CAI for Dummies...

[LukeD]

Hi,

I am a dummy.:wave:

Anyway I want to install a CAI for my 99 GAGT. I know there are a few different options for my GA, but as I was looking over the CAI FAQ, it seems there is a lot that the different threads assume you know already. Which I don't. So I wanted to know, what are all the different options for the GA as regards CAI? What are the websites that sell these? I know of DoctorSpeed and APoC but have recently (while looking at the FAQ) heard of FDP and I am sure there are probably others.

So could somebody list the different options and the differences? I have heard good things about DrSpeed and the polished look is great (is there any advantage to polishing inside?) but I kind of want to be informed of all my options.

The only thing I am wary about is that I hear some talk about moving the battery. Also I hear you have to remove headlights and tires to clean the filter. If this is true how often would I have to do this? Do I only have to do this on certain CAI systems? I live in sunny California too so I dont have to worry much about floods and snow.

Any info you guys could give would be great thanks. Also if it's not too much trouble and someone has scans of the instructions to install the DrSpeed CAI that would help me see what I'd be getting into. Eventually I want to get the TOG headers and the SLP Cat-Back Exhaust, but right now all I can afford is CAI.

Thanks in advance,
Luke

[SikMindz]

www.americanperformanceofcolorado.com
www.doctorspeed.com
www.fdpperformance.com (I think)

For any of the CAI's removing the headlight and wheelwells are the easiest (and quite possibly the only) way to clean the CAI. You should do this for ANY of the CAIs. I cleaned mine and I live in CA as well.

The only other choice is to custom fabricate one from a 92+ Civic Ram Air Intake from any local autoshop. It's cheaper but does involve some cutting of metal. You do NOT have to move the battery for ANY of the CAIs.

Installing the APoC, FDP or Dr. Speed CAIs should be very simple as IIRC they should all fit w/o any cutting.

Regardless, use the big green SEARCH button at the top right of the page. Type in "CAI" and there should be more than enough threads about intakes.

[jadog1230]

hey don't forget http://www.geocities.com/nbodyintakes/ this guy has the cheapest prices that i've seen for our intakes. i purchased one from him and it worked out great. top quality.easy to install and it was at my doorstep within a week of ordering it.

[SwtGrndAmGT01]

Either one of those companies for a CAI intake will just work fine. They are pretty easy to install and after your orderd if and need help im sure you can find a thread or one of use to help u thru it or even maybe a friend of urs in area can help too.. Good luck!

[killerhound]

OKay, I don't know if I'm going to sound stupid, but I probably will...here goes anyways...does the filter attach to the end of CAI pipes or what? Sorry, I know it sounds dumb, but I really know nothing about them...a buddy of mine was going to help me make one, but I wasn't sure where the filter goes at...thanks

[SwtGrndAmGT01]

The piping comes off ur throttle body to your MAF then from that down into the fenderwell thats where ur filter goes.

[killerhound]

I guess my next question is does the filter go beside the battery, or what..I guess all I'm asking is where does the filter lie, or connect to?
EDIT: What size filters do u guys use?

[SwtGrndAmGT01]

check out about few of the site above for pictures and installs, they should help you out. The piping that comes down off the MAF down thru the fenderwall behind the battery next to the windsheild fluid holder. You have to take your tire off and fenderwall to have access to it. The the filter will connec the end up the tube where it comes down in thru the fender.

[iceman]

who wants to help

http://iceman.draepi.org/deadhorse.gif

[killerhound]

So correct me if I'm an idiot again, but the filter is in the fenderwell itself, outside of the engine bay?

[InspectorGAGT]

Yes, the filter is moved down into the fenderwell.

[killerhound]

Alright...so the piping goes trough the little drainage hole, into the fenderwell, and then the filter connects...didn't know where the filter went, that's all...so what about rainwater and all that stuff...thanks.

[GTManiac]

Here's a how-to on installing the CAI, it shows where everything goes and what needs to be moved and whatnot. VERY PICTURE DETAILED (NOT dial-up friendly)

http://evicerator.com/cars/grandam/cai.html

The filter sits in the fender just in front of the wheel well. In order to clean it you hve to undo the lining with the wheel turned to the furthest directional position (left or right). Squeeze yer hands in and undo the filter and remove and clean. Simple as that. Also I would recommend the APOC CAI or the Dr. Speed CAI (as they're BOTH the same) DS is faster on shipping and supplying. APOC has a 5 month back order last I heard.

[johnh]

pretty cool site...I like the pictures...I am still undecided between WAI and CAI...mostly from a dirt, water, salt perspective (michigan). I have the K&N Drop in and it was pretty dirty (dust, bugs, bits of leaves) after only about 6K miles...

It seems some people are concerned about that..some aren't...Anyone have any pics of the filter inside the fenderwell? How protected is it from rain/snow/salt/slush etc? Would a filter shield help? I want to do a CAI...but I don't want complications from contaminants(esp salt/slush/salt water) getting into my engine, esp since its still under warranty and has to be my daily driver...

[RAZE]

The filter shield is almost worthless as the fenderwall already acts as a shield to water, dirt and other particles. The filter is not in a position where these things have easy access. I've driven through severe rainstorms and blizzards and throughout the worst roads of NYC and I've never had a problem with anything reaching or damaging the filter of my CAI.

[InspectorGAGT]

You'd be hard-pressed to find ANYONE on these boards who's had water problems due to their CAI...

Guys, seriously, read the CAI FAQ, you'll see the answers to these questions and many more like 3 or 4 times.

[RAZE]

One more thing... If you take your car to a shop to have a CAI installed, DO NOT let them talk you into buying a shield. The place that did mine tried to make an extra $50 off of me, but I insisted it was not necessary and walked out.

[IrateSpeed6]

Originally posted by iceman
who wants to help

http://iceman.draepi.org/deadhorse.gif Good stuff seth. Alright guys... good stuff in this thread, so I'll add it to the CAI FAQ, but its done for now. The rest can be found in searches. :)