i think that cold air intakes are not horsepower wise good for the series one engine because it robs horsepower and low end torque. i think that stock intakes are better.there stock tweecked for that engine already.aftermarket intakes for them engines are bad(SERIES ONE).thats my story and opinion,what about you guys,what do you guys think?

How would a CAI on a S1 3800 differ from any other motor? A properly setup CAI is just that Cold Air Intake, it allows colder air to enter the motor with less restriction compared to the stock airbox. I can't see how a stock airbox would be the best for performance under any circumstance.

Ed

I never really understood the significance of CAI or FWI. On my car I gutted the airbox and added a high flow air filter and all I noticed was a little better throttle response, other than that I cannot say I noticed any improvement. I don't think you ever see a significant increase in horsepower, let alone a decrease. That just doesn't make sense in my mind.

I fail to understand the reasoning here.

The stock box is, of course, designed for it'* application. That said, it is not ideal. I'm sure that if production costs weren't a factor, GM would have done better. Smoother air passages, less restriction, more filter area.

But even if an aftermarket CAI or FWI didn't make things noticeably better, I don't understand how they could make things worse (assuming that it is well designed)...?

me neither :? unless it was improperly installed, or it was a poor design..

what kind of filter was used?

The stock intake is not tweeked for performance. The stock intake is designed to reduce intake noise.

If you have a loss of power with a CAI it is most likely not properly shielded from engine bay heat.

Right. That'* what I was trying to say last night in my groggy state.

The stock intake is "tuned" for low cost, low noise, and quick easy assembly on the line. Not tuned for performance.

True but an intake thats over sized will cost low end torque due to reduced velocity causing the motor to work harder to take in a less dense air charge.

Most motors ar restreicted at the upper RPM range because it'* imposible to have a single design excel at both low and high revs. Given the obvious choice the OE'* go for the driveability of lower end torque.

I think if we generalize things a little... this may help.
(Just trying to sum up what was said here)

Stock intakes have a large box with a rectangular filter. Why? To make a large V6 or any engine quieter.

Why do people gut the airbox? to increase flow.

If increasing flow isn't enough for some people, then they go for an increased air density.
The CAI setups if they are trully a "cold air" setup, increase air density. Air density is greater at lower temperatures.

No matter how large the intake is, it will never flow any better than it'* slowest part. (In this case, no matter how large the intake is, it will never flow any more than what the throttle body can flow)