cold air or short ram

dave9382 · Post by **dave9382** » Sun Feb 05, 2006 7:26 am

Yes Ive already searched and read several posts about this. Im debating between a cosmoracing CAI or a short ram. Ive read a few posts claiming the short ram actually gives better low end torgue from say 0-3000 rpms than the CAI where of course the CAI really shines on the high end. Honestly Im looking for just a bit more low end torque so I have to down shift less often and can drive for better gas mileage. However Ive also read the posts claiming that the short ram is sucking in air so much hotter that it the hot air is negating any performance gains from the increased airflow. I dont know Im really debating to myself, I know 90% of the people on this board are fans of the CAI but I really want to know why, my car just needs a little bit more pep and could always use better gas mileage... There are other advantages to short ram it seems such as it being easier to install and easier to get to the air filter, and cheaper but that doesnt matter if the performance gains of a CAI are much more significant. Anyway knowing my situation what do you people think and if anyone has any honest opinions on the differences Id appreciate it.Thanks,David

joholste · Post by **joholste** » Sun Feb 05, 2006 7:52 am

I say if you're looking for low end torque then go for the SR.

Digger · Post by **Digger** » Sun Feb 05, 2006 12:34 pm

I was looking for the same result. More torque and bit more MPG. I went with the short ram. I love it. The torque is much better. The MPG went up a bit and it sounds much better. It is a bit louder. after all the dust settles I would buy another short ram if I had to do it again.

Mavrik · Post by **Mavrik** » Tue Feb 07, 2006 3:36 am

full cai for me...

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Tue Feb 07, 2006 3:41 am

Yup, I also recommend a full CAI, no use suckin' hot air.

Mrizzle05 · Post by **Mrizzle05** » Tue Feb 07, 2006 4:32 am

Yeah im goin with a CAI too.... im getting that matrix xr one off ebay, gonna see how that works

CFD911 · Post by **CFD911** » Mon Apr 17, 2006 8:18 am

so if i am living in Canada... would I have tot ake off the CAI in the winter? and if I was to get a SR could that stay on all year long?

northvibe · Post by **northvibe** » Mon Apr 17, 2006 9:22 am

you can leave the cai on all year, the only thing is in the winter since its super cold you wont get great gas mileage, i have stock airbox still and my mileage sucked this winter, so going cai isnt a big deal anyway. the only way cai is bad is if you drive in a lake....then it will suck in water.

ballrub · Post by **ballrub** » Mon Apr 17, 2006 9:32 am

Here's my opinion:(This is of course if you're an average driver; i.e. you don't race from stoplight to stoplight, and get into the valve-lift often if you have the GT) If you do a lot of city driving, and sitting in traffic a lot, or, for the better part of the year, your average temperature is above 75-F degrees, then I would say the CAI is the better choice, and will give you the best of both worlds (increase in hp & torque, better gas mileage and less chance of causing problems). The CAI is not real noisy either. The only major downside would be if it rains a lot, and you can't avoid puddles, which when splashed, could get into the intake and cause hydrolock (that would be very bad), but can be avoided with the right package and some work.If more of your driving is on nice stretches of two-lane blacktop, or lots of freeway driving, or, for the better part of the year your average temperature is a lot less than 75-F degrees, then I see no reason for not going with the Short Ram, which will give you a higher increase in hp & torque than the CAI, and still get the better mpg too. This one is a lot louder than a CAI or stock intake--trust me!Bottom line, the Short Ram will give you a little bit more increase in hp, torque & mpg than the CAI, but if your short ram starts pulling in very, very hot air, your ECU (car computer) will just pull back the timing to avoid detenation (that's also very bad), thus nulling any gains in hp, torque & mpg the Short Ram would have given you, thereby making the CAI the better choice under these circumstances. This would also be more noticeable on the GT because of it's higher compression ratio.I'm kind of partial to the Short Ram (using a K&N on my GT), and you could get the best of both worlds, and go with a Short Ram intake, and a hood that funnels cold air to the Short Ram (like my Vibe), but that means an additional cost of the hood to make it a working package!So...you can see I'm a little biased towards the Short Ram intake myself, but this is only my humble opinion!

kcorona · Post by **kcorona** » Mon Apr 17, 2006 8:48 pm

SR for me. Love the performance gain and getting increased MPG too. I couldn't get past the access to filter issue with the CAI. Plus, here in FL the air outside the hood is usually just as hot as under the hood!

iinan · Post by **iinan** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 3:17 am

So, living in the pacific NW, I would be better off with a SR then a CAI?I would like to go to a "hood scoop" somewhere down the road, (after I convince myself to drop 2k on new tires/rims) How would a "hood scoop" and a SR function in my area, where it rains 364.5 days of the year?

