Just wondering since i just installed the AEM CAI, just wanna see how many users have the bypass valve. I'll be glad if you can state the reason why you chose your answer. Thanks

 

I personally don't plan get one. After reading some past post on this they all said that your filter cone have to be submerge under water. Since my car is lowered, i estimate that my cone is around 6 inches off the ground, and its hard enough for me to find even 3 inches deep puddles. Plus in the rain, i don't rev my car past 3000 rpm, i keep it around 2000-2500. When i see like 1cm puddles i just let my car roll over it without giving gas. I have many friends with CAI such as AEM, Injen, Dinan and they all have it for like over 6 months. They've driven them through rain and snow, and i havn't had any complients from them. Just wanna see your opinions on it.

 

Answer = NO

Reason = I don't drive through Rivers
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(I am a bit concerned about snow though)

DOM

 

Sure do.
I don’t fell like paying SEVERAL THOUSAND to replace a dead engine.

All you need is a little dip in the road and a heavy downpour and you could easily underestimate the depth of a small puddle.

Why chance it ???

Shawn S

 

I've driven it through rain and snow, no problems. I dont plan on taking the car for a swim.

 

Yes I have one.

Reasons why:

1. I live in Florida where the puddles can get quite deep.
2. There is no noticable loss of power by having one, so why not have one?
3. Even if you never drive through a deep puddle, it's better to be safe than sorry.

 

It's $45 investment against multi-thousand dollar damages.

This question is like asking why should we pay for car insurance (besides it's legally required).

 

If it is needed, why did AEM make the bypass valve as an option? why didn't have it as part of all their intake kits and make the price 30-45 more expensive?

 

I have it, why take the chance.

 

AEM has been making CAI intakes for a few years before they came out with the bypass valve. The reason they invented the bypass valve was because the original CAI's were for race use only, but a lot people started using them on the street & damaging their engines in the rain/deep puddles. The CAI pipes have always been manufactured as one long piece...

If they made it a part of the kit automatically they would have to cut the pipe & install the bypass for you. Not only would this slow down production, but it would raise the price by more than just the cost of a bypass valve. AEM would not only have to charge you for the cost of the bypass valve, but also for the time/labor spent cutting the pipe & installing the bypass valve.

It is more productive/cost effective to keep making the CAI's the way they always have & then sell the bypass valve separately.

 

they don't have to put the bypass for you, just have the pipe in 2 piece with the bypass valve, a extra rubber ring and 2 ring clamps. It ain't that harder for those who bought the kit to put it back together...

 

I inspected the material and the operation and decided not to put it in. I cut the last elbow (from the throttle body) on the AEM => less air-flow restriction + higher filter mount so I dont need to install the bypass even I bought one.
Material, I dont know how long the foam would hold in the engine compartment (ppl had problem with the foam fell apart and got in the engine).
The valve opens with very little vacuum. So it will let hot air in the engine compartment to mix with the cold air and that hurts the performance.

 

I bought it. It's not installed though. I am waiting to see if I need it. We get some monsoon rain storms here in South FL. But it's not all the time. We haven't gotten any real rain in 2 months. But come summer, everyday after 3pm it will thunderstorm, & i'll find out then if I will need it.

 

JasonT...

by the time you find out IF you need it, it will be too late. Hydrolock is $$$$$ to fix.

 

Look at the bright side.
If you DON’T buy it, at least you’ll have that extra 30-dollars that you “saved” to put towards the new engine.



Shawn S