I just recently learned what CAI even stands for (yeah, I know - duh). What does this do for the car, is it expensive? Does it harm the engine in anyway?

thanks

 

It allows the engine to breathe better. It is basically a freer-flowing intake, and the CAI allows you to pull air from underneath the car, which is colder and denser than the air in the engine bay. The TL does have a quasi-CAI, because our intake is placed lower, and it is actually behind the left vent of the car.

It is not expensive. A CAI can cost around $200-250. You can install it yourself (not that hard) or pay $50 bucks to get it installed.

The only damage that can occur w/ a CAI is if you are in a deep puddle or are driving through a lot of standing water. This water can in fact enter the intake and into your engine. The water can cause catastrophic engine failure. People put bypass valves on their intakes to reduce the chances of water getting in...(i.e. if water did get in, it would not get to the engine). Personally, I don't trust the effectiveness of the bypass valve, and I do believe it does restrict the intake somewhat so you wouldn't quite be making what you think you are making (hp wise).

It does sound a little throatier, and people say that they can feel the "pull" with a CAI on. I'm still debating if it is a worthwhile addition (based on the risk) and whether it actually frees up 10-12 horses.

edit: Most people with CAI's say the chances of water getting to the engine is small (but I guess that depends on where you live, and what sort of climates you drive through).

 

I had an '83 GTI with a low air intake. We had a flood once and I did not know where the intake was. Went right through a puddle (1 foot) and sucked in a few gallons. I spewed steam out the back all the way home. Scared the crap out of me. But probably OK if you are aware and decide not to plow through a flooded area. And who would be driving a TL through the rain anyway!!

 

thanks for the replies guys - I appreciate it.

 

had a friend with a '96 cougar. had the same thing happen except he took in a ton of water and still has the bent rods to prove it.

 

I have the Injen CAI and I love it. I buy into the 12 WHP claim. I'm not saying you can feel it, but the concept of a less restrictive intake increasing horsepower seems believable to me. I haven't had a chance to run a before/after test against any other cars with my TL, but with my old '94 Z28, I did a before/after, and it made a significant difference in pull. I ran my buddy's '93 Firebird, which had the same modifications I had plus CAI, and he was capable of walking off on my car by about a car length per gear. I then put the CAI on and re-ran him, and it was damned near even (he still pulled a hair).

So, IMO, CAI is worth the $200!

 

Well, I would. I live in Seattle; I didn't buy this thing for Garage Garnish ya know.

 

No flames intended here fallas. I'm a firm believer in "to each his own". For me, i don't understand the point of modding the engine of a family "upscale" sedan. I owned a mustang and did all the typical mods to it because i liked to race it. I just can't see the point in racing a 4 door.
Again no offense to anyone.

EZ

 

No offense taken, and I hope this doesn't offend you, but... My TL (with CAI) eats Mustangs for breakfast. Seriously. The old 5.0's are cake, and I can walk on the 260 horse 4.6's. For some reason, people have a hard time buying that, but just look at the mph the 5.0's, 4.6's and the TL's run in the 1/4 mile (The time, of course isn't comparable, because the TL is FWD). But on the go, the TL is a smokin' sleeper. That's what I love about it!

 

None taken bro, I have tried to impartially compare the two and it seems i remember the Mustang being faster than the TL, but that doen't bother me to much as I didn't buy the TL for the speed, although it is nice.

Anyway like I said to each his own, and best of luck to all that do this mod.

EZ

 

I'd never put a CAI on because I have to drive through the snow. The TL is my only car!

 

You know, I hear more former Mustang owners on this board say that. I had a buddy with an '87 5.0, and it felt really fast. When I rode in it, I thought it would hang with my LT1; it just felt like it pulled just as hard, if not harder. We ran, and I left him in my wake. I have also heard people who have driven the G35 coupe, and swear it's way faster than the TL, but last weekend, I ran into the G35's sister, a 350Z (disclosure: He had an extra passenger), and we got a good, even highway run in (3rd gear), and I inched on him. I had a former 350Z owner who has test-driven the TL 6MT, and he swore up and down that my TL w/ CAI would get SMOKED by a Z. So, I'm starting to think the old "butt dyno" can be deceptive.

 

Thats funny! Who knows man, we all love the car and thats what's important.

EZ