It took a little more than an hour. if I were to do it again it would probably take 40min.

I notice a little more pep and throttle response with this mod, but the real payoff is the sound. It sounds quite a bit meatier with the CAI.

Here's a photo of the finished installation.


A few notes regarding the installation if you're going to do this.

The instructions tell you to clamp the hump hose to the intake hose and then connect it to the throttle body. Save yourself some frustration and clamp the hump hose to the throttle body and then connect the intake hose. It's much easier to pull the hump hose over the intake hose than it is the throttle body, so get that connection done first.

Also, plug the radiator fan inlet channel in the air box with a lint-free cloth or something. I dropped one of the allen bolts into that and had to take my wife's car to Auto Zone for a magnet stick to retrieve it before finishing the install.

 

Quick question, I also have a SF3/X3 tuner. Is it safe to run the 87 octane program with this mod or should I continue to run stock until I get a custom tune for the CAI?

 

It's a no tune required CAI.

I don't think Bama adjusts anything for it in their tunes.

 

With no tune needed, does it make an significant HP gains?

 

How much is significant to you?

Probably 10-12 HP and about that much torque, and it puts it where you need it in the mid range.

 

I would consider 10-12HP just over the "significant" line.

 

The HP gain is noticeable, but not significant, and I would have no idea what number to put on it. I'll update this thread after I replace the stock tune with a new one with any impressions about any additional gains.

 

I appreciate the info and look forward to your update. I'm interested in this for my car.

 

You'll be perfectly fine without a tune since the Airaid uses a stock size MAF housing and doesn't require the MAF to be re-calibrated. However, there's definitely a lot to gain with a Bama tune. We do adjust for each and every mod, even CAI's that don't require tunes. There's still a more efficient margin that can be tuned with the Airaid. You'll see increased hp/tq, mpg, and throttle response!

Let me know if there's any other questions I can answer!

Shane

 

I called the bama tune hotline and they told me that there's no need to send a new file for the CAI. Can I get a definitive answer on this, because if I'm not getting the full benefit from the tune files I have I want an adjusted tune for the CAI.

 

Hi Brian,

I just installed this same CAI and am noticing a squeal when first touching the gas. Does yours make the same sound? I did find a youtube video from Airaid and the car made the exact same noise, so maybe it is normal, but I just want to be safe.

Thanks you any info you can share.

Andrew

 

Normal. Nothing to worry about.

 

Yep, normal. That's the sweet sound of air being sucked into the engine.

 

You don't NEED a tune adjustment for the Airaid. What I think AMShane is saying is that you get even more from a CAI and a tune than you would with just one or the other. I don't think he was considering that you already have a tune.

 

Thanks guys. That makes me feel better, I sure don't want to cause any problems, especially with only 600+ miles on the car.

 

I have the Air Raid and I love it. If you are going to install this by yourself like me. Make life easier by installing the rubber gromet on the throttle body then slide the intake in it and have it face upward. While it is facing up, put the airbox on the tube. DO NOT BOLT IT ON. Then all you need to do is rotate the tube with the airbox at the same time until it positioned where it should be. You will have to put some muscle in it but it can be done. Once positioned you can bolt the tube to the box. So far I like the sound and notice alittle bit more response. Get the BAMA tune with and it will really wake the car up.

 

Any of you folks that installed your CAI on your V6 want to part with the stock intake tube? I'm experimenting with something, and am looking for a used one. Don't need the filter box, just the tube.

PM me if you will part with yours.