I was thinking that CAI would get its cool air from the wheel well. But CAI intake is made out of metal right? So the metal would absorp all the under the hood temperture...so it wouldn't get all the cool air but warm air. Wouldn't it be better if you can cover the shiny polish part of the CAI intake with some sort of insulator to protect it from the heat in side the hood? Just a thought....

 

It probably would help to a small degree. Also keep in mind that air also travels down the throttle body and intake manifold - two other heat sources to think about.

 

If the CAI is made out of aluminum alloy, I think the heat would dissapate effectively with the cold air coming in.

 

Ever picked up a hot potato wrapped in aluminum? There are two parts to a CAI. The reflected coating is intensional (radiated heat) and the fact that the CAI tube is molded out of plastic is important too.

As JTso mentioned, there are other sources of heat... the TB has coolant running through it as does the head right next to the intakes. Both of those are areas that should be considered for improvement.

 

ummm.....that's a bad metaphor. a hot potato is hot regardless, but if you take the aluminum off the hot potato, the aluminum cools super fast.

 

Potato = engine compartment

If you run a solid aluminum CAI, it will radiate heat. Aluminum is not a good insulator, rather a good conductor. The CAIs are plastic on the internals and coated with an aluminum like substance. I'm only answering the part about the fact that the CAI isn't metal, just has a metallic finish.

 

ah, ic..... is the Injen CAI for the TSX plastic on the internal as well? I can only find pics showing the opening and not directly inside, from those angles however, it looks like only aluminum piping.

 

I'm pretty certain all CAI have metal coatings both on the inside and outside making air flow smoother. I think if you scratch it (NOT RECOMMENDED), you'll see it is molded plastic.

 

hmmm....... was doing a little google'ing, the RS series Injen CAI's are made with 1/4" thick 6061 T-6 aluminum, which is like 63.5mm, I think the Injen is all aluminum? Anyone with Injen CAI can confirm?

 

That's messed up??? I believe you, but there must me a component of the air inside the intake that acts as a buffer to the cold air then.

 

I think i would put a jacket over the intake to keep it cool inside...