Cold Air Intake

[Neatfellen]

I have been thinking about installing a CAI in my 01 Legacy BE, and was wondering how difficult of an install it is. If anyone could give me a heads up as to how much work time I'm looking at as well that would be great too!

[Grimmrican]

I'm currently fabbing up a super short ram myself. It's taking me a lil longer than normal because I only get 30 min off at lunch and I'd ether spend the time resting lol. But as for a cai I've looked into them and read they're really good at being a wet vac lol. Ud be only able to drive it out on nice dry days.

[Neatfellen]

Eh, not a fan of that as I live in Wisconsin and that is not an option in the winter haha. So short ram huh? What exactly is the difference? I'm not familiar with them.

[Grimmrican]

U ever see any of the civics or integras with their awesome filter and tubing that goes to the throttle body? Usually the filter is in the upper part of the engine. Where they delete the old box and replace it. Cold air is the same difference but is under the car where all the cold sir is. In the Subaru u would put it behind the fender. It's hard to explain lol

[Grimmrican]

True cold air intake u will get a better throttle response and hp gain. Short ram u get a lot of hot air and almost no gain. In some cases I guess.

[Neatfellen]

Ic, and if placed correctly is it still not recommended in wet conditions? Or is it just a matter of placement in a good area where it won't get wet?

[Grimmrican]

I wouldn't use it. But maybe if u can fab something then sure give it a shot

[Neatfellen]

Ok then, any real advantage of a short ram over say a performance replacement filter like the K&N replacement filter I currently have?

[Grimmrican]

I doubt it. If u have a panel filter in ur stock box now then leave it like that.

[Grimmrican]

I'll be attempting to do a short ram later and post my doings.

[Neatfellen]

aight, thanx for the insight on that!

[Wiscon_Mark]

Topic moved, the DIY forum is for writeups only, not questions.

[Neatfellen]

Sorry bout that.

[Garrison]

I would just like to clarify that by adding a short ram you will be:

-Increasing intake noise
-Not gaining any power
-Ricing up your car

a cold air intake, CAI, is piped from the throttle body, to the inner fender of the car to ensure that cold/dry air is all that is reaching it.
I know you guys have MAP sensors, but still, you aren't going to gain anything except noise, and the ECU will learn around your change anyway.

[Neatfellen]

I would just like to clarify that by adding a short ram you will be:

-Increasing intake noise
-Not gaining any power
-Ricing up your car

a cold air intake, CAI, is piped from the throttle body, to the inner fender of the car to ensure that cold/dry air is all that is reaching it.
I know you guys have MAP sensors, but still, you aren't going to gain anything except noise, and the ECU will learn around your change anyway.
So there is a way to rig it so that it would not get wet in rainy or snowy conditions and avoid this "wet vacuum" effect?

[Garrison]

I would just like to clarify that by adding a short ram you will be:

-Increasing intake noise
-Not gaining any power
-Ricing up your car

a cold air intake, CAI, is piped from the throttle body, to the inner fender of the car to ensure that cold/dry air is all that is reaching it.
I know you guys have MAP sensors, but still, you aren't going to gain anything except noise, and the ECU will learn around your change anyway.
So there is a way to rig it so that it would not get wet in rainy or snowy conditions and avoid this "wet vacuum" effect?

Are you talking about a CAI? If you have your fender-liner it shouldn't ever get wet, but a filter sock would help tremendously.

If, instead, you're talking about a short-ram intake, a filter sock would help, but no not really. When I had a short ram (non-turbo), I had a few problems and it just died a couple of times. Give it a minute and it restarted fine, but heavy rain is a bitch for the short ram.

[Neatfellen]

I would just like to clarify that by adding a short ram you will be:

-Increasing intake noise
-Not gaining any power
-Ricing up your car

a cold air intake, CAI, is piped from the throttle body, to the inner fender of the car to ensure that cold/dry air is all that is reaching it.
I know you guys have MAP sensors, but still, you aren't going to gain anything except noise, and the ECU will learn around your change anyway.
So there is a way to rig it so that it would not get wet in rainy or snowy conditions and avoid this "wet vacuum" effect?

