Just got up this morning and had scheduled to install my CAI from Steeda, unpacked everything and proceeded with installation instructions. WTF, here is the first note i read:

**** note****
This kit is only to used on cars that have been tuned. Using this kit without a tune can cause SERIOUS damage to your engine. Steeda will not be held liable for use without a tune.

Thing is i have the Steeda tune ready at the dealership and wanted to drive there with CAI already pre-installed so all they would have to do is just download it into the car's ECU.
So what's up with someone that just want to have a CAI alone ! Has anyone just installed the CAI alone ?
Sucks let me tell ya', i don't have much time on my hands to go to the delaership and wait all the time on things to be done.

 

Steeda has never made a secret that it's new 5.0 CAI required a tune to operate properly.

I would have suggested to you before purchase that you should buy the CAI/tuner combo from them.

There are lots of advantages to having your own hand-held tuner over and above just being able to download the tune.

 

I have the tune and programmer ready, it's at the dealership. I knew about the CAI working best with a tune, but i was under the impression that the air-fuel ratio would be compensated-adjusted by the ECU. So it's either i get everything installed at the dealership or simply get the programmer and tune and install it myself.

 

so can you get your tuner from the dealership and install & reflash at home?

 

any CAI worth getting have needed a tunes since 2005.

 

That't sprobably what i'll end up doing.

 

just install it at the dealer. it should only take like 20 mins in the parking lots with screwdriver

 

That part i knew like i've been stating since the beginning, i was just under the impression that one could do without a tune and just get a CAI. My point was just to drive the car a few miles to the dealership and have the tune installed there. I guess not.

 

+1
I don't see why you're so shocked.


website description reads:

 

yeah I went though the same thing with my 2009. I guess it will put the motor into safe mode and not move.

 

How does your dealer have the tune?

 

Read post above, not SHOCKED at all.

 

No question, that's the best thing to do anyway.

It's super easy to do, plug in, push a button, turn the key on, push a couple more buttons and wait a minute and you're done.

 

ok well, reading the original post and the title I gathered you were surprised that you can't install the CAI by itself. I used 'shocked' due to the use of "WTF!!!"

For going from an 85mm factory MAF sensor to a 95mm unit, not to mention the increased surface space of the filter element itself- you're going to always need a tune.

If you didn't you'll run way too lean.

 

You could probably put it on and drive it slowly to the dealer so long as you kept the engine loads very low.

Possibility it would throw a code though.

 

Once done though you will love it, that intake is sweet and with the tune OUTSTANDING- this is coming from a guy with 3.31 gears too.

 

I shouldnt've put "WTF" in my thread , that's my bad, but yes you're right, i taught i could've just driven down to the dealership with just the CAI installed. To be on the safe side, i'll will not drive the car.
Does it show that i used to adjust a double pumper Holley 750CFM on my 351W, and not have to worry about all this computer programming stuff. Just sayin' !

Will post a report and pics when all is done.

 

Looking forward to it!

 

OMG. Put the silly thing on, drive it like a normal person to the dealership, let them put the tune in and whatever else they are going to do, and call it a day.

There is NO WAY the CAI is going to cause any damage without a tune so long as you don't ceaselessly beat on the car. In fact, I doubt it would lean it out enough to do any damage regardless, but I digress.

Put it on tonite, go to the dealership tomorrow. Easy.

 

These were my taughts before i read that warning on that Steeda installation flyer.