yankeeman515

Let me start off with money is not an option...but

My Question really is can someone explain which is better a short ram or a CAI. Im looking at the AEM ones and do be honest want some human input on it not just some review sites which dont highlight the tl.

I guess which is better. Why should I spend the extra dough on a CAI...persuade me

yankeeman515

please excuse the grammar mistakes above. i should have read it before posting it.

phee

iTrader: (5)

well its been posted before, but ill go ahead and answer
short ram=sucks in hot air from engine bay
CAi=sucks in cold air from bottom of car
cold air=denser air
denser air=cleaner, more powerful burn of fuel=improved mileage (barely)
our engines dont really make much extra power with a CAI, but they do sound nice, if money is not an option invest in headers and you will be on your way to some real gains in HP. if you want a CAI, get a cheap pipe with a nice filter, thats what alot of people do, i just dont see the point in paying 200+ for something that gives 6-8 HP. hope it helps. oh yea, xs headers-look these up in the forum

GLowrdr

I know this isn't a direct answer to your question, but I went with the K&N kit, and it is both the short ram and CAI. The pipe is 2 parts held together in the middle by a rubber (belt like) fitting. This way you could have the best of both worlds and change it on a whim whenever you like.

And honestly the K&N isn't that much more than other brands.

kushsmoker

There are upsides and downsides to both. Cold air intakes will produce more power than short rams simply because the air that it sucks into the combustion chamber is cooler than the air in the engine bay, Cold air is more combustible than hot air. But short rams have the ability to suck in air with less resistance (imagine sucking water through an 8 inch straw and a 2 foot straw) and you dont have to stress about hydro lock as much on rainy days.


Hope that helps you make a more educated decision.

SRAcuraTL

Go with the cold air. Especially if money isn't an issue. Why sacrifice performance if you got a couple extra bucks? Thats assuming your getting the intake for performance and not just the sound. I also think CAI sounds way cleaner. I think 95% of the people on here will tell you the same.

WillrunifChased

CAI, there is no other real option.

Razzi

if money isnt a problem, CAI
use the search, been covered more times than waffles with honey

kushsmoker

Waffles!? Honey!?!?

princelybug

iTrader: (16)

Waffles and honey isn't bad .

jjashaa

iTrader: (23)

mmm, i jus had some waffles at Waffle House... oops, wrong subject... CAI ALL THE WAY! i personally love the CAI, my friends love the deep growl it gives at WOT

yankeeman515

BTW I tried to search the topic but a slight issue developed I believe the search includes sig info on posts so when i typed CAI i got a billion (exaggeration) different hits with few that gave me the info I needed.

I appreciate the info from everyone its very helpful
please keep voicing your opinions.

yankeeman515

Also how about brands is AEM the way to go or should I go with another brand. I have 2000 TL-p

LacViet

CAI ftw if you want nice deep growl (Short ram is little noisier), and little extra more power than Short Ram! and don't' worry about hydro locks unless your car is slam and run through deep puddles of water.

LacViet

Comptech is another brand which looks almost like stock with CAI function.

yankeeman515

Just did a little extra research anybody have an ideas on a CAI versus a v2. is it worth the extra dough for the v2?

WillrunifChased

I don't know if the V2 is worth the extra dough, but I love my V2.

01tl4tl

I have ~the other CAI~ for the TL and it was FREE!!!
plus no issue with getting water onto a filter and soaking it, and no issue passing smog.

Remove the lower intake resonator box (see DIY section) and install a good air filter in the stock box-
I went K&N for the flow rate
Then depending on your year- you can open the fake fog light housing for even more ~forced/ram~ airflow.
The area behind the bumper and above the lower splash guard is where air normally enters the resonator box, then the air filter box. The lower plastic panel has a series of slots for water drains already in it. If you manage to get the car too deep in water- the inlet to the filter box is way higher than a CAI, and water has a place to go beside the intake tube.
The increased air volume available to the intake is more important than the speed of said air- as the engine will suck in whatever it can process

GTSX-05

iTrader: (1)

This question is asked again and again but heres my take;

I purchased the Injen CAI for my TSX, the great thing about the Injen is that is convertible from SRI, to CAI. However honestly it’s about preference try both modes out and see which one works best for you. Hydro locking should really not be a drawback, unless you’re into taking your vehicle off roading in substantial levels of water. I would recommend Injen, but since you’re looking at other models such as AEM, which I believe, are only SRI for the TL? I would make sure it’s what you want.

To wrap this essay up, which is starting not to make sense to me, go for CAI mode hands down.

02type-s

A short ram in worthless. Injen CAI FTW

yankeeman515

Can i get an injen for a 2000 tl....the website says that they only make them for 2002 and up.

also is there any reason to go with injen over aem

brune55

I myself have tried short and Cold air and agree that Cold Air is more then worth it, performance and sound wise. I got the Injen RD CAI and noticed a considerable difference in quality and fit over some others. After that, I went and bought a set of Tanabe Super Nedallion Hyper SS Exhaust and Megan Racing SS Headers and a Unichip performance unit to top off my 03 TL-S. It is an awesome performace combo and fits like a dream.

I think you wouldn't be sorry with Injen, if U went with them. Cold Air is the way to go though.

Never Summer

I think you want the intake number RD1660P or BLK for black. It's the same as the 98-02 Accord intake.

03aspec

icebox anyone?

Never Summer

If you're going to get an Icebox you're a fool. Just modify your stock intake like 01tl4tl said, you'll get the same sound, and not be raped in the ass to the tune of $280 or however much it is.

03aspec

ohh i know lol... i just threw it out there to get a reaction

6MTUA5

iTrader: (2)

CAI no questions asked

yankeeman515

Is it worth the extra money to go with a V2 or should i just stick with the regular CAI from AEM.

Price Difference 239.95 versus 299.95

Note:V2 is more expensive

SRAcuraTL

I guess it depends on you money situation. If you got the cash go with the V2 if you want, but I don't know how much of a difference there is in performance. Especially for an extra 60-70 bucks. I was about to get the V2 but opted for the regular cold air cuz I found a deal on 1 for $198. Either way your getting a quality product.

MikePA

Spoken by someone who doesn't know jack. Removing the lower intake resonator and adding a K & N then keeping the rest of the restrictive intake plumbing is not the same.