I want to get a CAI for my 02 SSEI. I was looking at the Intense website, I think I might go with them. On their website they also list a 85mm MAF sensor, I dont really wanna do much to the motor but i would like to get more air in and out faster. Will their MAF work out of the box with the stock PCM. Also what kind of exhaust systems are out there(headers and cat-back) for this car? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

if you have no mods at this point, i dont think this is something you will be needing

Why not?

why spend money when its not needed

you can get headers for your SSEi, you dont need to touch the exhaust (minus the Manifolds and the Cat) unless your running low 13'*

If you want more air, get a smaller SC pulley. You have a long way to go before that 85mm MAF will do you any real good. Besides, you need a tuner to use that. There are some hidden costs.

You can't outflow the one you have now. Why don't you let us know what your current budget and goals are, and we'll help you out based on our experience.

I wanna get the most out of the motor with out tearing into it. Most of the cars I've had have been little 4cyl. imports, thats why I asked about the MAF, intake and exhaust, That was always my first step when I would tune them up.

your going to have to keep in mind that building a 3800 is going to be alot different than building an H22 or 2JZGTE

start with a intake, thermostat and a 3.5" pulley...

after that youll want to think rockers; PCM; PEMs/Headers

basically, for intake and exhaust, the only restriction until you hit 13s will be the exhaust manifolds/cat and for the intake, the stock airbox is your only real resriction

So go with the CAI from Intense, and what about the T-stat? What am I looking for? The smaller the pulley the more boost, so why not the 3.0"? The reason Im looking for this is because I put 20" rims and I have noticed the difference between the stock rims and new one'*. Also If I were to get the headers it would fix the restrictions with the exhaust? Im also looking for great sound out of the exhaust

In order to run smaller pulleys, you need to do other upgrades to accommodate the boost. you will also have to regularly scan for Knock Retard.

a 3.5 pulley should definitely run with zero KR with the thermostat and CAI, and possibly a 3.4 would net the same results.

Anything smaller than a 3.4' WILL require more intensive modifications in order for the engine to be able to handle the extra boost and not start to knock, therefore reducing timing, and possibly causing permanent damage to the valves and or pistons

Ok I see. What about the T-stat? Whats its purpose?