I noticed in Chod's instructions (very nice ) that he had to remove a "chunk of plastic" and a piece of metal behind it.

I also noticed that his bypass was down the tube and not on the same plane as the intake manifold as AEM recommends.

The question(s):

Why does AEM recommend mounting the bypass on the same plane as the intake manifold?

If he had mounted it on that plane, would he still have to remove the chunk of plastic and the metal behind it?

 

I think you'd still need to take that stuff out.

The plastic stuff isn't really in the way of the bypass - it blocks the hole where the intake pipe goes down.

Technically you want the bypass valve higher - it gives you the
ability to suck up more water and still be alive. I chickened out a bit because I didn't want to make it so high that the rest of the
tubes didn't connect well.

 

Mine came already cut and fitted.

 

Wait a sec. Can you shoot another picture from this angle,
(maybe a bit further back) so I can see how you got your
intake around this crossbar?

And where does your U bar screw into?

 

I had my own CAI that look like that ... too bad, it's a 2.75" pipe. I gave it up for a 3.0" AEM.

BEFORE




AFTER

 

Another view of the SUPERIOR Xephyr design CAI.

Shawn S

 

I want to buy one for my CL-S. A few questions, Do I have to modify anything to get it to fit right? I hear this talk of cutting metal. I do not want to do this. It's a leased car. I thought it was just a direct bolt on, with nothing needed. Am I wrong? Also anyone have detailed instructions on how to install it. Or will it come with all the nessary instructions, & hardware.
Thanks

 

Chod's FAQ page has install directions for the AEM...u can also try calling Park Ave. Acura to see if they still have any Xephyr CAI's left...no cutting involved and already has the bypass valve attached...u can also try Injen and Weapon-R Dragon intakes...the Injen is a 1 piece long setup...the Weapon-R is a 1 piece short-ram setup...im sure there are other intakes around also, so u do have options.

 

Interesting, it looks like X's CAI goes vertical faster so it
can hug the back of the hole. I wonder if I cut an inch or two
of my AEM pipe off if I could have squeezed in behind that
crossbar.

It sure is a shame the X is also a SUPERIOR IDIOT when it comes to handling sales. But you have to hand it to him for workmanship.

 

I joined this board I believe right around the time that Xephyr started causing all of the problems with sales. Does anyone know where he is now??

Just curious......I heard his CAI's were some of the best. Too bad.

 

Basically, he caused enough people enough grief that he has gone into hiding. He vanished for months, then briefly reappeared a couple of months ago (Long enough that I was
able to hound the crap out of him and get my refund).

He has left a bad enough taste in people's mouths that I doubt he will ever reappear. (Although he did surface using a secret nickname for a while).

 

The picture of the blue cl-s w/ red cai is an incorrect installation. That cross bar must be removed so you can bolt the cai down. And the crossbar unbolts, there is no cutting involved. Not being bolted down, your gonna scatch the shit out of you car, your cai, and void your aem warranty(says so right on the instructions).

 

No worries, mate, it's bolted down.
That's a picture taken in the middle of my install instructions.
I used that picture to make it obvious that the AEM CAI won't install (I think) without removing that cross bar.

And if you don't bolt it down you'll have a lot more to worry about than scratching your car - the whole thing is gonna rip off!

 

I hoped that was the case. It didn't say mid-installation. I installad my cai yesterday and used your instructions. Thank you.
There is 1 thing I would add. Make sure people know that your supposed to get rid of the metal breather and coolant line. I didn't see where it said to get rid of that thing in your superior directions, or aem's.