CAI vs RAI

MotoAce51 · Post by **MotoAce51** » Mon Jan 24, 2011 11:15 pm

I hate opening a new post with the same question as a million other people started but I have a few questions that scanning through all the old posts wern't really answering.I am trying ot decide between the CAI or the RAI. Specifically the Wepon R Dragon CAI, or the K&N Tornado RAI. As you know I have the 04 Vibe Base and I am looking for a little mileage or performance, preferably both but yeah. Anyways, the main question I have is the CEL coming on. Does that typically happen on the CAI? How do you shut it off? Would winters hurt a CAI (salt, dirt, moisture)? Since the ram air hood is not necessarily in the future would a RAI even be worth it since it wont be getting air directly?

Salsa Guy · Post by **Salsa Guy** » Mon Jan 24, 2011 11:39 pm

I assume SRI=RAI. A CAI is more intense install, harder to maintain and has more issues with CELs from what I understand. The SRI (Short Ram Intake) is much easier to install and maintain. Also the performance difference between the 2 is almost unmeasureable. Maybe a slight edge to the CAI. Most SRIs can be installed in an hour with a 15 minute beer break and they are cheaper than the CAIs. The main thing is getting a good seal on the MAF.

MotoAce51 · Post by **MotoAce51** » Tue Jan 25, 2011 1:28 am

Yeah your right to assume SRI = RAI. I was thinking Ram Air Intake, not Short Ram Intake. I put a SRI on my old Grand Am, and my old lumina just because. It sounded different and that was it. But for the Vibe I would prefer to see whats better before I go forward. On my other cars there was a measurable difference between the 2 costs but it seems like the Vibe has both parts about the same. I have no issues installing either hence why I want to go with whatever is thought to be better. If its not measurable maybe I'll do the SRI.

Salsa Guy · Post by **Salsa Guy** » Tue Jan 25, 2011 1:51 am

I would think you would have more problems with the CAI with water/dirt and etc. Also many people have has issues with CELs using the CAI. Not so much with the SRIs though. I may get beat around the head and shoulders over the SRI vs CAI performance. I saw some calcutions somewhere about the performance between the 2 and it wasn't much of a difference. The SRI is more prone to heat soak but I'm sure there are ways around that also.

Old Tele man · Post by **Old Tele man** » Tue Jan 25, 2011 2:03 am

...do the math and you'll discovery that RAI only becomes effective if you're doing faster than 100 mph already!

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Tue Jan 25, 2011 3:46 am

CAI usually sets off the CEL because the car is taking in more air than the factory. In order to get the most of it (and the only way I found for mine) was to get engine management. I had a Unichip that was programmed for it. Not sure what's out and available now. Othewise, ignore the CEL.

SlammedNiss · Post by **SlammedNiss** » Tue Jan 25, 2011 4:42 am

I installed an Injen CAI on my 03 XRS shortly after I bought I bought the car brand new. Drove it for 8 years with never having a single CEL. Go CAI.

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Tue Jan 25, 2011 8:19 am

Injen is the only CAI I am aware of that didn't cause a CEL. pretty much every other one did. Do some research and you will see: CAI and CEL

Salsa Guy · Post by **Salsa Guy** » Tue Jan 25, 2011 8:23 am

Quote, originally posted by AKLGT Â»Injen is the only CAI I am aware of that didn't cause a CEL. pretty much every other one did. Do some research and you will see: CAI and CELNot being a smart aZZ but why you think that is? Too much air or too cool or combination of both?

keithvibe · Post by **keithvibe** » Tue Jan 25, 2011 8:29 am

It was more of an issue for the DBW cars... They tend to run lean on WOT causing the CEL.I haven't heard it being much of an issue with the cable driven version.