Are you talking about a CAI? If you have your fender-liner it shouldn't ever get wet, but a filter sock would help tremendously.

If, instead, you're talking about a short-ram intake, a filter sock would help, but no not really. When I had a short ram (non-turbo), I had a few problems and it just died a couple of times. Give it a minute and it restarted fine, but heavy rain is a bitch for the short ram.
I was hoping more for a CAI, never really wanted to do a short ram, just got an education on it lol.

[GTDrifter]

I agree with the others. I had a CAI on my bd and it soaked up water to a point where I could'nt accelerate anymore. I was running a short ram with no issues and I even have my backing plate off my vent scoop (right over the filter). People say the stock setup will give you more torque and mighty car mods even proved with a dyno that short ram AND cold air intakes don't help the car. Best way to go is stock with a brand new filter.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCi2yo4UqPI

[Muse]

A far as I can tell, the only advantage to the CAI or SRI is the sound. And that's only if you want it louder...

[GTDrifter]

A far as I can tell, the only advantage to the CAI or SRI is the sound. And that's only if you want it louder...
yes, and it does make the engine bay look a little nicer imo

[Neatfellen]

A far as I can tell, the only advantage to the CAI or SRI is the sound. And that's only if you want it louder...
yes, and it does make the engine bay look a little nicer imo
well alrighty than, thank you for the info everyone, very informative, and now I can make the educated decision that since there is nothing wrong with the stock system and i just shelled out $50 for a K&N replacement filter and that's working just fine.

[ScaryFatKidGT]

You could do a hybrid intake and just replace the acordion section with an Ebay short ram pipe.
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=16216 (https://sl-i.net/FORUM/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=16216)



I would just like to clarify that by adding a short ram you will be:

-Increasing intake noise
-Not gaining any power
-Ricing up your car

a cold air intake, CAI, is piped from the throttle body, to the inner fender of the car to ensure that cold/dry air is all that is reaching it.
I know you guys have MAP sensors, but still, you aren't going to gain anything except noise, and the ECU will learn around your change anyway.
So there is a way to rig it so that it would not get wet in rainy or snowy conditions and avoid this "wet vacuum" effect?
Are you talking about a CAI? If you have your fender-liner it shouldn't ever get wet, but a filter sock would help tremendously.

If, instead, you're talking about a short-ram intake, a filter sock would help, but no not really. When I had a short ram (non-turbo), I had a few problems and it just died a couple of times. Give it a minute and it restarted fine, but heavy rain is a bitch for the short ram.Rain shouldn't affect a short ram as it is all under the hood?


I agree with the others. I had a CAI on my bd and it soaked up water to a point where I could'nt accelerate anymore. I was running a short ram with no issues and I even have my backing plate off my vent scoop (right over the filter). People say the stock setup will give you more torque and mighty car mods even proved with a dyno that short ram AND cold air intakes don't help the car. Best way to go is stock with a brand new filter.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCi2yo4UqPIReally? Was your fender liner in good shape? I have seen Dynos where Hybrids, SRI's and cheap Ebay intakes all dyno about +4hp and a CAI is about +6 or 8, maybe those were for the SOHC?


A far as I can tell, the only advantage to the CAI or SRI is the sound. And that's only if you want it louder...A CAI takes cold air from the fender out side the engine (like the stock intake) a SRI only has hot air from the engine bay available=less power.

[SubaruKenny_d]

I looked into it and I found that a cold air intake system is the way to go. I have the same body style as your legacy so go to www.cosmoracing.com (http://www.cosmoracing.com) ; they have the best pricing around and beats injen. Pick your car and they have short ram and cold air as well.

[Wiscon_Mark]

$130 is worth it for basically no gain in power? Your post reads like an advertisement for Cosmo Racing. Tests have shown that the stock intake has very little restriction on a stock N/A platform. Even a cheap panel filter really isn't much of a restriction.

