Cold Air intake Questions

[Payback45]

I have a Short Ram intake with a K&N cone filter right now and i am wondering if a CAI would do anything and in the end be worth the money.
This is what I am looking at.
It is going for $108. Any one know of one cheaper?

http://www.cosmoracing.com/productinfo. ... 0&pid=1071 (http://www.cosmoracing.com/productinfo.asp?cid=150&pid=1071)

[dplacencia]

I have a Short Ram intake with a K&N cone filter right now and i am wondering if a CAI would do anything and in the end be worth the money.
This is what I am looking at.
It is going for $108. Any one know of one cheaper?

http://www.cosmoracing.com/productinfo. ... 0&pid=1071 (http://www.cosmoracing.com/productinfo.asp?cid=150&pid=1071)

I think it's worth it. I have the same intake on my car. :grin:

[2000LWAGON]

i have the cosmo cai intake too and love it. it made a difference in acceleration and also sounds so badass. its well worth the money and i dont regret buying it at all. you can get it off the website too. i saw it on ebay but missed the auction. i remember that it was cheaper on the site too. but maybe that was just an expensive auction. i dont remember it wound up costing.

[SilentRacer]

I see no reason to run short ram at all, why would you want hot air in your engine?

[Payback45]

Well that is why I am asking the question. I have a a brand new 100 dollar bill for my birthday and I want to spend it wisely. And the intake is just about $100. So, how different will it sound compared to the short ram? I really want to see and hear a difference.
Also, can I use the K&N filter I have now on the CAI?

Also, is there a sticky on the install? how do you get the filter where it needs to be?

[SilentRacer]

The difference between the short ram and CAI is pipe length. You can use the same cone and just get a coupler to match whatever piping you buy. The CAI goes into the hole in the fender on the passenger side and thats where the cone will end up. Dplacen can add in the part about install/pics. Performance gain over short ram will be minimal and probably sound the same. Its just better for your engine since its designed to run on cold air.

[StatGSR]

i wouldnt bother, its a fact that most intakes are just sound makers.

[Reason]

i wouldnt bother, its a fact that most intakes are just sound makers.

:smt108 wow

[Sarra]

I got a generic one via Mark, from eBay. $20, and it performs well enough. If I want to extend it into the fender, all it will take is $5 and a trip to the hardware store. Though, you people with MAP sensors have it easy! :roll: Just pull your MAP out, remove the gasket, put the gasket in the new intake, and plug it in! D: You try living with a MAF... Or even the "MAF" on my Loyale, it actually uses a physical gate that the vacuum from the turbo pulls open... It's a huge box thing with two openings that is about twice as large as the MAF sensors on BD/BK's.

[Chicago96GT]

The install in the engine bay is the easy part. When u need to desnork is when it starts getting NOT FUN. Well in my case at least. The best way i found to do it was just jack your car up, take the passenger front wheel off, pull the water shield away and if all the screws are out, the box should come out easy. I wish I knew this the first time but when i asked they just pointed somewhere else or said "you gotta desnok it"....lalala no shit mind explaining, but no they did not. I like mine and its worth it. Yes it does come with a sound but i never notice it unless pushing the gas pretty hard.

[Payback45]

is there a thread of the desnorking/ CAI install? With pics hopefully

[StatGSR]

i wouldnt bother, its a fact that most intakes are just sound makers.

:smt108 wow

hey its true, the only real benefit is removing all the air restrictions, cause any actually air temp difference that actually makes it to the motor between a SRI and a CAI is negligible. so i mean if u already have a SRI it is not worth 100 bux to upgrade to a CAI.

[deadlydave]

is there a thread of the desnorking/ CAI install? With pics hopefully

Crap, i just did a desnorking, should have taken pics. Check nasioc, I'm sure someone has done a post on it.

[Payback45]

Some say go for it others say save your money. Just not sure what to do. I guess if I do get it I can always re-sell it on here or another site.

[Reason]

When it comes to asking opinions about mods and brand of parts you will get mixed reviews. I said it before and I'll say it again. Don't go by anybody word. Try it out for yourself and then decide.

