I have an FWI and have run it every day for over a year and in two winters with no problems so it is definately a viable alternative. Just thought I would point that out

But from a dirt and filth standpoint, which is more exposed? A CAI or FWI?

Which is more likely to be the victim of dousing?

Coming from an extremely wet and snow enviroment, and Todd can sympathize, I would say a CAI would be worse off than a FWI. Now we have had rain nonstop for a couple days here in michigan, and when I took off my fenderwell plastic to look inside when I was installing, it was DRY. Dry to the touch, not just spotty. You would get dirt and dust in the engine bay more than you would the FWI . Takes more to get into the fenderwell area of the car than the engine bay. There wouldnt be a problem of dousing unless you were trying to ford a stream or river.
Edit: My FW molding is cracked and has a hole in it, and was still dry.

00+ have the FWI placed in a much different spot than the 92-99 with the 00+ being sheilded from dirt and water more than the 92-99

My apologies for not specifying, but Pat nailed it. From 87-99, a FWI is not an all-weather alternative. Maybe the 2k+, but not earlier.

Quite possible I would guess. The 00 is very well protected from an FWI point of view.

ok heres some more info. I live in the country on gravel. Theres lots of snow, ice, and wet roads. so I need something that wont be affected too much by the elements. Thats why I thought that the CAI would be a better option, but after hearing that the FWI is protected more on the 00+, its definitely an option also. I am still leaning towards the CAI though.

I'm now looking into this as well. It'* been a few months since the last post. But I want to see the FWI and the Thrasher CAI in someones vehicle (00+). I'm interested in looks as well as functionality. What about the PCM relocation is it protected from the elements as well. I too am leaning towards the thrasher unit.

IO, please don't dig up threads that are over 3 months old without a reply. thanks!