[Muse]

Yeah. 7hp does not seem like it's worth $134. Especially if that's 7hp at the flywheel, it doesn't specify. If it's +7whp, I might go for it, but definitely not as my first mod.

[Neatfellen]

And I like getting parts from brands i know or at least a place i know. I'm weary about brands I've never heard of on a frankly low end website I've never heard of b4

[Grimmrican]

b4hah I see what u did there

[Wiscon_Mark]

Cosmo Racing has been around a while guys. It's just a less crappy knockoff of the Injen intake than most of the other eBay born aftermarket brands. For a knockoff, it's way expensive though.

[Garrison]

Full intake, phenolic TB spacer, EL headers, Full exhaust (2.5" or so), coil pack, LW flywheel and you *might* see something like 20-30hp increase.
Throw in some cams and you could see 210-220(flywheel)hp. I think that's about the max you're ever going to get out of the (2.5) N/A engine whilst maintaining any sense of drivability.

[Neatfellen]

Full intake, phenolic TB spacer, EL headers, Full exhaust (2.5" or so), coil pack, LW flywheel and you *might* see something like 20-30hp increase.
Throw in some cams and you could see 210-220(flywheel)hp. I think that's about the max you're ever going to get out of the (2.5) N/A engine whilst maintaining any sense of drivability.

lol I don't need that much just some more get up and go is all. But thank you for the tip, I would do all that but I don't have the cash to do that much :p

[Garrison]

That was kinda my point, 220hp x .25 = 55hp 220hp - 55hp = 165whp

You would end up with a (somewhat paltry) increase in power at the expense of $$$$$$.
It's much easier, faster, simpler, well documented, etc, etc, etc to turbo your car if you're looking for more power.

The best bang for buck, hands down, is a lightweight flywheel. No questions if/and's/or but's. Otherwise, just save your coin for a big project or be happy with miniscule increases, OR leave it be! :smt023

[4doors4hp]

i believe ive seen your sedan if OP in the waukesha area? i drive the white BH wagon. also, if you go the the scrap yard yo may be able to find an intake for the car. MANY honda accords and civic intakes fit. Im currently running an AEM intake from the torque box into the fender well. its definately louder. but the top end power is much more present. not sure if my stock intake was cluttered or whatever, but its helped. this intake came off of a eg civic. lol
fits perfect too.
the "best" intake for our cars is the PRM/COBB intake. they sell new or 300 shipped though..
oh, i paid $5 for my AEM one btw.

[Odycee]

A lot opinion, no fact.

Here's a $10 mod, gets direct COLD air from the "bird catcher" scoop, and drove in the rain for 2 years with no hydro-lock. The filter will catch most of the water, the filter tilt angle prevents water get into TB. There are some water in the airbox but never got into TB and the airbox also have a drain hole too, see my second pic w/out the filter with small hole on the right.

I have OBD2 bluetooth with Torque sw and it shows the IAT temp is around 20C/65F when I'm not the hwy moving fast cooling the TB. When stopped at traffic, it sure move up to 35C/95F quickly. Very smooth on both lower and upper end torque band. Sometimes the ECU is confused because the coolant temp is 85C but the IAT/TB temp is only 35C. It expects TB temp and coolant temp are the same because the TB has the coolant line runs through it.

Most CAI tubes are metals absorb much engine's heat, by the time you get cool air from the fender travel up to TB it's cooked to at least 85F.

Gorilla Intake has been testing with their products driven in the rain w/out hydro lock either but it costs about $300.

http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/show ... ht=gorilla (http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24608&highlight=gorilla)


Gorrila intake

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/05/HydroLock_zps9c1b2712-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/05/FilterRemoved_zpsdacdf1b1-1.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/05/20130426_191116_zps078ebcf0-1.jpg

[Wiscon_Mark]

You would of course, need a scoop for this to work as a CAI. It'd be ram air when at speed too!

The only way to get a scooped hood on a BE would either to cut a hole and add one or to get a Baja hood.

[Odycee]

Works for MAP, not for MAF.

[nff]

has anyone routed a pipe to where a GT would have foglights like actually make a scoop that forces air directly into the intake pipeing.