[caoutback]

I bought the "e bay special" for an RS and had to hack it up a bit to make it work, but VERY well worth it on my 98 LOB 5mt. It usually started to "bog" around 3300rpms or so, but now it sings up to 6k. Didn't do the snorkus removal at first, but afterwards noticed a little more pep than with it. The butt dyno likes the intake :grin: . Next is an ACT Streetlite flywheel and Exedy clutch. Then it's on to EL headers and exhaust then cams :twisted: .

[Payback45]

I think I will buy it. If I dont see a difference I can always re-sell it

[Payback45]

I guess the only thing I dont understan about the instal is how in the world is there enough room for a cone filter? i was looking at my car and I just dont see the room for it.

[2000LWAGON]

the install is very easy to do. just take off the old air system piece by piece and replace with the new one. i did it with a buddy becuse it was alot easier feeding the tube through the fender hole and to get the cone on there. but its still not that bad if you were to do it solo.

[AJM]

I do fine with a short ram...on the other hand I have a functional hood scoop... :grin:

[Matt S.]

As Reason said, you will get different opinions from everyone.

Only my opinion, but I think other then keeping the motor tuned up good(good plugs, wires, filter, etc.), there are no engine mods worth the money on an N/A Subaru motor. I mean REALLY worth the money. Unless you are going for different "whooshing" sounds from intakes or snorkel deletes, or noise from aftermarket exhausts.

And if that IS your purpose for aftermarket parts, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, nothing at all. I wouldn't mind a bit of tone to my LGT's exhaust myself, but it surely wouldn't be to gain power. I think it's pretty much been proven over the last 10 years or so, no bolt on parts are going to make a night and day difference to an NA Subaru motor, in terms of power that is.

And, especially when it comes to intakes and such, it has also been proven that despite what the factory parts "look" like, Subaru engineers are quite good and what they do and the stock intakes, inner fender snorkels, etc are very unrestricted, even the stock headers and exhaust are far from what I would call restrictive.

Another thing I've learned over the last 15 years with cars is that most of the time, when you install a new part, and your car now makes cool whooshing or rumbling sounds, and your wallet is now much lighter, your mind will convince you "there is a difference for sure!" :wink:

Just my opinion though. :smile:

[Huffer]

I have a Short Ram intake with a K&N cone filter right now and i am wondering if a CAI would do anything and in the end be worth the money.
This is what I am looking at.
It is going for $108. Any one know of one cheaper?

http://www.cosmoracing.com/productinfo. ... 0&pid=1071 (http://www.cosmoracing.com/productinfo.asp?cid=150&pid=1071)

Worth it? I like to think so. I have a similar intake on my Impreza back in NZ, but I still retain the factory air filter location.

However, my intake was $20, and the install was one afternoon to make sure no rubbing on the pipe.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2007/09/WheelInnerGuard1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2007/09/WheelArch4_Airpipe-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2007/09/WheelArch5_Airpipe-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2007/09/EngineBay_Airpipe2-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2007/09/EngineBay_Airpipe1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2007/09/Intake2sml-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2005/09/Intake0sml-1.jpg

[Payback45]

Thanks for all your opinions. And thanks for the pics. Sadly they don't help me because I have gotten rid of the air box. So, are there any install pics where a cone is used? If I order the CAI from Cosmo they say it wont come with any instructions. I just don't want to get anything wrong in the install.
For the major mods I have done to my car most have been met with problems.
When it it came to the Exhaust, one of my header bolts was stripped so I am one bolt shy from where it should be. When it came to the springs, I hadn't bought the top hats so the install was done in two stages at about a week apart. This might not be a major mod being I already have a SRI but still I want to get it right the first time.

[GrassyKnoll]

Turbo > CAI beneficial with a full intake/exhaust system

N/A > no noticable gains


plain and simple :smile:

[Payback45]

I thought of something else. I have had my car dynoed and tuned with a SAFC II. I had all that done with a Short Ram INtake. Will installing a CAI affect the SAFC II settings?

[StatGSR]

^ nope

[Jedi Taxi]

honestly, StatGSR is somewhat right about the differences in a CAI and SRI. the horse power difference is near negligable, and both do make more noise. however, the difference between the stock and the Otherwise Brand X is that the OBX allows a smoother flow of air than stock. even the OBX SRI has a cooler air temp then the stock tubing.

now for the differences between CAI and SRI.

