Injen CAI vs. e-bay CAI

[omat5e1]

A friend of mine is questioning the reasoning behind spending $200 or so on an Injen CAI rather than spending $50 on a CAI from ebay. I honestly don't know enough about the whole thing to make any argument about it, but I thought I'd ask the experts here... why would you spend 4-5 times as much on a brand-name CAI rather than something from ebay?

[scherry2]

for $50.00 its probably a short ram and not a true CAI.

[BlueCrush]

The eBay CAI that I have is a lower grade, thinner metal and is a two piece and was about $50 shipped. But it is kind of nice bacause you can use it as a CAI or convert it to a SR. The only thing different that I can tell is that the eBay version sounds more "tinny" when accelerating because of the thinner metal walls. Otherwise the performance will be pretty close to the same as the brand name CAI. I have found that Cosmo Racing's CAI and SR are better quality than the eBay ones but about half the cost of other brand name intakes. The thing about Cosmo is they are not CARB approved. So, that's only a problem if you need it to pass an emissions test. If not, Cosmo Racing should work just fine for you. Good Luck!

[ArcsVibe]

Quote, originally posted by scherry2 »for $50.00 its probably a short ram and not a true CAI.Whats wrong with a short ram? My AEM wasn't 50$ lol I believe it has to do with the quality of the pieces and the air filter.I could be totally wrong too

[scherry2]

Quote, originally posted by ArcsVibe »Whats wrong with a short ram? My AEM wasn't 50$ lol I believe it has to do with the quality of the pieces and the air filter.I could be totally wrong too I never said anything was wrong with it. I just stated that for $50.00 the Ebay Item might be a short ram and not a true CAI thats all.

[ArcsVibe]

Quote, originally posted by scherry2 »I never said anything was wrong with it. I just stated that for $50.00 the Ebay Item might be a short ram and not a true CAI thats all.Scherry2 I was joking lol I wrote that I am pretty sure that it is the quality of the parts

[iinan]

So, i have a cosmo CAI will that have to be removed before I go in for my emissions test ?

[scherry2]

Quote, originally posted by ArcsVibe »Scherry2 I was joking lol I wrote that I am pretty sure that it is the quality of the parts no problem, I'd still like to see a $50.00 True CAI on Ebay, thats all. I see all kinds of short Rams though.

[BlueCrush]

I think it is only in states that require the CARB sticker. I don't know which ones those are. I know Cali is one of them.

[cohocarl]

I bought a C.A.I. off of Ebay, looking for one to cut up/modify which I may be able to fit my Saturn Vue. I received it, but haven't had much time to play around with modifying it yet.I will note that the inside of the cai is coated with a metalic grime probably from their bending machine which would need to be cleaned out. I definately wouldn't want it to work it's way into the motor.On the cai I got, there is a tube fitting that was welded onto it. The hole they made for it has some nasty burrs/dangling edges on it on the inside that I need to take a double check on to see if no small pieces will work their way off and into the motor.BUT the worst part of this cai is the cone filter that came with it. The accordion/pleated sides of the filter seem ok, but the end of the filter has some holes in it that are covered with a screen. (I guess they made it that way for appearance) Very minimal filtering through the end, and I think dirt could very easily get through this screen. I've seen this same filter on quite a few of the cheap cai's on Ebay. If I use it, I'll be putting some duct tape or something over the end. Here's the link to the one I bought: Ebay CAIAttached is a picture of the same filter that came with mine.

Attached files

[scherry2]

Quote, originally posted by cohocarl »I bought a C.A.I. off of Ebay, 2 piece, wow and per your description well worth the money spent..... (he says sacrastically)

[cohocarl]

Quote, originally posted by scherry2 »well worth the money spent..... (he says sacrastically) Ya, it was $40 including shipping.....$20 too much. I wasn't expecting Injen quality, and I mainly bought it guessing I may be able to use the tubes, but I took one look at that filter and wondered how many people actually used them. If I get a chance, I'll take a couple pics today and post.

[cohocarl]

Quote, originally posted by cohocarl »If I get a chance, I'll take a couple pics today and post.This picture is looking into the tube that shows the teeth hanging down. Outside weld looks fine, but the inside looks rough, but probably wouldn't hurt anything. You can also see the greasy/metalic goo that is on the inside down at the bend.

Attached files

[cohocarl]

Quote, originally posted by cohocarl »...the worst part of this cai is the cone filter that came with it. The accordion/pleated sides of the filter seem ok, but the end of the filter has some holes in it that are covered with a screen.The screen is rather fine, but it wouldn't filter much.

Attached files

[Pick]

That screen filter can't be good for your engine. What were they thinking?

[Mr. Poopypants]

Yeah, I wouldn't trust that screen either. Poor quality.

[ToolGuy]

Slap a K&N cone filter on that tube and you are still under the Injen CAI price.