Jawo

I'm getting an AEM CAI for the 2.2 sometime next week. Do I really need to get the air-bypass valve? I heard from some people that it won't be of any use unless you'll drive through 16" of water (I live in the Bay Area). Will it decrease hp gain?

With the CAI, how hard is it to clean the filter?

Thanks, guys!

CL-Z

The bypass valve is approx $40. IMO you should just get it.

I had the AEM CAI on my '99 Civic Si and I hydrolocked the engine in 8" of water. It was lowered, but only 1.25".





Bent one rod and threw another into the block wall cracking it. I did manage to get my insurance to pay for it a new engine ($5,300). But I still had to pay the $500 deductable and my car was in the shop for 3 months.

Just spend the extra $40!

revolver

Just don't drive through 8" of water and you'll be fine.

Jawo

Thanks, CL-Z! I was just concerned about decreasing the hp gain, which I heard happens when you get the air-bypass valve.

Revolver, thanks for the advice. But I guess I'll play it safe. My car is lowered about 1.5" and I guess I'll just pay the extra 40 bucks.

revolver

Mine's lowered about 2" and I've had my AEM CAI for quite some time and I've gone through some heavy down pours and never had any problems, but I guess if you wanna cut your pipe and half and what not, more power to ya.

Better to be safe then sorry.

CL-Z

I've never heard about any HP loses....I guess that could be true. But it is really a game of chance. It rarely rains here and like revolver I too had driven in some heavy rain before with no problems. The night it happened it was just sprinkling and I didn't even see the puddle. I think I will be ordering the AEM CAI for my CL too, but I'm sticking with the Bypass.

Jawo

Revolver,

Since you've had the CAI for a while and you also have a 2.2, I'll ask you this question. How hard is it to clean the filter? Do you have to take out the bumper everytime you do so? How often do you replace your filter?

Thanks!

KikAzCL97

IMO, get it. It is a safty precaution. True you would have to be a moron to drive your car though 2 ft. of water, but I would much rather have something that will prevent my baby from choking on water. I would much rather pay only $40 for that simple little peice than 5 g's for a new engine and be out of a car for 3 months.