CAI: longer tubing in conjunction with other tuning will allow a better torque band for the colder ait going in, in turn, this requires more than letting the computer figure it out. this means MORE PARTS. Namly a cheap adjustable FPR (note: not an expensive rising rate FPR, just another OBX or Spectre)

SRI: the air going into the engine has less tubing to go through in turn allowing throttle responce. this makes the engine work less to get the same amount of air. this one the computer can get used to. still, its better than stock.

[rougeben83]

I don't know if you have seen mine already, but this should give you a better idea about what to do since we both have BE's

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2007/07/HPIM1684-1.jpg

[Payback45]

Do you think that is better that a Cobb CAI?
Also I am unfamiliar with FPR could you please explain. Are you saying that the SAFC II will have problems with the CAI?

[rougeben83]

It's better cause it cost me less than $50 to make :wink: But seriously, if you don't want to piece something together, the Cobb is nicer looking and requires less work.

RRFR you mean? You don't need that (rising rate fuel regulator) you're not going to be pushing in so much air in the engine from the CAI to require it.

You may want to recalibrate the SAFC, but other than that, it shouldn't do anything with your ECU.

[Payback45]

When it come to the SAFC I had it tuned. To be honest I don't know what to do with it. Why did I get it then? Well I wanted it after I got the SRI and all the major mods out of the way. The plan was to get it dynoed and tuned to make the car the best it could be with what I had installed. I never mess with the SAFC it just sits there. I should probably learn what I can do with it but I am afraid to screw something up and ruin my car. So that is why I am in here asking lots of questions before I ever do anything.

[dplacencia]

I have a weapon r intake for sale. it will fit your car if you dont have an air temp sensor.

[Payback45]

Is it a CAI? Any pics?

[Jedi Taxi]

nah, i wasn't talking about a rising rate fuel pressure regulator (RRFPR)(TMICRRFPRFMICAWICEPROMEDEFIHONADATOOMANYDAMNACRINEMES)

anyways, just a normal cheap FPR is good enough. just for the record, this is a standard adjustable fuel pressure regulator that isn't a rising rate fuel pressure regulator. very common, very cheap, nothing special. Just crank up the fuel rail pressure up a bit, and you should be fine.

But honestly, that SAFC is better than a FPR in controllability. once you install the CAI or SRI, crank up the fuel a bit in the later part of the rev range.

[Payback45]

Fuel rail? I dont know what any of what you just said does. Or if I even have it. I am still learning.

[Jedi Taxi]

im sure someone around here has a EJ series engine diagram that they can use to show you. sorry guys, work calls.

[rougeben83]

I'm not sure you'll need to mess with the fuel delivery with just these bolt-ons TBH. I have headers, catback and intake and still run the stock fuel and ecu. These cars run rich from the factory to begin with. I know another BE owner that has full exhaust, intake AND cams and doesn't need any fuel adjustments.

If one thing, the SAFC will help adjust the fuel trim in the higher rev ranges. It should help when it's been tuned properly, but it's not a requirement.

[Payback45]

Well that good to know. I didnt think a CAI would be so difficult. I always thought it was just a bolt on mod. now all I need is for this seller I am talking with to figure out the shipping and handling so i can buy it. he is asking $150

[StatGSR]

^ save your money dude........

[Payback45]

Why?

[StatGSR]

cause spending 150 bux on a cai when u have a sri is a waste of money...

[Payback45]

So I would see no benefit to getting it?

[StatGSR]

imho, no u would notice anything.

[Payback45]

the sound wouldn't be any different?

[StatGSR]

yea they typically are a little different, but is that really worth that much money. i mean do u want your intake to be louder or quieter or what..

[Payback45]

Have you done the SRI to CAI? Do you have first hand knowledge of what you say?

[StatGSR]

i have a SRI on my subaru, and yes i have had both on my integra. and have been dealing with the whole SRI vs CAI thing in the honda world for the last 6 or so years....

