From what I've read, CAIs have no downsides. They increase HP, and get better gas mileage. So why don't they come standard?

 

sound noise...

 

Are they really that loud?

 

when cold noise is very there... once warmed it like stock at WOT VROOM!

 

you lose low end torque with a CAI
you risk sucking in water with a CAI
your engine is much louder when in the high profile of the Vtec system
your car hisses at idle

 

Well, it costs money - that is always a downside!

 

Not nessesarily, I Dyno'd back in in August of 2000 with the stock intake and then the AEM intake for the Accord V6 but moddified for the CL-S (prior to AEM selling an intake for our cars). At no point was torque lost, in fact there were gains throughout the band.

BTW, this is with a faulty IMRC and helped lead to the discovery of this potential problem:

 

All of the above. Car makers have to make cars for the masses. Many people may not like a CAI... especially in a $30k+ mid-level luxury car.

That's why there's an aftermarket industry... so people like us can do these things if we choose

 

Don't the bypasses prevent the whole water intake thing?

Thanks for all your responses. I was just curious... I'm not really sure what low-end torque is?

I know I'm getting a CAI... May eventually save up for some headers too... can't get enough hp!

 

Yeah, CAI was one of the first mods I done, I don't really notice/feel any HP/TQ gains, but I just love the sound of that Vtec when it kicks in!!

 

Really, you don't notice/feel anything?

Do you think I should just save up and get some headers?

Is there some bang for the buck???

 

Headers will give you the most increase (~30hp). CAI gives you a slight increase (6-10hp.. which you may not actually feel).....

 

Eventhough I don't "feel" the intake working, but I know for sure that it helps when you have both the header and the intake. The header make Vtec sound even better/louder, and you will feel the difference for sure.

 

dude, if you want to FEEL a mod, get the OBX headers, they will knock your socks off....you will be dissapointed with the intake, trust me...if you want an intake, rip out your stock intake resonator box....boom, done....get the headers, you wont be sorry, and for 340 bucks, you cant beat the price

 

Which OBX header will fit the 98 2.3CL? Should I get the 94-97 Accord one?

 

you need a completely different header. ask the boys in the 1st gen forum.

 

They said getting a DC Sport header should work, and they said that AEM is making a new CAI (V2), that should be better than the existing one.