Is CAI worth the $200+ ?
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From: Sunshine State
nope.
For the performance aspect, I notice an increase in acceleration both from the stop position, and while rolling. How much and at what speeds I dont know, what I do know is I drove the car for a year before I installed the CAI, I can say with certainty that it is quicker...how much, dont know. I have ordered a scantool with some Dyno capabilities, I can post results after I get them.
MPG:
Before I was averaging anwhere from 300 miles out of tank to 330 miles out of a tank; now it is between 320 and 360 depending on the driving conditions and how often I want to hear the engine (at the very least, those of us with a N/A 3800 will enjoy the deeper, throatier sound the engine produces with the 9" filter). Now that I have the scantool coming I can give you more accurate numbers.
For the performance aspect, I notice an increase in acceleration both from the stop position, and while rolling. How much and at what speeds I dont know, what I do know is I drove the car for a year before I installed the CAI, I can say with certainty that it is quicker...how much, dont know. I have ordered a scantool with some Dyno capabilities, I can post results after I get them.
MPG:
Before I was averaging anwhere from 300 miles out of tank to 330 miles out of a tank; now it is between 320 and 360 depending on the driving conditions and how often I want to hear the engine (at the very least, those of us with a N/A 3800 will enjoy the deeper, throatier sound the engine produces with the 9" filter). Now that I have the scantool coming I can give you more accurate numbers.
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Posts like a 4 Banger
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From: Staten Island New York
CAI
Thanks,These pictures are great, looks like you just need some patience and know how to make a nice install of this CAI 
Does the ECM tray keep the air box up too high to fit the opening for the cold air behind the headlight :?:
Does the ECM tray keep the air box up too high to fit the opening for the cold air behind the headlight :?:
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From: Sunshine State
well, the air came into the stock air box through a hole in the fender wall, so thats where the majority of the air draw is, but since the whole front of the Thrasher box is open its drawing air for that hole, as well as from behind the headlight. The box sits up about half way on the hole in the fender wall because of the PCM tray.
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From: Bloomington-Normal, IL 1997 SE
Originally Posted by mremer
MPG:
Before I was averaging anwhere from 300 miles out of tank to 330 miles out of a tank; now it is between 320 and 360 depending on the driving conditions and how often I want to hear the engine (at the very least, those of us with a N/A 3800 will enjoy the deeper, throatier sound the engine produces with the 9" filter). Now that I have the scantool coming I can give you more accurate numbers.
Before I was averaging anwhere from 300 miles out of tank to 330 miles out of a tank; now it is between 320 and 360 depending on the driving conditions and how often I want to hear the engine (at the very least, those of us with a N/A 3800 will enjoy the deeper, throatier sound the engine produces with the 9" filter). Now that I have the scantool coming I can give you more accurate numbers.
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From: Sunshine State
no, I've heard/read that removing the MAF screen on some vehicles distrupts the air flow enough that the engine does'nt run right, idles funny, that sort of thing. If anyone can back that claim up, or has information to dispute that let me know. HP is HP...
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Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Mississauga, Ontario
I have heard mixed opinions about MAF screen removal. The 3800 likes smooth air flow, and no MAF causes to much turbulance.
I can only speak from past experiences, but in my case the VIN C 3800 in my 89 Bonneville ran crappy without the MAF screen. I'm sure other members have experiences to share
I can only speak from past experiences, but in my case the VIN C 3800 in my 89 Bonneville ran crappy without the MAF screen. I'm sure other members have experiences to share
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With a custom intake (smooth wall) and a cone filter, the MAF screen can be removed with no ill effects. My old modified airbox wouldn't allow it to be removed (rough idle), but with my current setup, no problem.
Read the intake modification article in Techinfo.
Read the intake modification article in Techinfo.