I'm looking to make a custom CAI for my 1998 SSEi, but I am unsure whether to use the premade rice pipe from AutoZone and use a K&N filter...etc, or to use PVC tubing or any other type of material? I've read the posts on CAI'* but I didn't find any debating what to use for the pipe, any suggestions on what the best is?

I used to have an insulated PVC intake, then I went to the rice pipe and insulated it and it virtually eliminated my heatsoak problem.

PVC? Bad news. Scratch that idea right way. It heat soaks too quickly and won't allow for engine flex.

Pick either a CAI or FWI setup, and once you give the direction, we'll get you going.

I would be looking towards a CAI in the engine bay.

here is a little idea what you have to do





View from inside the box


New pipe wrapped in Reflectx


Pipe and heatshield Wrapped in insulation






Installed on the car







note this is sealed off from ALL engine bay heat and its protected from the heatsoak

very nicely done, I'll bet you get +- 3* of ambient temp.
I'm just not so keen on the bulky look of insulation but I suppose to get the performance there is no way around it.

yes the shiny pipe is really nice...but i wanted the best intake out there

right, I think as long as I dress up the insulation with some sort of uniform cover it will still look nice, but as you, I am also looking for good performance, and from what other people have said about this mod, as long as you do it right you will notice a decent "seat of the pants" improvement

did this with the TC on, after i revised my previous seutup

You could always wrap your pipe, then slide a larger pipe over it all.