2003 GTI VR6 24V Air intake Good, Bad, Ugly?

[6spdvw]

I have been looking into getting a short ram air intake for my 2003 GTI VR6. I DO NOT want a cold air intake, just a short ram. I am most interested in either a AEM short ram intake or a Neuspeed P-Flo intake. The problem is I have heard both positive and negative things about installing an intake on the VW. I have heard there have been problems with the MAF sensor screwing up and the check engine light coming on until the factory intake was reinstalled?!

I have installed these short ram intakes (AEM) on both Hondas and Mitsubishis but never on a VW.

I would appreciate any feedback on the ease or difficulty of installation and if it is even worth the effort?

Also, I would like to know if the intake has a large effect on the VR6's initial torque off the line. I know I will push more HP to the wheels at mid to higher revs, but I don't want to lose the initial VVVRRRROOOM either .

Right now I have just replaced the stock air filter with a K&N.

Thanks

[tylerrules84]

Its not worth it unless you're making other modifications. Any supposed extra power you think you feel, is in your head.

[GTI20thAEinDE]

Here's the deal. The K + N will perform just as well or possibly better than the intake. You will not see too much more flow from a ram intake and I've heard nothing but bad things about the p-flo. Intakes are only possible better by 1-2 whp than the K+N.

The deal with the MAF sensor is that oil from the intake filter will get on the sensor and ruin it. There are two ways to prevent this.

1) Don't over oil the cone filter, only use a lot coat because more than that will get in your intake tube and ruin the sensor. If it comes soaked in oil, let it dry, and recoat. (Same goes for K+N, it has just as good fo chance at ruining the MAF)

2) Clean your MAF at every tune up. You can do this with rubbing alcohol and a swab.

[=loki=]

I have a Nuespeed Short Ram on my 97/95 VR6/GTI. It can actually add up to 5hp, but will make an even bigger difference with a bigger exhaust at the same time. It will also make your engine sound throatier, which I like. I had problems with my check engine light coming on, but only when it was very humid outside (rain). I replaced the cracked coil unit (distributer) and the check engine light has not come on since. The stock VW air intakes greatly restrict flow.

[Gti_vr6_racer]

Get a eurosport cold air intake, I have it and the diffrence is amazing install time was like 30 minutes due to having to take the entire battery out and reinstall it but the book time was 3 hours so if i was being paid flat rate i would have made some cash. Plus the eurosport cai is the only intake for the vr6 to be dynotested in a tuner magazine and they recorded 7-12 hp gain i belive I havent seen the article in awhile so if im wrong im srry. Not to mention you can buy it off ebay for like 100 dollars!