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Tue Jan 25, 2011 9:00 am

Quote, originally posted by rmckinjr Â»Not being a smart aZZ but why you think that is? Too much air or too cool or combination of both?it was always CEL running too lean. so more so the air flow than the cool air, it could have been both.had an 03 VGT with TRD CAI and that netted a CELhad an 04 Vibe 5 spd with Injen CAI and no CEL

keithvibe · Post by **keithvibe** » Tue Jan 25, 2011 10:31 am

i've run cosmo with no cel for 3-4yearsI'm currently running aem with no CEL been running it for 8months now.:shrug:

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Tue Jan 25, 2011 11:30 am

ya, weird. I dunno. It went away once I got the Unichip.

Herb · Post by **Herb** » Tue Jan 25, 2011 1:33 pm

Quote, originally posted by keithvibe Â»i've run cosmo with no cel for 3-4yearsSame hereQuote, originally posted by AKLGT Â»ya, weird. I dunno. It went away once I got the Unichip. Didn't you run the TRD CAI at the time?

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Tue Jan 25, 2011 2:25 pm

Quote, originally posted by Herb Â»Didn't you run the TRD CAI at the time?Quote, originally posted by AKLGT Â»it was always CEL running too lean. so more so the air flow than the cool air, it could have been both.had an 03 VGT with TRD CAI and that netted a CELhad an 04 Vibe 5 spd with Injen CAI and no CEL

lovemyraffe · Post by **lovemyraffe** » Wed Jan 26, 2011 12:11 am

Go CAI, and it so happens that I am selling my Injen CAI...

Herb · Post by **Herb** » Wed Jan 26, 2011 11:35 am

I must have been half asleep when answering earlier.Anyways, I seem to remember that only people with the TRD CAI had CEL problems, though I don't remember why that was the case

keithvibe · Post by **keithvibe** » Thu Jan 27, 2011 6:26 am

Quote, originally posted by Herb Â»I must have been half asleep when answering earlier.Anyways, I seem to remember that only people with the TRD CAI had CEL problems, though I don't remember why that was the casemaybe because TRD is overpriced and poorly made? lol

06pvibe · Post by **06pvibe** » Thu Jan 27, 2011 7:59 am

First of all, my advice is to stay away from anything that says "Weapon R" on it. They are cheaply made junk.The filter is junk. The dragon has rivets that hold the inner and outer tubing together and they have been known to have issues and their connectors are neoprene rubber not silicone rubber so they too have a short lifespan.In general, no matter what aftermarket intake you chose, you should be aware of a loss in low-end torque. Also in general, CAI's are a better choice for the street because they offer better mid-range power, however slight, and a mentioned before at the cost of low-end power.SRI's are better for top-end power, again however slight.If you must spend your money, go with a name-brand or highly recommended brand. Injen CAI, AEM CAI, K&N CAI/SRI (convertible,) or the site favorite, the Cosmo SRI are probably the best overall, and in that order too.Just my opinion based on many hours of reading the hype as well as customer reviews. And BTW: I have been running a Mazdaspeed badged AEM on my Mazda3 for several yrs now, and if I hadn't gotten a pretty good deal on it in the first place, I would've felt that I had wasted my hard earned money.In other words my opinion is, "U payz ur money, U takes ur chances." But certainly stay away from Weapon R intakes.

MotoAce51 · Post by **MotoAce51** » Thu Jan 27, 2011 9:20 am

Thanks for the insight on the weapon r. I read somewhere they were one of the better brands and they seemed to be cheaper so I was interested. Maybe ill look into another option. I like the sound more than anything, and its a bummer losing it in low end but the mid would be nice. Top end isnt really a big deal. Maybe Ill pick up that Injen for sale on here. (as long as I can get the money, Just found out my fiance is pregnant)

DiveNut · Post by **DiveNut** » Sat Jan 29, 2011 5:56 am

Intalled mine 6 years ago...have not had a problem.

CAI vs RAI

CAI vs RAI

Re: (AKLGT)

Re: (rmckinjr)

Re: (rmckinjr)

Re: (AKLGT)

Re: (AKLGT)

Re: (Herb)

Re: (AKLGT)

Re: (AKLGT)

Re: (Herb)

Re: CAI vs RAI (MotoAce51)

Re: CAI vs RAI (06pvibe)

Re: (SlammedNiss)