Different Intake Systems..

[96CivicEX06]

I'm just doing a little research because I'm going to put in a CAI in my 96 civ (stock engine) since it's "supposed" to increase gas mileage as well as give the grocery-getter a little more juice. On eBay! there are a lot of different models that have different air filter heads, different pipes, and some have a difference in the number of pipes the kit comes with. There are three things I want to know; 1) is there any real advantage towards getting one system versus another? 2) will it actually raise my gas mileage or is it just a gimmick? my friend put something similar on his GTP but only noticed a negligible difference and 3) can someone spot me a tutorial on how to install a CAI or do you think it will/should come with the kit?

[bluevp00]

1. The most important factor on CAI performance is the quality of the filter. The piping can be any brand, but make sure the filter is either K&N or AEM. These will let the most air through.

On a second note, don't buy a Short Ram Intake. Technically speaking they are "hot" air intakes because they suck air closer to the engine bay. A true "cold" air intake sucks air from underneath the engine, closer to the wheels.

2. I have a K&N panel filter on my car (direct replacement filter) and I havent really noticed a increase in gas mileage, however I havent noticed a drop in MPG either. A CAI lets a bit more air to the engine, so it might increase it by 1 or 2 MPG.

3. Most CAI kits come with instructions, but here's a good website with a lot of pictures to help you out: http://www.teamdelsol.com/technical/...ke/default.asp
It's specifically on how to make an intake from scratch, but you can get the main idea of assembling, disassembling your intake from it.

[Igovert500]

Yeah, it is a common misconception that an intake increases gas mileage. It does not. Basically speaking, you can either get good gas mileage or more power, they do not go hand in hand, (unless you are tuning the car and leaning it out a bit). It really wont hurt you much either, unless you start driving more aggressively.

My opinion, and everybody has one on this topic, is that an intake is an intake. One isn't any better than another. Except on the quality of the filter as mentioned above. K&N is one of the better ones as far as filtration is concerned. However, don't be fooled by manufacturer exaggerated hp claims or 'new' technology. A different pipe or route of piping, isn't going to give you 10-20hp. You are looking at 1-3. If anybody claims they got more on a pretty much stock car, then their old filter was clogged significantly and suffocating their engine.

That being said, I see no reason ever to spend $2-300 for an intake just becuase it comes with some name brand stickers. If you shop around you can find a decent K&N filter for $50 or $60, and an adapter for a few more bucks. CAI or Short ram doesn't much matter in my opinion either. While the short ram is in the engine bay, when your car is moving, air is being circulated under your hood as well, so it isn't just sucking up hot air, as many claim. Again, this is just my opinion, but I speak from plenty of my own experience and research.