drunkenmaxx · Post by **drunkenmaxx** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 3:21 am

hydrolock is not a major concern w/a CAI.http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=10457

iinan · Post by **iinan** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 3:28 am

Quote, originally posted by drunkenvibe Â»hydrolock is not a major concern w/a CAI.Was that in regards to my question ? If so, I have a CAI already but I am just wondering about the air intake on the hood. But then I do see alot of wrx's around here with a big a** nasty looking scoop on them, so did I just answer my own question?

drunkenmaxx · Post by **drunkenmaxx** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 4:07 am

Quote, originally posted by iinan Â»Was that in regards to my question ? If so, I have a CAI already but I am just wondering about the air intake on the hood. But then I do see alot of wrx's around here with a big a** nasty looking scoop on them, so did I just answer my own question? well, you asked if you would be better off with a SR instead, because of the ever present rain in your area. the answer is the rain is not a factor.it boils down to preference. if i was you, i would just keep the CAI and get a nonfunctional hoodscoop, for asthetic reasons.as far as the functional scoop, i dont know, it does seem that water would go in there, especially at highway speeds. i guess it just depends on how much water can soak into the filter before negative results occur.

ballrub · Post by **ballrub** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 4:11 am

Quote, originally posted by drunkenvibe Â»hydrolock is not a major concern w/a CAI.http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=10457It is if the water level comes up and over where the air filter is located! It all depends on where your intake filter is located heighth-wise! If the filter sits below the front axel, and you're in water up to the center of your front wheel, you're going to be in trouble (admittedly, most people will not drive through water that deep, unless your life depends on it, or your just crazy!)! But, if it still has air available to it, then it will suck up the air before water gets into your engine. Even if it gets splashed (or a big wave), but it still can suck air, you'll be ok.AEM's CAI offers an "Air Bypass Valve" (http://www.aempower.com/produc...tID=3) which will prevent water from getting into the engine, and looks like it will work on any manufacturer's CAI. Why would they do that if this could not be a problem? It could be a problem, but doesn't neccesssarily mean it will be a problem!Quote, originally posted by iinan Â»So, living in the pacific NW, I would be better off with a SR then a CAI?I would like to go to a "hood scoop" somewhere down the road, (after I convince myself to drop 2k on new tires/rims) How would a "hood scoop" and a SR function in my area, where it rains 364.5 days of the year?Even when I'm washing my car, and accidently point thefull force of my hose at my hood intakes, the filter rarely even gets wet. The hood on my car has dips and drainage outlets underneath well before the outlet for air over the filter on my Short Ram. The only down-side to this, is water spots on my plastic valve cover, strut tower brace, and a few other components, which because it's been raining a lot down here in southern Cal, has left lots of water spots under my hood. But getting water into the Short Ram intake is not even an issue here, nor would it be where you live either!

drunkenmaxx · Post by **drunkenmaxx** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 4:18 am

Quote, originally posted by ballrub Â»It is if the water level comes up and over where the air filter is located! It all depends on where your intake filter is located heighth-wise! If the filter sits below the front axel, and you're in water up to the center of your front wheel, you're going to be in trouble the CAI filter is above the driver side fog light. i drove in water halfway, maybe more up my wheels. look at the fog light in my sig for reference as to where the filter is.

iinan · Post by **iinan** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 4:25 am

ahh thanks for the info I drool everytime I see ballrubs hood or maybe I will go with a CF hood, oh the descisions....

Mavrik · Post by **Mavrik** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 5:55 am

Quote, originally posted by iinan Â»Was that in regards to my question ? If so, I have a CAI already but I am just wondering about the air intake on the hood. But then I do see alot of wrx's around here with a big a** nasty looking scoop on them, so did I just answer my own question? Actually that hoodscoop is functional as its the opening for air to enter the stock turbo intercooler mounted on top of the engine.And Hydro lock is only an issue if your a dumb (removed) and drive through 2 feet of water

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 6:42 am

yes, the hoodscoop for the subies are for the intercooler that cools the turbo. it's NOT for the airbox. and if you are in a very high rainy area, i wouldn't suggest putting your intake ON your hood! unless you get some kind of drainage system that rids itself of water and doesn't waterlog your filter. i believe the SLP hood has a kit to convert your airbox to ram air. however, you still won't get as good of gains as you would with a CAI.

iinan · Post by **iinan** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 8:25 am

Quote, originally posted by trdvibe Â»yes, the hoodscoop for the subies are for the intercooler that cools the turbo. it's NOT for the airbox. Well dang ! thanks again for the info You learn something new everyday

Legros · Post by **Legros** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 4:21 am

I'm sure you guys can confirm that a AEM CAI or Short ram built for a Matrix gonna fit on a Vibe without problem..? If so... Check these dyno run they gives a good idea of the performance difference between the two. Note that I'm in shock with the torque loss in the day to day driving (let's say the 3000rpm range). I dont know if it's just AEM... probably not i dont remember to see Torque dyno for the Injen and K&N just the HP gain...

