My Xephyr CAI review.

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Old 05-04-2001, 01:58 PM
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My Xephyr CAI review.

So after the help from you guys & Xephyr... I got everything installed.

The installation was a bitch... mainly just cuz the way our stock intake is bolted in.

I will write an article for the garage cuz I think I could give better instructions for us non-mechanic type guys.

The only qualm I really have with the product is that stupid J-Hook... I really doubt its effectiveness. I don't think its going to hold that thing in place forever. I think if that hook is really the best option then something like a U-hook needs to be used... or something that is more easily malleable. But this is a $1 part you could find at home depot so I will end up doing that.

I drove it this morning... and... it sounds fucking incredible!

I didnt notice any more "pull" from the car... in fact... it felt like I lost a little power. But... I didnt reset my ECU so that could be it. Especially since I noticed the car was no longer shifting in its sweet spot.

But the sound is amazing... nice & guiet below 3800RPM... nice and throaty above it.

The only noise below 3800rpm is a sucking sound you hear when you first give it gas. But thats something no passenger would notice... and it sounds good anyway.

I think this thing is definately worth the $200 bucks.

Those concerned with noise shouldnt be. It certainly isnt noisy... it just sounds better. Flat out better.

When you see the stock intake you will never imagine that air even made it through there.

------------------
2001 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S
San Marino Red (Navigation)
PIAA 19173 Ion Yellow Fog Lights
Aftermarket Black Wood Trim Kit
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Old 05-04-2001, 02:11 PM
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good review, that about sums it up!


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avengerjr
2001 CL-S Satin Silver / Ebony Interior / Non-Navi[*] spoiler , wheel locks , 20% tint , fenderwell trim[*] mud guards , winter floor mats , full nose mask[*] Xephyr CAI
Old 05-04-2001, 02:18 PM
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Yeah, I think a write up for us non-techie car people is a great idea too. That way when I get my new car and get the Xephyr intake, you did all the dirty work and I just need to follow your directions!!



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Old 05-04-2001, 02:29 PM
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Okay, I'm finally convinced. Especially since Xeph has been keeping on top of his clients updated as of late.

On my way to XephyrPerformance.com now.

------------------
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Old 05-04-2001, 02:49 PM
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<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Rock Dog:
Okay, I'm finally convinced. Especially since Xeph has been keeping on top of his clients updated as of late.

On my way to XephyrPerformance.com now.

</font>
Yeah, I'm ready too... I'm just going to pick it up and Park Acura though, save the shipping . As long as they have blue that is.....



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Old 05-04-2001, 02:51 PM
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I agree with most of what Soopa said, except I *do* feel like there is more power in the upper RPMs .. it breathes noticeably better and my 4th gear (which was a dog) pulls harder now.

Of course, this could also be because it works in tandem with my Comptech headers?

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Old 05-04-2001, 02:59 PM
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<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Crippen:
I agree with most of what Soopa said, except I *do* feel like there is more power in the upper RPMs .. it breathes noticeably better and my 4th gear (which was a dog) pulls harder now.

Of course, this could also be because it works in tandem with my Comptech headers?
</font>
COuld be.

Did you reset your ECU?

I think im gonna cuz I definately dont feel any more power.

I'll have to try it above 100mph though... I havent gotten into fourth at WOT with it yet.

------------------
2001 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S
San Marino Red (Navigation)
PIAA 19173 Ion Yellow FogsValentine 1Xephyr CAI

"Put your hand on a hot stove for a minute, and it seems like an hour. Sit with a pretty girl for an hour, and it seems like a minute. That's relativity." -Albert Einstein
Old 05-04-2001, 03:17 PM
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Okay I'm ordering one now too. Convinced me as well.

Btw, how does one reset the ECU, and what data is lost when that is done? I think that means I have to put the code for the radio back in. Anything else?

Btw, does this CAI have the problem getting wet on the filter or whatever the AEM one does?

-J

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2001 CL-S Aegean Blue/black interior spoiler, wheel locks, no-navi
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[This message has been edited by JRock (edited 05-04-2001).]
Old 05-04-2001, 03:27 PM
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Soopa:

Great review and many thanks In regard to your concern of power the temperature today is upwards of 93 degrees that has a significant decrease in overall power with or with out the intake. However, once your ECU learns the new mappings youll enjoy improved power throughout the temperature spectrum ... obviously less on days its 90+ but definately more then stock !! Great to hear !

Chris


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2001 Nighthawk Black CLS Type S - Xephyr Performance CAI, PIAA 19173(Yellow) Road Lamp Upgrades, Full Wood Trim, Spoiler, 1/4 Mile in 14.424@97.23 MPH Atco Raceway 3/10/01 Best GTECH Sprint 5.554/28/01 with Poobah watching Xephyr Performance Intakes
Old 05-04-2001, 03:30 PM
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<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by JRock:
Btw, how does one reset the ECU, and what data is lost when that is done? I think that means I have to put the code for the radio back in. Anything else?

