Q: What is a CAI or Cold Air Intake? What does it do?
A: A Cold Air Intake (CAI for short) is a more efficient way to deliver oxygen to your engine. As you probably know, your engine requires fuel and oxygen to run. Generally, the more oxygen your car has to burn, the more efficient the engine will be. CAI's replace your factory air box and plumbing with a cone filter like a K&N filter and larger diameter tubing. Most CAI systems route the filter to behind the fender, where it can get cool air from outside the engine compartment. Generally, colder air has more molecules of oxygen per unit volume (it is more dense) than hot air. Q: Okay, but how much performance should I gain by installing a CAI? A: That really depends on what other mods you do, and what kind of setup you install. I'd say the average gain with a CAI setup is somewhere between 3 and 7 horsepower. Claims of 20+ horsepower from a CAI are generally BS. Q: How hard are they to install? A: If you buy a kit made for an Alero or Grand Am, installation is pretty easy. You will need a socket set, a screwdriver set, and some plyers. It is more of a time-consuming installation than a difficult one. Q: Who sells CAI's for Aleros? A: Several manufacturers sell CAI kits for Aleros. I'll do my best to make a list, anyone else who has anything to add may do so. Each engine has a different type of CAI. If you don't know what engine you have, you probably shouldn't be thinking of modding it... but you can tell by opening your hood and looking at the numbers on the engine's upper intake. Q: Can I make my own for cheaper? A: Sure you can... I will provide instructions by our members on how to make your own. However, fit and finish might not be up to par with the pre-made kits, and you will have to do a little cutting and such to get it to work correctly. Q: Isn't a WAI (Warm Air Intake) better than a CAI? Aren't they safer? A: They are definately safer. With Cold Air Intakes, you run the small risk of sucking water into your intake. This can cause many problems... It is not very common to happen, but it can, especially if the front of your car gets submerged in a really deep puddle for an extended period of time. Some have argued that WAI gives you more HP than a CAI. I have not seen any concrete proof of that claim, and it doesn't really make a whole lot of sense, except that the shorter distance for air to flow could make for better throttle response. I still maintain that a CAI setup is superior to a WAI setup. 3400 Engine- American Performance of Colorado Their prices are $165-$205 Doctorspeed Their cost is $190 for the CAI, but they also offer 2 types of WAIs from $60-$120 RSM Racing Offers a WAI setup for $150 2.4L Twin Cam Induction Dynamics offers a CAI for $265 RSM Racing offers a WAI setup for $199 2.2L Ecotec Induction Dynamics offers a CAI for $315 ... will continue later |
How To Build A CAI for ~$60 for the 3400
Submitted by Sweetalero99 Quote:
|
Build Your Own CAI For $100 (Civic Intake Method) for the 3400
Quote:
|
For an installation guide on how to install an APOC intake in the 3400, read this article... http://invision.aleromod.com/index.php?showforum=8
|
Quote:
|
Quote:
|
Quote:
|
Quote:
the intakes for the ecotec and 2.4L twin cam are pretty complicated. I think you would just be better off buying one of the premade kits.... otherwise you'd need a pipe bender to get the pieces to route correctly around the battery. |
Quote:
i wasn't talking about the 2.4L twin cam, i was talking about the 2003 2.2L ecotec |
Quote:
hence, why I said "intakes for the ecotec and 2.4L twin cam are pretty complicated".... |
if you can find some plastic tubing, it is better than aluminum ar stainless. plastic does not absorb the heat like metal ones will. therefore a plastic one is better. the hard part is finding a plastic that will withstand the temps of your engine bay. stay away from pvc at all costs. it will work, but when heated it lets off a strong "poisonous" gas
|
Quote:
I think the AEM short ram might be plastic, but I'm not sure. I don't think you'll find a plastic intake on the market because they would cost too much to make properly. |
Quote:
|
^^ yep, sorry... must have copied the wrong link :)
|
All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:50 PM. |
Powered by vBulletin Version 3.6.0
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.