Those are pretty good numbers!
Strange comment from your engineer though, normally the longer the intake tube the more torque, and a air filter placed directly on the throttle body will give you more hp (as long as the engine is cold). At least that's what I read everywhere on the net, and I've read a bunch of intake "info" believe me
Ah well, if the CAI gives you a decent gain on the whole powerband, who cares for a little flat spot right?