Btw, does this CAI have the problem getting wet on the filter or whatever the AEM one does?

-J

</font>
The ECU will eventually relearn the mappings on its own, however, you can speed the process up by disconnecting the negative battery terminal for ~20 mins or pulling the fuse for about the same amount of time The problem with water is something inate to any CAI because of the design of the car, however It may accelerate the amount of time between re-oiling the filter to 25K miles... but no discernable detriment to the integrity of the filter Hope that helps...


Chris


------------------
2001 Nighthawk Black CLS Type S - Xephyr Performance CAI, PIAA 19173(Yellow) Road Lamp Upgrades, Full Wood Trim, Spoiler, 1/4 Mile in 14.424@97.23 MPH Atco Raceway 3/10/01 Best GTECH Sprint 5.554/28/01 with Poobah watching Xephyr Performance Intakes
Old 05-04-2001, 03:33 PM
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naa im not concerned bout the power.

Like I said... my ECU hasnt gotten used to it yet...

And like you said... the temperature is above 90 today.

The point of the thing is too suck in "cold" air... I cant expect it to do that if there is no cold air to be found. hehe.

Anyway... thx for the cai chris. Sounds awesome... my co-workers are envious.

------------------
2001 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S
San Marino Red (Navigation)
PIAA 19173 Ion Yellow FogsValentine 1Xephyr CAI

"Put your hand on a hot stove for a minute, and it seems like an hour. Sit with a pretty girl for an hour, and it seems like a minute. That's relativity." -Albert Einstein
Old 05-04-2001, 03:35 PM
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<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by soopa:
naa im not concerned bout the power.

Like I said... my ECU hasnt gotten used to it yet...

And like you said... the temperature is above 90 today.

The point of the thing is too suck in "cold" air... I cant expect it to do that if there is no cold air to be found. hehe.

Anyway... thx for the cai chris. Sounds awesome... my co-workers are envious.

</font>
You bet

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2001 Nighthawk Black CLS Type S - Xephyr Performance CAI, PIAA 19173(Yellow) Road Lamp Upgrades, Full Wood Trim, Spoiler, 1/4 Mile in 14.424@97.23 MPH Atco Raceway 3/10/01 Best GTECH Sprint 5.554/28/01 with Poobah watching Xephyr Performance Intakes
Old 05-04-2001, 03:38 PM
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I love my new Xephyr Performance CAI. I usually cruise at 80 with V1 on but occasionally burst to 100 on open road. Car seems to reach 100 a little quicker and the added roar makes it that much more enjoyable.
Zero to 80 out of toll booth is fun also.

------------------
2001 CL Type S
San Marino Red/Parchment
non-nav/wheel locks
splash guards/PIAA 19169 road lamps
Xephyr Performance CAI
Old 05-04-2001, 04:04 PM
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any word as to when the CAI will be legal in CA yet?? can't wait...

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2001 Silver Nav CLS
Old 05-04-2001, 04:07 PM
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<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Xenxon:
any word as to when the CAI will be legal in CA yet?? can't wait...

</font>
I just resubmitted again....... Argggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!! Best case scenario 3-4 Weeks ... worst case ... Who KNOWS???

Chris

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2001 Nighthawk Black CLS Type S - Xephyr Performance CAI, PIAA 19173(Yellow) Road Lamp Upgrades, Full Wood Trim, Spoiler, 1/4 Mile in 14.424@97.23 MPH Atco Raceway 3/10/01 Best GTECH Sprint 5.554/28/01 with Poobah watching Xephyr Performance Intakes
Old 05-04-2001, 04:13 PM
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...

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Old 05-04-2001, 04:14 PM
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Hi Chris,

I should be receiving mine early next week in Northern California... I'm not really worried about being caught with the CAI and I know that I don't have to have the car smogged for 5 years so as long as I get the sticker within 5 years, it's all good!!!

Thanks,

Jason
Old 05-04-2001, 04:18 PM
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<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Ashburner:
Hi Chris,

I should be receiving mine early next week in Northern California... I'm not really worried about being caught with the CAI and I know that I don't have to have the car smogged for 5 years so as long as I get the sticker within 5 years, it's all good!!!

Thanks,

Jason
</font>
I really can't asy anything pro/con purchase in Cali until the CARB exemption is issued... Use your own judgment folks We ALL know it will not effect 02 or emmissions but the California Air Resource Board lynch mobs may feel differently..... Use your own best judgment depending on your locale until the # is issued...

Thanks again.!!
Chris


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2001 Nighthawk Black CLS Type S - Xephyr Performance CAI, PIAA 19173(Yellow) Road Lamp Upgrades, Full Wood Trim, Spoiler, 1/4 Mile in 14.424@97.23 MPH Atco Raceway 3/10/01 Best GTECH Sprint 5.554/28/01 with Poobah watching Xephyr Performance Intakes
Old 05-04-2001, 05:32 PM
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What I've been enjoying lately with my CIA is this right turn I need to make at least 3 times a day. It a full 90 degree right turn, which empties onto a 55(+\-20)mph road. I always catch the red it seems, and you can always make a quick turn. Now here's whats cool. The left turning lane is always full of cars, and one is almost always a looker ( for a race ). The last 8 or 9 days I've ripped one off at least twice a day.

Hit red, stop. Quick scan, clear. D3, floor it. What they hear; squeel...exhaust...CIA...VTEC...Hard bark into second...ROAR

It echoes off the line of cars. Big grin.

Question for Xephyr. I bought my CIA back in February. I think I was before the mounting bracket and other improvements, can you offer any help for an early supporter. What's the yellow thing at the tubing end which goes into the accordian rubber piece, that also looks like a good improvement.

Happy Customer.

------------------
01' CL-S, Silver, Spoiler, V1 w/remote, Xephyr CAI
Old 05-04-2001, 05:44 PM
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<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by ZQQM:
What I've been enjoying lately with my CIA is this right turn I need to make at least 3 times a day. It a full 90 degree right turn, which empties onto a 55(+\-20)mph road. I always catch the red it seems, and you can always make a quick turn. Now here's whats cool. The left turning lane is always full of cars, and one is almost always a looker ( for a race ). The last 8 or 9 days I've ripped one off at least twice a day.

Hit red, stop. Quick scan, clear. D3, floor it. What they hear; squeel...exhaust...CIA...VTEC...Hard bark into second...ROAR

It echoes off the line of cars. Big grin.

Question for Xephyr. I bought my CIA back in February. I think I was before the mounting bracket and other improvements, can you offer any help for an early supporter. What's the yellow thing at the tubing end which goes into the accordian rubber piece, that also looks like a good improvement.

Happy Customer.

</font>

Hmnnnnnnnnnnnn yellow thing? Send me an email bud and describe what you mean along with name and address to ship bracket to

Chris



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2001 Nighthawk Black CLS Type S - Xephyr Performance CAI, PIAA 19173(Yellow) Road Lamp Upgrades, Full Wood Trim, Spoiler, 1/4 Mile in 14.424@97.23 MPH Atco Raceway 3/10/01 Best GTECH Sprint 5.554/28/01 with Poobah watching Xephyr Performance Intakes
Old 05-04-2001, 10:55 PM
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<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Xenxon:
any word as to when the CAI will be legal in CA yet?? can't wait...
</font>
You have about 4 years till your first smog check so I wouldn't worry

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Old 05-04-2001, 11:03 PM
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<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by ZQQM:
Question for Xephyr. I bought my CIA back in February. I think I was before the mounting bracket and other improvements, can you offer any help for an early supporter. What's the yellow thing at the tubing end which goes into the accordian rubber piece, that also looks like a good improvement.
</font>
That yellow thing is a spacer... it makes the tube fit the diameter of that throttle body extension.

Im sure that without it you couldnt get a tight enough seal.

You sure you dont already have that piece? Mine is red.

------------------
2001 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S
San Marino Red (Navigation)
PIAA 19173 Ion Yellow FogsValentine 1Xephyr CAI

"Put your hand on a hot stove for a minute, and it seems like an hour. Sit with a pretty girl for an hour, and it seems like a minute. That's relativity." -Albert Einstein
Old 05-05-2001, 05:17 PM
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i have a red and a blue one soopa, i heard you whining about the J-hook. Chris is sending me on, because my CAI was made pre-Jhook. The problem is the intake downpipe will rub again the metal opening, unless you protect it. Chris is sending me one ...

------------------
Black 2001 Type S
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Old 05-07-2001, 11:42 AM
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Ok, 1max2nv helped me install the CAI, and we had a had time figuring out how the J hook is used, so we used a zip tie to hold the cai to the body of the car. The other thing was that the rubber gromet used to protect the tubing from hitting the body at the opening seems kind of loose, maybe I should try what others have and keep the resonator box in there to secure the rubber at the opening. So far not much performance gains yet, since I didn't reset my ECU, the sound difference shows up at 5000 rpm and higher. Seems really quiet at idle, not much sucking or humming sounds like AEM intakes do on other cars. Other than that, the intake is fine.

------------------
2001 Aegean Blue Type S w/Navi
Xephyr Performance CAI
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