[Payback45]

I have been asking a lot of question about a Cobb CAI and like always I get 50% say go for it and 50% say don't do it. Despite all the comments on how it wont do anything I still want to see. When I have it all set up and I can see what it does or doesn't do i will decide then. After all, I can always sell it to someone else for $150

[rougeben83]

$150 is too much for a used one. RS25 usually sees these go for around $100-130. His would have to be absolutely mint with an unused filter for his asking price.

Anyway, try it out. Sell the SRI; it should get you a couple of bucks.

You could easily convert it to a CAI too, but like I said that requires some legwork and stuff on your end (i.e. it's not just bolt it in and go like the Cobb).

[Payback45]

I will stick to the cobb if the guy selling it will ever get back to me

[Jedi Taxi]

Well, you already know where i stand on this. im mostly with StatGSR on it.

...even though he talks to honda guys

[Payback45]

do you all think that $150 plus shipping on a Cobb CAI that is 2 years old and has had two owners? BTW it would be shipping from vancouver, BC

[StatGSR]

Well, you already know where i stand on this. im mostly with StatGSR on it.

...even though he talks to honda guys

beats a jack stand queen :shock: ...... :grin:

[Jedi Taxi]

lol! you mean like almost ever mitsubitchy?

[Payback45]

Well I have found a cobb CAI on RS25 and it looks like I will be picking it up this Saturday for $100. After that I will be back to report what i think of the CAI and if it was worth it. Till then

[rougeben83]

lol, see what I mean? :grin: Just got to be patient when it comes to used parts :smile:

[Payback45]

I just got done installing the CAI and took it for a test drive. First took it out on the freeway. When it came to the sound there was a slight difference but not much. But when it came to throttle response in the low end wow! I get off the line so much faster. Throttle response over all has increased. So far i am very impressed and very happy I bought it. I would recommend it to everyone.

[Reason]

CAI are just noise makers.....

[Payback45]

I disagree completely.

[Reason]

Which was said earlier in this thread.

[StatGSR]

by me :grin:

[Reason]

by me :grin:

And that's why the ban was issued!

[StatGSR]

haha, iv been banned since my first week here. and i still stand by what i have said. :shock:

[Jedi Taxi]

Enjoy the CAI then man!

[rougeben83]

Glad it worked out for you. FWIW, I think someone did dyno the cobb and it did show like a 5hp increase or so.

[AJM]

Well, you already know where i stand on this. im mostly with StatGSR on it.

...even though he talks to honda guys

beats a jack stand queen :shock: ...... :grin:


What about having no torque?...ethier of you :grin: :lol: (all in good humor guys)

[StatGSR]

^ meh, my 98lbs of torque still brings me to a high 14 second pass, so im content. and next year when i do my h2b swap, i should be running high 13s all day long with a stock motor.... weeeeeee

[AJM]

^ meh, my 98lbs of torque still brings me to a high 14 second pass, so im content. and next year when i do my h2b swap, i should be running high 13s all day long with a stock motor.... weeeeeee


A new Camry will run a high 14's...a fox body mustang you can get for $2500 with only a few very light mods will run 13's easy...lets not crunch numbers here, lets just say that in my opinion low torgue high reving motors are not that exciting. That being said, you loving Hondas is not wrong, just different, you know like loving hermaphrodites...

[StatGSR]

yea thats what i thought...... :wink:

[Sarra]

I think that if I stripped the Loyale and made a few high-tech modifications to the wastegate, I might get into the low 13's. I'll have to give it a shot. Not having any kind of exhaust past the turbo rocks.

[Reason]

I think that if I stripped the Loyale and made a few high-tech modifications to the wastegate, I might get into the low 13's. I'll have to give it a shot. Not having any kind of exhaust past the turbo rocks.

lol Are you serious??

[Jedi Taxi]

hmm... i bet i could run 14s right now if i shifted right... my car does putout something around 160ft/lbs, probably more. probably in the 200hp range.
If i wanted to make it lighter. not rocket science there.

So AJM, enjoying the 112mph? (just a joke)

[Reason]

Sarra, I still can't get over that comment. What makes you think that car could hit LOW 13's? What is low to you? My friend did low 14's (14.3 and 14.1) his fist time at a track with his 3.5' 6 spd max with a few grand in performance parts alone.

Maybe I'm wrong and need a spanking but I don't see a loyal doing low 13's....stock.