What types of differences will I see going from the SRI to the CAI? I assume it will be quieter, that's kind of a given seeing as how it intakes down in the bumper instead of under the hood closer to the cabin. Also how hard are CAI's to install I've heard it can be a PITA. Any HP difference? I've never heard a definite answer on this.

Thanks.

 

While this is a question asked and answered ad nauseum, I've got nothing else to do at work here.. so

A SRI will give you a bit of a lower-end boost and more throttle response as the tubing is shorter, and since it draws warm air in, it's easier to combust. However, you suffer from warmer air which leans out the A/F mixture and you don't get a lot of performance otherwise from it. In fact, from what I've witnessed personally with my RRM SRI, after you've been sitting at a light for a bit in warm climate the engine has little pick-up from a stand still. The ECU doesn't react quick enough to the change. It doesn't pull much differently in the high-end either. I'm actually worried from time to time about how lean the engine runs when it's warm outside and I'm at a long freakin light.

A CAI (or fresh air intake as I've heard it called, which is fairly accurate description as it's only "colder" than the engine bay -- 30C ambient temperature is not cold :P) doesn't give you that low end pick-up because the piping is longer and the air can't fill the vacuum produced by the engine quick enough. Once you get a good flow through it though at moving speed, it picks up in the mid-top end and is still feeding it air cooler than what you'd get from a SRI. Since we produce most of the power in that band, it's the logical choice unless one has a CVT which I hear has no guts whatsoever in the low end.

The HP difference between the two are minimal, but they act in different ranges on the powerband. In warmer climate, a CAI may produce better results than a SRI. Personally, I'm going CAI next Spring.

Haven't installed one, but I've seen loads of pictures and processes. It doesn't look like a PITA -- it looks like a labour of love.

 

Although I can not speak for the SRI from RRM, i used another brand. I just havent had the chance to use it yet. What I can comment on is that the gains of the CAI are substantial. My early fears were that the CAI would rob performance in the low end which can be the effect that CAI have, sometimes resulting in horrable minus hp numbers on some cars. But the intake seems to hold its own.

I must say that I am impressed on a buttdyno level, and look forward to the 4 way dyno shoot out next month.

I firmly believe the two types of intakes should be separated, As and not compared directly. Some seek a quick and dirty solution for performance something that yields power and doesnt hurt the pocket book. At the same time if you have money to burn, the CAI maybe the way to go.

As was laid out early, the SRI are good at overall power band increase. The logic behind a SRI is to overcome the heatsoaking temps. but creating a optimized piping to get air into the engine as efficient as possible. If done correctly the gains can be substancial. If not then you have minimal gains on the dyno and probably no gain when you slam the hood shot and take it on the road. Design is key for a SRI. dont just think that disconnecting some stock tubing will do the job. (poor mans SRI) lol

As for the CAI, it is true that gains at the low end can be minimal over stock, but compounding cool temps, good design and a ram effect and lead to great gains, especially when coupled with a good exhaust system upgrade, the gains can be shocking.

But this is all if everything is done right.

AEM and INJEN have a rivalry that goes back 10,000 years, but RRM doesnt seem to have a rival in the SRI space.

we will see how it all comes out on the DYNO next month

 

If the dyno shows a nice gain of hp from the CAI, ill be buying one...looking forward to the shootout...keep it up soul.

 

I as well. I'm glad that somebody finally stood forward and opted to do the shoot-out, and properly as well, might I add. It's definitely going to determine what I do in the spring.

or earlier if there's some sort of out-of-season sale.

 

out of season sale on car parts?

 

i wasn't serious