They are depending on the car and/or the application in which the CAI is being used.
As far as a bone stock SN95 Mustang is concerned, adding a CAI is not the best "Bang-for-the-Buck". You'll get almost as much performance out of a drop-in K&N as you would their FIPK. Is that extra $150 worth the 1 or 2 hp difference between the two, probably not.
On the other hand if the car has FI then a CAI can make a huge difference over the stock air box. All you need to do is look at the gains made on stock 03/04 Cobra's... in some instances the new Cobra's picked up in excess of 20RWHP from just a CAI.
This is the argument I place all the time.
CAI on an N/A application is just not a great hp/$ return on investment.
CAI on a F/I application is a great hp/$ return.
I wish people new to the modding game would realize this and not put their money into inadequacy.
^ yep exactly, but it also depends on how far your going with the car. I just did the K&N thing at first to...but in my search to squeeze out every last RWHP, I eventually bought the JLT. EVENTUALLY you will get an aftermarket CAI, unless A. your just going to do a few things to it, and just want the most power you can for cheap or B. are going with a S/C.
But as far as first mods, or on a near stock GT...I agree, you can spend the $$ on other things and get much more HP. Anyways whats $50 for a K&N...I dont miss my $50 ..but maybe thats because it was a gift . Just food for thought .
spederman
I have been looking to get a CAI also. The K&N looks like the best one for the money. I also like the C&L but it is kind of pricey. The K&N looks like it is a good design and well made. I got a JLT for Christmas, but sent it back. The JLT did not have a MAF gasket or any bracing. The air filter was touching metal when I installed it. It was just PVC pipe glued together and painted.
After all this discussion about CAI's and not worth it on N/A engines. And all my research into why bother for a few horse. And thinking that FIPK was the best choice, guess what i went and did?
Bought a Demolet Densecharger CAI.
I know its not the best bang for the buck, and now i can be one of those guys that warns people against them but have one in my sig, but in my defense, i got one used for 500 miles for half price from a guy near me. I had too.... i couldnt pass it up for a little less than a C note.