I want to install CAI on my AT4 and I'm researching K&N. Will CAI help improve my AT4? Which brand is better than K&N?
I need advice on installing CAI for my AT4
- Thread starter ryty1514
- Start date
I have always used K&N Fuel Injection Performance Kits (FIPH) in my GM's - I don't monitor fuel consumption, but I do notice better throttle response and additional growl from up front (as opposed to out of the exhaust). I have read a million reviews that they don't actually do much, but I like them and they are easy/enjoyable to install. Also, I have always used Borla Exhaust Systems and I think the combination bring the motor to life a bit and sounds great.
- Thread Starter
- #3
Thanks for your sharing, I like K&N, too. I read reviews about best cold air intakes and they said it only enhances aesthetics. i really want to know if it helps improve my car's performance or not?
I have the OEM CAI. it feels like it wakes the engine up. It definitely has more of a growl especially put together with a Borla GM exhaust. BUT, you will find CAI and actual performance is a HUGE debate. You will have opinions charts and debates if it’s really necessary. I like my CAI and I think it helps. I don’t mind spending the extra $$. Others will say its a waste just add a KN air filter and your good to go. So its up to you to research and decide. There is lots of opinions on this subject here and all over the internet.
Hydguy
New member
Your factory airbox is a CAI airbox.
The difference between the stock airbox and aftermarket is generally just an oiled filter, and a reshaped intake tube from the box to the plenum, to make a smother air transfer from the box to the plenum.
Whether or not you actually get any increase in performance by going with an aftermarket CAI is debatable.
The difference between the stock airbox and aftermarket is generally just an oiled filter, and a reshaped intake tube from the box to the plenum, to make a smother air transfer from the box to the plenum.
Whether or not you actually get any increase in performance by going with an aftermarket CAI is debatable.
wishywashy
Member
"CAI" is a marketing gimmick.
Pretty much all modern vehicles, going back at least 40 years, pull air from outside the hot engine bay. However, the OEM air boxes are designed with dead zones and baffles / moisture traps to prevent water ingestion and to dampen ambient noise from the engine.
If you remove the obstacles and the extra dead zones that OEM air boxes have, you stand a (very small) chance of making it easier for the engine to draw in air. You also make things louder since you are removing the sound-deadening characteristics of the factory air box.
However, for you to get any increase in power from the engine, the engine itself needs to be capable of pulling in more air. In other words, if the engine is already capable of maxing out its air intake with the OEM air box, then switching out the air box will not allow it to pull in more air.
If you like more noise from the engine bay, then yeah, swap out your air box. If you for some reason need more power from your truck, look elsewhere and be prepared to spend a lot of money.
Pretty much all modern vehicles, going back at least 40 years, pull air from outside the hot engine bay. However, the OEM air boxes are designed with dead zones and baffles / moisture traps to prevent water ingestion and to dampen ambient noise from the engine.
If you remove the obstacles and the extra dead zones that OEM air boxes have, you stand a (very small) chance of making it easier for the engine to draw in air. You also make things louder since you are removing the sound-deadening characteristics of the factory air box.
However, for you to get any increase in power from the engine, the engine itself needs to be capable of pulling in more air. In other words, if the engine is already capable of maxing out its air intake with the OEM air box, then switching out the air box will not allow it to pull in more air.
If you like more noise from the engine bay, then yeah, swap out your air box. If you for some reason need more power from your truck, look elsewhere and be prepared to spend a lot of money.
