CAI's
Posted: Fri Nov 19, 2004 4:55 pm
Why is it that the first thing that everyone seems to do as far as modding their car is installing a CAI?
I swear, for the most part, CAI's are one of the stupidest wastes of money for most vehicles, especially for the Fiero. Not only they are a waste of money, they let alot of extra dangerous crap flow into your engine.
Ok, a CAI in theory is supposed to bring in colder air, more of it, and supply more power. Let me explain why this does not work in a Fiero. #1, that little outlet in side of the car already takes the coldest air possible. So that kills the colder part of the equation. #2 The bottleneck that is in the neck of the intake is so restrictive, that unless you are using boost, there is no way you will be able to force more air out of it.
The one restricitve part on the Fiero that I do recommend getting rid of is that stupid water seperator, that actually is a restriction. Replacing that, tossing in a K&N and maybe adding a holley-style scoop will get you as much flow as a CAI, at it will be better in preventing unwanted particles.
Now in some cases a CAI is not a bad idea. Like if you're building a balls-to-the wall performance car, then yeah, go for it. Or if you're driving something like a Celica GTS which has the worlds worst airbox, then yeah, you will actually get a decent amount of power increase.
I swear, for the most part, CAI's are one of the stupidest wastes of money for most vehicles, especially for the Fiero. Not only they are a waste of money, they let alot of extra dangerous crap flow into your engine.
Ok, a CAI in theory is supposed to bring in colder air, more of it, and supply more power. Let me explain why this does not work in a Fiero. #1, that little outlet in side of the car already takes the coldest air possible. So that kills the colder part of the equation. #2 The bottleneck that is in the neck of the intake is so restrictive, that unless you are using boost, there is no way you will be able to force more air out of it.
The one restricitve part on the Fiero that I do recommend getting rid of is that stupid water seperator, that actually is a restriction. Replacing that, tossing in a K&N and maybe adding a holley-style scoop will get you as much flow as a CAI, at it will be better in preventing unwanted particles.
Now in some cases a CAI is not a bad idea. Like if you're building a balls-to-the wall performance car, then yeah, go for it. Or if you're driving something like a Celica GTS which has the worlds worst airbox, then yeah, you will actually get a decent amount of power increase.