Yet another CAI question...
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Joined: Oct 2007
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Yet another CAI question...
Hi... I'm new here so take it easy on me.
I've done quite a bit of reading on the CAI issue of whether or not after market kits make a difference. It sounds like there are believers and non believers. One line of reasoning has been bothering me and I would like to run it by the group. Without starting a long drawn out argument, does anyone have any thoughts on the following?
Is it safe to say that a dirty stock air filter will affect gas mileage in a negative way? If so, what causes it? Less flow, less efficiency? Does installing a clean filter improve the situation? i.e. more milage.
If the above is true, then doesn't it make sense that a change from the stock intake system to a more effeicient intake system is much like "cleaning" an air filter? i.e improving flow etc? If so, shouldn't it result in an improvement in HP and or gas mileage?
Some of the agruments against the effects of an aftermarket intake system seem to imply that the MAF and computer take care of "whatever" air flow is produced regardless of the filter/system. If this is true, why should anyone bother cleaning their airfilter?
Thanks...
I've done quite a bit of reading on the CAI issue of whether or not after market kits make a difference. It sounds like there are believers and non believers. One line of reasoning has been bothering me and I would like to run it by the group. Without starting a long drawn out argument, does anyone have any thoughts on the following?
Is it safe to say that a dirty stock air filter will affect gas mileage in a negative way? If so, what causes it? Less flow, less efficiency? Does installing a clean filter improve the situation? i.e. more milage.
If the above is true, then doesn't it make sense that a change from the stock intake system to a more effeicient intake system is much like "cleaning" an air filter? i.e improving flow etc? If so, shouldn't it result in an improvement in HP and or gas mileage?
Some of the agruments against the effects of an aftermarket intake system seem to imply that the MAF and computer take care of "whatever" air flow is produced regardless of the filter/system. If this is true, why should anyone bother cleaning their airfilter?
Thanks...
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 22,436
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From: Louisville,Ky.
Welcome to the forum 
Well, to answer question number one. An engine is designed to run at a certain air to fuel ratio. A dirty air filter will restrict this airflow. Beings that most vehicles today use a MAF,the clack of airflow will result in less air across the MAF causing the PCM to deliver less fuel. This in turn will produce less power at a given throttle position therefore make the engine less efficient. Being less efficient results in lower MPG.
I have a Outlaw Power CAI that draws in outside cooler air (vs open under the hood systems that draw in heated underhood air). Cooler air means more power. The stock unit also draws in cooler outside sir, but has a small opening at the fenderwell that is restrictive as well as the baffling in the tubing can cause restrictive turbulence. This is done to keep the intake quiet.
I really can't say how much that my CAI helps. I never really checked actual numbers on MPG. The throttle response seems to be a bit better with it and the moaning sound under heavy acceleration is nice (to me anyway). The gains that you will see will be at wide open throttle at higher rpms when the engine is drawing in the most air, low rpm part throttle situations probably will not be much different than the stock unit.
Hopefully this has answered your question.
Well, to answer question number one. An engine is designed to run at a certain air to fuel ratio. A dirty air filter will restrict this airflow. Beings that most vehicles today use a MAF,the clack of airflow will result in less air across the MAF causing the PCM to deliver less fuel. This in turn will produce less power at a given throttle position therefore make the engine less efficient. Being less efficient results in lower MPG.
I have a Outlaw Power CAI that draws in outside cooler air (vs open under the hood systems that draw in heated underhood air). Cooler air means more power. The stock unit also draws in cooler outside sir, but has a small opening at the fenderwell that is restrictive as well as the baffling in the tubing can cause restrictive turbulence. This is done to keep the intake quiet.
I really can't say how much that my CAI helps. I never really checked actual numbers on MPG. The throttle response seems to be a bit better with it and the moaning sound under heavy acceleration is nice (to me anyway). The gains that you will see will be at wide open throttle at higher rpms when the engine is drawing in the most air, low rpm part throttle situations probably will not be much different than the stock unit.
Hopefully this has answered your question.
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