I'm stuck installing my CAI - help please!

:confused: :screwy: I thought I could locate some kind of instructions or some kind of help on the HMA website instead of bugging everyone here all of the time.... :lol: but, isn't there some sort of diagram or something that shows you how to remove the air filter so I can install my CAI? I have instructions on how to install the CAI, but it doesn't tell me EXACTLY how to remove the original air filter - it just says "remove air filter." :eek7: Also, it says somthing about some kind of IAT or some kind of sensor that needs to be unplugged from the original filter box and then plugged back into the CAI. I have an extra hole on the CAI with a rubber fitting surrounding the hole....umm....is that where I'm supposed to plug the sensor back into? I'm really lost here....could I get some help or could someone email me with detailed step by step directions please? [email protected]

Thank you! :iceslolan I know....I'm a :screwy: b/c I don't know anything much about mods, but hey...we all learn sometime, right? :grinyes:

just unscrew everything from the throddle body back, take it all out. you dont need it. leave the air filter alone. the extra hole is probaby just a vacume hose, or breater hose. if you stock airbox (air filter assembly) has a small hose connected to it, just plug it into the nipple on the cia. the only thing you need to "plug in" is your obdII MAF sensor. thats near the throddle body.

scottsee> I appreciate your help, but just what the heck is a "throddle body" as you put it? :confused: I'm a dumb@$$, I know. :lol: What is this MAF sensor? Is that the thing that I'm unplugging from the original air filter box?

ok.

have you gotten out the stock airbox yet? first do that. http://hmaservice.com/xml/graphics/V5/V5EM509A.gif

undo those clips all around the box, and then pull out the air filter. you will see bolts underneath that. undo those. then unscrew the clamps that hold the pipes together. its pretty easy. just start doing it and anything that stays on, look for other bolts.

there is a sensor that is right here:

http://hmaservice.com/xml/graphics/M5/M5CL004F.jpg

you will need that. it pulls right out. plug that into the fitting on the cai after you get the cai bolted down. if it doesnt fit right, you may want to use the grommet thats in the stock airbox.

use the clamps that are on the car to get the CAI back on there, and if there is a bracket sticking out of the CAI, use the bolts that held the stock airbox on to bolt it back down to one of the holes.

Thank you Tiby01 - you're my savior for HMA, and for the walkthrough's that I asked for. :worshippy

Just thought I'd follow up on my installation - I'm done and it looks pretty good for my 1st time installation of a CAI. I have a picture of what it is supposed to look like in a Tiburon - so it pretty much matches. The only thing I'm not sure of....does the filter have a cover? Or how often should I change the filter? Speaking of the filter...it sure is HUGE! :eek: Anyway....another question for you tiby01 would be...my Tib seems to have a bit of a growl to it now :evillol: :naughty: Is that a good thing? Does your Tib have a bit of a growl to it now...or is it just me? :p I can post a picture when I check back online Saturday if anyone would like to see my installation?

growl= good

Lol. i love newbes.

:lol: :rofl: Sweeeeet! :evillol:

Put in a K&N filter, clean it every 50k mi. You can get a splash guard on ebay for 11 or 12 bucks.

Rickna> I can't come up with any kind of auctions on eBay for splash guards....can you find one for me? :confused:

Rickna> I can't come up with any kind of auctions on eBay for splash guards....can you find one for me? :confused:Here ya go...Heat Sheild (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7940440921&category=38634) (Learn to search!) This is what it should look like.

http://rickna.com:81/images/auto/heat_shield.jpg

Thanks Rickna - I just purchased it on eBay...however...I do know how to search. I just typed in "splash guard" as you put it....and nothing came up. You never once mentioned the word "heat shield" :screwy:

Thanks again for your help - I do appreciate it :biggrin:

its been a long time sence i've had to worry about cai's. i didnt even know they made splash gaurds. that was a good idea.

i think its a dumb idea.

the only time you will ever see a problem with a CAI is if you drive through huge puddles and SUBMERGE the filter. other than that, a little water for the engine is not a bad thing, it will cool the intake air, and as long as it doesnt occupy more volume than the amount of room in the cylinder with the piston at TDC, nothing bad will happen, except a missed spark.

that thing is just restricting airflow.

I really don't use it as a "splash guard", that was the wrong term. It acts as a heat sheild. If you notice, it's facing the engine. I am also running an Alpine Stage 1 S/C, so I'm not concerned that this will restrict my air flow.

eh, ok. but really, if the filter is in a spot where a CAI filter should be, you shouldnt have to worry at all about heat. i would think that if anything, that peice of metal could be absorbing heat, and making your IAT higher cause of how close it sits to the filter. have you ever touched it after driving around aggesively for 15 minutes or so? if its warm, def. take it off.

The idea is not to absorb the heat but rather reflect it. The ambient engine bay temp is around 180deg F. In that cavity where the CAI filter is located it's around 140 deg F. If you care to look at it in that way, then this piece is functional.

yes, i know that. im saying that if it cant dispel the heat as fast as it can absorb it, then its hindering your performance. if its serving your purpose, then the outside of it should be warm, and the inside should be cool after 15 min. or so of hard driving.

Hmmm.... :uhoh: I really don't feel like taking off my CAI or reaching down inside the darn engine again anyways just to install that splash guard. But we'll see when it gets here I guess. I'm good at changing my mind a lot of times :icon16: