ello! names Ozzie, i got a 2003 Lancer ES. i'm gonna start putting money aside cuz i'm thinking about an SRI or a custom CAI for my lancer....
OK, right off the bat, this isn't about, "i want more horse power and i don't know which is better"
my question, and i've searched for the past four days about SRI and CAI in this lovely community. there was only one thread where someone mentioned something about "RPM climbing too fast" with SRI. So i was wondering, to those who have both SRI and CAI, how is highway driving different? i mean if i drive on highway a lot will it be better to have a CAI or a SRI with the higher gears going. For the record i don't really do a lot of highway driving, so i guess my concern is with the lower end gears right? what do you guys think?

thanks,
-+> Ozzie

 

have done both in my 5speed
sri: definately feels a little faster on the lower end...but is a lot louder...
cai: a little slower from the get go...but my car has a good first gear anyways so i really didnt care...but not as loud...\

didnt notice any difference in highway speeds tho

 

I notice no difference on the highway. I've had both SRI and CAI.

 

SRI is the way to go. highway speed is nothing significant with a CAI. Plus install time is cut in half.

 

low end = intake, high end = exhaust. get booth

 

Thanks everyone, just wanted to know if there would be any harm if i go on a road trip or what not and being out there for hours driving...it would be bad ya know

any who, i'm probably going to lean to an SRI cuz i don't have the time or know anyone round here who could custom make one heh, anywho thanks again you to everyone! if there's anymore input please let me know

 

SRI = cost a lot cheaper.
CAI, execpt DIY = cost a lot

 

Theoretically, the CAI should be better for highway as far as gas mileage. The SRI seems to be more geared towards acceleration from a start, while the CAI should help the engine breathe better at cruising and hig speeds. But as said above, the difference is minimal. Maybe 1-2 hp and 1-2 mpg.

 

yeah, i got an extra $100 for Xmas so i'll be stashing that away in the "SRI FUND"

thanks again for all the imput everyone i'll be ording an SRI in a matter of weeks..damn bi-weekly pay! hahahahaha

 

Oh Snaps...make sure to check out http://www.midwestlancers.com, join the MLC
Also, u should save and save and save for TURBO. forget those bolt ons right now. I swear...don't spend so much on "look good" stuff, concentrate on performance...IMHO.

I was on the highway this weekend, and with a CAI, it don't kick in and howl till after 3000 RPM. On fifth gear going around 70-80 ur cars RPM will be steady on 3000 + RPM. So ur car will feel a lot faster cruising keeping up with the traffic and it'll be howling loud. Given I got a CAI+test pipe+GReddy Catback Exhaust. But the sound is amazing coming from the front, wowza.