[Neatfellen]

Lol as I went over on the rally pod thread I can't afford another hood either, not to mention how hard it would be to find a Baja hood around here which I'm sure u can attest to wiscon_mark. U can't hardly find a Baja period here. To be honest there are more Audi R8's in Wausau than Baja's (that's 2 R8's btw). And from what I know wiscon_mark has more Lamborghini Gallardo's than Baja's in Point :P lol

[Wiscon_Mark]

Works for MAP, not for MAF.

Right, you'd already have to have the airbox above the TB.



has anyone routed a pipe to where a GT would have foglights like actually make a scoop that forces air directly into the intake pipeing.

I did it on my Outback long ago. Not great for winter, but it worked well in the summer:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2006/07/JDMGrille-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2006/10/FrontAngledSummer-1.jpg


It was a 4"-->3" inlet and then 3" tubing to the airbox.

[Odycee]

Why not great in winter?

[Muse]

Hit a snow drift, pack your inlet full of snow. No airflow.

[Odycee]

I've seen a bugeye wrx with removed one headlight for intake port, no problem with snow pack. Fog light is too low, I agree.

[Wiscon_Mark]

Removing a headlight is not only bad for driving at night, but illegal.

[04Legacy]

Here are some pics of the CAI setup I am running and its fairly simple to do. GTDrifter has also seen the intake design in person if that helps.

From TB to Fender well:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

Fender well:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

Final Result:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

Clean, Simple, and Easy to do.

[Odycee]

Looks nice but pipe is too long, many curves reduce smooth air flow, and a bitch to remove fender to clean filter. Best cold air is to get from hood scoop to TB.

[Grimmrican]

Looks good. I was thinking on how if I were to do cai how'd I do it but u sir just answered it. Also where did u get the eyelids? I'm looking for a pair

[04Legacy]

Thanks!! :) I actually made those eyelids myself.

[pleaidestar]

http://www.andysautosport.com/honda/199 ... 7315.html. (http://www.andysautosport.com/honda/1992_1995_civic/performance/intakes/intake_accessories/aem/aemp00027315.html.).

You can use those for any car, I had them on my civics and its

[pleaidestar]

...uhh they work well.

[Grimmrican]

Thanks!! :) I actually made those eyelids myself.what did u use?? U make a DIY??

[04Legacy]

I used just graphic decal vinyl from my local decal shop.

[Grimmrican]

Thanx

[Rust2Runner]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCi2yo4UqPI

These guys are a riot! As far as CAI goes, you have to have pretty bad engineering for them to give you much of anything. Although the vid only really shows how good the stock box actually is in this particular vehicle, I've had enough rice tubes plugged into my cars to say it's basically just a cosmetic "upgrade".

[Odycee]

+1

[FirstGenLegacy]

Generally what My friends and I did (including my Father) is this;
We removed the factory airbox and cut the bottom half of it off, basically only the flat side that is attatched to the bottom half of the engine bay, I couldn't seem to find any other photos or guides on how to do it, so I will try to take photos and upload a guide for a DIY, it doesn't get much of a gain, but you definately feel a small difference, aswell as get the cool intake sound!

[SubaruKenny_d]

Here are some pics of the CAI setup I am running and its fairly simple to do. GTDrifter has also seen the intake design in person if that helps.

From TB to Fender well:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

Fender well:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

Final Result:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

Clean, Simple, and Easy to do.

That is very clean and well done, props. BTW I like the gold steelies too! :smt023

[unsullied_spy]

Looks nice but pipe is too long, many curves reduce smooth air flow, and a bitch to remove fender to clean filter. Best cold air is to get from hood scoop to TB.
That actually doesn't look too bad. The stock intake on my BE makes enough bends I'd bet the angles add up to around 360° of twisties. That looks pretty straight with a minimal of bends. Cleaning the filter wouldn't be too bad in that location--pop a few little plastic clips and the inner fender liner will bend out of place far enough to remove the filter. If it's your DD I'd do that once every year or two, if it's just a winter beater like mine then you could probably last 5 years before needing to clean the filter.

