In reading the latest Sport Compact Car issue, I noticed that Skunk2's naturally-aspirated build-up of the TSX K24 (making about 235 whp) used a short ram instead of a cold-air. Is the shorter length tuned for higher-rpm flow? That's definitely what the rest of that engine build was tuned for. Why wouldn't they use a cold-air, in you guys' studied opinions?

 

Because Skunk2 probably sells a SRI and not a CAI...

*edit I didn't read the article, so I'm assuming they're using their own brand*

 

I don't know if they do or don't. They custom-fabricated the SRI in the article. Still, they could have fabricated a cold-air with another 2 feet of tubing, so they obviously chose SRI on purpose. I'm guessing it's a shorter-length tract better tuned for high-rpm and, in a race car that's moving almost all the time, they're not concerned with heat soak.

I'm looking forward to dyno-ing my setup with the CAI and then with the SRI, back to back and (hopefully) with an OBDII onboard to track intake temps.

 

There is one rather obvious reason to use SRI over CAI... ease of filter changes. Just taking a guess though.

 

I just picked up an Injen intake and I am only going to install it as SRI. I just wanted a little more punch and from the sound clips I have heard, the Injen CAI sounds real mean. I would imagine the SRI setup has a similar growl to it.

I could probably get away with CAI, but my neighborhood floods real bad after hard rain and I don't want to take the chance. Plus I am on the road with my job alot and I can't know where all the puddles are all the time. I know alot of people run CAI for years with no problems, even after encountering many storms and flood situations. I just can't afford to mess my car up in the rare (yet always possible) event I suck up some water.

The way I understand it, sure I will not have as much kick off the start since the under-hood heat will seep into the filter when the car is standing still, but once I am moving, everything should be fine. Not as cold as a CAI, but I think I'll be alright. I am not racing or anything.

 

Well, sounds like you understand the trade-offs. You'll also be able to clean the filter a lot easier than everyone too.

 

I did find the throttle response, by seat-of-the-pants, to be better with SRI. The SRI sounds a little more raw than the CAI, the CAI is deeper (the pipe's longer). If I had to choose between the two, actually, I like the SRI. It's more present. Neither one is ricer at all, in my opinion.

 

Aspirating water with a CAI on the TSX would be hard to do. The filter is a good foot-plus off the road, and it is enclosed in the cowling. Basically, if you were able to hydrolock the engine, you'd have water up to the doorsills anyway.

Also, the CAI is not immune to heat soak. The intake tube, being aluminum, absorbs heat from the engine bay very quickly at standstill and intake temps rise dramatically. I drive with an OBD2 scantool connected all the time and this always happens. That being said, it does cool down quickly, once you get the engine turning quickly and start pulling lots of air through it.

I have the Injen CAI at the moment but I'm considering switching it to SRI for ease of filter changes. Personally, I think the performance difference would be negligible.

 

AEM By-pass Valve for those worried about hydro-lock.

http://www.sportcompactcarweb.com/tech/0104scc_tested/

 

i dont think there is anything for the TSX AFAIK

 

uhh.... you do know what it is, right??

It can be added to any intake system as it comes in different piping sizes....2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3.0 (inches)

 

Maybe they got lazy

 

I say they ran outta tubing!

 

since the k&n and injen are smaller than the AEM, i didnt think it would fit, but it looks like the k&n is about 2.5"; you're right, my mistake

 

i think the same way...

even if there is a difference, i don't think i'd be able to notice it...

 

The artical was a pretty good write up but if you look at the dyno, the head build did very little in terms of gains untill you get above 5000rpm. Judging by the work that they did I bet you would be in a similar price teritory as a CompTech SC once it is avaible, although the gains looked pretty week from SCC's review, I cannot wait to see a dyno with an tuned map.

 

How much of a pain is changing the filter in the CAI config?

 

Not hard at all. I don't see why people would make it sound like it's a huge deal. It's like 3-5 clips and 2 screws to open the wheel well, and you take out the filter.... Sure it's not as easy as opening the hood, but it isn't exactly hard.

 

Turn the wheel far to the right and your set, just a few clips and screws.

 

I think that was the point though... it is just a little more of a PITA than simply opening the hood... that's all.