PANTHER

I was talkin to my buddy at work who has a nice silver Prelude with a WeaponR intake about getting a CAI for my 02TLSn, and he said watch out. He told a nickname for a CAI is a "straw" b/c they are prone to sucking up water and hurting the engine.

Is there any truth to this? Should I be worried about getting a CAI? Are there valves or anyting to protect against this?

Thanks in advance,
LOS
02 SSM TLS w/ Navi
OEM Body Kit
OEM Spoiler

JD7

AEM makes an air bypass valve that bolts onto the pipe that doesnt let water up the pipe and into the engine.

PANTHER

Thanks JD7, that makes me feel better.

Which brand do most of you have? AEM or Ingen?

Thanks
LOS

axleback

I think most on this board uses AEM. I personally bought and like the Injen. It sounds alittle more quiet and when you really step on it, the sound is sweeter (my personally opinion). Either one you choose, you can still go with the AEM bypass.

axleback

Closer

It's exactly like a straw. You have to completely submerge the
end of the CAI to suck up any water, so approx 2 feet of depth.
Holding your straw an inch away from your soda pop isn't gonna
suck anything but air.

axleback

I've heard it both ways. Some suggest the bypass and some don't. I personally don't have it. Some say it doesn't have to be completely submerged to suck up water. Over time, moiture can trap in the intake and the condensation will build up and eventually get sucked into the engine. We'll see what happens I guess.

axleback

PANTHER

Thanks gents for the responses!

What kind of performance increase (HP) can I expect with a CAI?

Thanks,
LOS
02 SSM TLS w/ Navi
OEM Body Kit
OEM Spoiler

axleback

Don't expect too much hp gains from the intake. It's more of a sound enhancer than anything. You can expect a 3-4hp gain, that's about it. If you really want to boost your power, get the headers. They are awesome...especially when VTEC kicks in.

axleback

Closer

That can happen even to the stock airbox. And a bypass valve
won't help there. Definately get the bypass if you have a hint of
concern. It's just a bit more work to put on. And don't worry
about small amounts of water. It'll just pass through your engine
as steam and drip out your exhaust. Some people have dyno'd
5+ hp at the wheels with the aem.