Kenny_D: How well do those retina-wreckers work behind the grill? I've been looking to put some Hella 500s on my car but there's nowhere to cleanly mount them on the outside. There are some Subarus running around where I live with big light bars full of lights and I think they look silly, tacky, and ruin the lines of the car. How badly does the grill interfere with the light?

[SubaruKenny_d]

I had them on my scooby for a while and just took them off to do the badgeless grille. (not my subaru above BTW) But they work half descent. Not my favorite but they worked, I dont like the look of light behind the grille. Again thats just me..

[unsullied_spy]

I had them on my scooby for a while and just took them off to do the badgeless grille. (not my subaru above BTW) But they work half descent. Not my favorite but they worked, I dont like the look of light behind the grille. Again thats just me..
Yeah it isn't a great place to put them but I'd rather do that than have them hanging off the front.

[04Legacy]

Here are some pics of the CAI setup I am running and its fairly simple to do. GTDrifter has also seen the intake design in person if that helps.

From TB to Fender well:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

Fender well:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

Final Result:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

Clean, Simple, and Easy to do.

That is very clean and well done, props. BTW I like the gold steelies too! :smt023

Thanks!!!! :eek: :eek: :smt026 :grin:

If you guys are looking for light bar designs I have a few on my ride thread that I have had on my car.

[SubaruKenny_d]

Here are some pics of the CAI setup I am running and its fairly simple to do. GTDrifter has also seen the intake design in person if that helps.

From TB to Fender well:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

Fender well:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

Final Result:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

Clean, Simple, and Easy to do.

That is very clean and well done, props. BTW I like the gold steelies too! :smt023

Thanks!!!! :eek: :eek: :smt026 :grin:

If you guys are looking for light bar designs I have a few on my ride thread that I have had on my car.


Did you have your gold steel rims powder coated? Or did you just pain them with standard paint? I am gonna get winter tires on my rims along with painting them somehow. What color did you use?

[TheGr8Ox]

Stock intake box with either stock tubing or 3" metal tubing works just fine.
Only in cars with 280hp or more will notice any difference w/ a CAI and even then it's minimal.
Use that cash and put in cams, msd or something like that, then you'll notice something.

[SubaruKenny_d]

I recently got my AEM intake on and although it doesn't really show any major gains in hp the throttle response is way better. I think that was money well spent for the response and how it changed the look of the engine bay. (I got it cheap off ebay).

[04Legacy]

[quote=04Legacy]Here are some pics of the CAI setup I am running and its fairly simple to do. GTDrifter has also seen the intake design in person if that helps.

From TB to Fender well:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

Fender well:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

Final Result:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

Clean, Simple, and Easy to do.

That is very clean and well done, props. BTW I like the gold steelies too! :smt023

Thanks!!!! :eek: :eek: :smt026 :grin:

If you guys are looking for light bar designs I have a few on my ride thread that I have had on my car.


Did you have your gold steel rims powder coated? Or did you just pain them with standard paint? I am gonna get winter tires on my rims along with painting them somehow. What color did you use?[/quote:tytoi854]

I actually painted these rims. I used Rustoluem paint, I cooper color. Winter tires are worth every penny.

[GTDrifter]

[quote=04Legacy]Here are some pics of the CAI setup I am running and its fairly simple to do. GTDrifter has also seen the intake design in person if that helps.

From TB to Fender well:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

Fender well:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

Final Result:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

Clean, Simple, and Easy to do.

That is very clean and well done, props. BTW I like the gold steelies too! :smt023

Thanks!!!! :eek: :eek: :smt026 :grin:

If you guys are looking for light bar designs I have a few on my ride thread that I have had on my car.


Did you have your gold steel rims powder coated? Or did you just pain them with standard paint? I am gonna get winter tires on my rims along with painting them somehow. What color did you use?

I actually painted these rims. I used Rustoluem paint, I cooper color. Winter tires are worth every penny.[/quote:xa8kn2cv]
Nice water vacuum lol