood air.
IAT(inlet air temperature) data logging tests performed by S197 GT owners on another forum showed that the IAT increased at a faster rate and reached a higher level for the stock intake vs. different CAI's under the same operating conditions and ambient temperatures.

This site has flow rate test results for their CAI's vs. a stock intake:
http://www.cnlperformance.com/2005GT.html