Would You Buy A Cai For $100?

jaslo · November 19, 2009

I have found a K&N CAI intake on the internet for $100. Even though the CAI actually brings in more warm air than cold, would anybody actually buy this for $100. I was actually only going to try to replace the tube sometime or not even do anything at all, because the factory is probably good enough. The only mods I have done to mu truck is replace the muffler and I will get a tune in a couple of months. Let me hear what you guys think.

csheatz · November 19, 2009

personaly I would not. I have heard a lot of rumors about K&N filters causing major engine problems. Like I said rumors! I would really like to get a airaid intake tube but I cant see spending a $100 on that when the only thing I might get out of it would be a cleaner underhood look.

davzog · November 19, 2009

Having bought several big name CAI systems over the years, I sugest that they all are about the same.....

So, this time I bought a $70 system from ebay, and was super surprised with the quality of the tube and connectors....the filter seemed really cheap, so I pitched it and put on an K&N filter for $45....so for $135, I have a new "almost" K&N Cai and it works as well as anything else, and looks great with the chrome tube....ha

REV353 · November 19, 2009

I put a CAI on my GMC and ran it for a year. I read some stuff on how bad the aftermarket CAI is for catching dirt, so I put my stock system back on, and it has a Amsoil stock replacement filter. I did not notice any type of loss, in power of mpg. Unless you have some engine mods I think it's a waste of time or money.

jaslo · November 19, 2009

This is actually a used K&N, but it looks brand new and was used for a couple of months.

crepitus · November 19, 2009

hasd one on my 00 ZR2 S10 and I think it ruined the MAF sensor. paid 600 at 2 dealerships and know one could figure out what was wrong with the truck. it wasnt throwing any codes. they just swapped the MAF and the truck ran like new again. From then on I just stuck with the stock airfilters.

cerbomark · November 19, 2009

I ve had K&N s and other various intakes on many of my trucks and believe that the stock systems can move enough air for the engine unless you have a very modified engine. Just my 2 cents.

ShAkEsVHO · November 20, 2009

^^^^ give that man a cigar, good answer imo

Spurshot · November 20, 2009

I wouldn't put a aftermarket CAI on either of my trucks if it was free.

Dirty Chris · November 20, 2009

Flame suit on!

Sounds like a great deal to me. If you are considering a CAI, I doubt you'll find a better deal on a name brand system.

Any oiled filter is what you make of it. You WON'T get any huge gains (if any) from the intake kit. You WILL get a reusable filter and a cleaner engine bay. At $100, it won't take horribly long to recoup you're investment.

Personally, I'd buy the kit based on the improved engine bay looks alone, with the added benefit of not having to buy anymore paper filters. Additionally, if you're getting a custom tune, you might see more benefit than someone running a stock tune.

Concern one, as everyone else has pointed out, is over-oiling the K&N. They need only enough oil to "pink" the media and shouldn't be soggy or damp. The guys with the MAF issues most likely had excessive oil on their filters.

If you are concerned, MAF cleaning spray is fairly cheap and should be used REGARDLESS of what type of filter you have, simply as "routine" maintenance.

I have never had an issue with an oiled filter, but I'm also very carfeul not to over-do the oil. In the end, I wouldn't be scared of the intake/filter; be scared of the results of improper use/maintenance.

ETA: If you decide against the CAI, please let me know where it is and I'll pick it up.

amtz.zero · November 20, 2009

I've kinda been thinking about getting one for a while too but after reading comments on this site I'm kind of wondering if it would even be worth it.

Stevens03 · November 20, 2009

I've had them on every truck I've owned and believe they work. The problem is people tend to over oil after cleaning them and the oil gets on the MAF sensors and screws them up. I'd bet above if crepitus just cleaned your MAF sensor, things would have went back to normal.

jbt56 · November 20, 2009

How much power is gained through a cold-air intake depends on several factors. One, you want actual cold air, not engine compartment air. My '97 has a "cold air" intake on it, with the conical filter simply hanging near the right side fenderwell. Almost useless. Two, it depends on how silenced, or baffled, the stock airbox is. Many modern vehicles have ridiculous silencing baffles built into the airbox to satisfy federal law requiring new vehicles to emit a maximum of 80db- including intake noise, mechanical noise (can you say timing belt?) and exhaust noise. These airboxes can be surprisingly restrictive, although adequate (barely) for the engine. Like any other component on any vehicle, the airbox is a compromise, and if you're willing to adjust that compromise (more noise = more airflow), you can gain performance.

Remember, too, the point of a cold air intake is not 'more' air, but colder air, which is more dense, so you get a more efficient burn.

jaslo · November 20, 2009

I have had them on the previous trucks I have owned. They do make more noise, didn't really see a great increase in gas mileage, but it felt like it had more pull. (could have been in my head though). So if I don't get that, I might get a airaid mit tube, and keep the stock air box.

csheatz · November 20, 2009

How much power is gained through a cold-air intake depends on several factors. One, you want actual cold air, not engine compartment air. My '97 has a "cold air" intake on it, with the conical filter simply hanging near the right side fenderwell. Almost useless. Two, it depends on how silenced, or baffled, the stock airbox is. Many modern vehicles have ridiculous silencing baffles built into the airbox to satisfy federal law requiring new vehicles to emit a maximum of 80db- including intake noise, mechanical noise (can you say timing belt?) and exhaust noise. These airboxes can be surprisingly restrictive, although adequate (barely) for the engine. Like any other component on any vehicle, the airbox is a compromise, and if you're willing to adjust that compromise (more noise = more airflow), you can gain performance.
Remember, too, the point of a cold air intake is not 'more' air, but colder air, which is more dense, so you get a more efficient burn.

Very well said. This is the reason I would consider a airaid intake tube at the most. I will not use a oiled filter, and in order to get a true CAI you would have to redo the air intake system as a whole to be able to get freash cold air from somewhere other then the engine bay. a good example of a true cold air system would be a pontiac ram air setup from a grand am or a trans am. these pulled air right at the nose of the car, not from under the hood.