I have been in the market for a CAI for a little while, and have done alot of research on the different brands. I finally chose AEM CAI. The AEM website never mentions that the CAI is only for MT, but the website that I ordered it from did mention that it was for 5-speeds. I assumed that the manfacturer would know more about this subject, so I ordered the CAI anyway. Today i came across this website which is outstanding, i have learned more about the Lancer from two hours on this site, than i have learned in the 5 months i had it. While on here i have read several posts that state the engine layout will not allow a CAI in the AT. I have seen several pics of MT engines, never in person, but they look just like mine. I looked at my engine and i do not see what would get in the way of the CAI. The website has a no return policy, so if i cannot install this i am out that money. Is it possible for me to install this on my vehicle, what exactly are the mods i would have to do, and when it is installed will it work correctly? Thanks for any help you can give me.

2003 Lancer OZ
Automatic Transmission
no engine mods

 

Look at your transmission. The Automatic transmission is bigger and sticks further forward under the battery than the manual does. That is the ONLY real reason u can't fit a CAI in an auto. Only way to fit it is to relocate the battery to the trunk or get a small race battery and bend the CAI's piping to move around the transmission. But that would defeat the purpose of the intake as so many bends will restrict airflow.

 

just relocate the battery to the trunk. theres a how to in these forums, use the search. but it is possible.

 

you can do it, move the batter then there is a little black plate you can cut out. cut that out and the piping with fit.

 

Don't you have to bend the piping a bit or somehow extend the CAI from the throttle body like a few inches further?

 

Ok so just move the battery to the trunk, remove the plate, and the CAI will install. what about the transmission being in the way? Will moving the battery and plate resolve this problem?

 

yeah, by moving the battery you are moving away from the tranny. you will clear it, you may have to bend some stuff but probably more than likely you will have enough play in the couplers to make it fit.

 

what exactly are the power gain difference between CAI and SRI? I am wanting a faster acceleration time, that is why i chose the AEM. If these mods want work without bending the pipe i may just sell it on eBay and get an SRI. What would be the best SRI to improve acceleration? But i would really like to keep the AEM CAI.

 

the difference between a CAI and an SRI in terms of power is so little that it is negligent....

 

yeah you could vent more air on your sri and get just as much cold air as you would from a cai on the bottom of the car

 

Just letting everyone know that I am putting my AEM CAI on sale in the private sale forum.

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