Legros · Post by **Legros** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 4:23 am

see the file attach of the CAI (sorry didnt see how to attach two file with one post).

Attached files AEM2003MatrixXRSCAS.pdf (87.3 KB)

Legros · Post by **Legros** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 4:24 am

and here is the Short ram...

Attached files AEM2003MatrixXRSSRS.pdf (87 KB)

Mrizzle05 · Post by **Mrizzle05** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 4:36 am

well i dont know if you have a GT... but those gains are based on a GT version.On a base model the increase would probably be a little different since we dont have "lift" and more power.I have a CosmoRacing cold air intake... I admit i rev a lot. but even just regular driving you can feel a difference and you can hear the intake when you drive. not annoying but a nice growl. and when you get that occansional urge... it sounds nice at the higher RPMs too.

Legros · Post by **Legros** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 4:59 am

Yop.. Do have a GT model... and DO love the lift Happy to hear again good things about the cosmo.

shanemade · Post by **shanemade** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 5:03 am

I agree i have a Weapon r short ram, easy install, sounds great.... milage ? don't know my foot is always in it for the sound it makes.....LOVE IT!

vibebob · Post by **vibebob** » Thu May 22, 2008 12:12 pm

QUOTE ballrub:Here's my opinion:(This is of course if you're an average driver; i.e. you don't race from stoplight to stoplight, and get into the valve-lift often if you have the GT) If you do a lot of city driving, and sitting in traffic a lot, or, for the better part of the year, your average temperature is above 75-F degrees, then I would say the CAI is the better choice, and will give you the best of both worlds (increase in hp & torque, better gas mileage and less chance of causing problems). The CAI is not real noisy either. The only major downside would be if it rains a lot, and you can't avoid puddles, which when splashed, could get into the intake and cause hydrolock (that would be very bad), but can be avoided with the right package and some work.end quote ******bringing this back from the dead zone. Concerning heat, I live in SE Texas and it is over 75 for most of the year. is the SR bad for the engine when the air temps are in the upper 90's/low 100's with high humidity ?The CAI, I would worry about getting water in it, we don't get high water and I won't drive through it but I would like advice.

ballrub · Post by **ballrub** » Mon May 26, 2008 1:20 am

Quote, originally posted by vibebob Â»bringing this back from the dead zone. Concerning heat, I live in SE Texas and it is over 75 for most of the year. is the SR bad for the engine when the air temps are in the upper 90's/low 100's with high humidity ?The CAI, I would worry about getting water in it, we don't get high water and I won't drive through it but I would like advice.vibebob:A SR for your enviroment will not be detrimental to your engine. Your stock intake is already pulling most of it's air from under the hood already (which is usually a little warmer than the ambient air).Again, if it's too hot, your engine will pull out a little timing to compensate, regardless of whether it's a SR or CAI. If you have a "true" CAI set up, it can lower intake air temperature by as little as 10 degrees F or as much as 30+ degrees F depending on driving conditions and speed which can equal a few extra HP.Out here in southern Cal, if I didn't have functional hood scoops on my Vibe, I probably would've gone with a CAI myself. But I like the extra low end grunt the SR delivers and the slightly louder growl I get when depressing the throttle and getting "lift"!

vibebob · Post by **vibebob** » Sun Jun 01, 2008 9:11 am

Thanks for the reply. I'll probably go with the CAI but I'll take a look at the SR.

LOUROK · Post by **LOUROK** » Sat Jun 07, 2008 12:40 am

Cold air unless you have floods in your area.

Cindragon · Post by **Cindragon** » Tue Jul 01, 2008 7:43 am

In snow or rain if your CAI end is close enough to the ground it can get splashed, and enough splashing will cause hydrolock. K&N I believe makes a bag you can put over it to help slow this process down. In Salt Lake here, it's cold enough year round to use a SR problem free. It does get into the 90's for a few months in the summer, but that's no biggie. What I'd like to know about the difference between the CAI and the SRI, is which one gets better gas mileage gains, and is it really worth the money? I've seen a few posts on here saying that these don't actually do anything for gas mileage, and some that swear by it. My husbands SRI got him a very nice increase, that's why I'm looking into it here. He said that all car's react differently to mods, so I should check the forums before spending the cash. He watched the forums for his Eclipse for a whole month before picking his SRI. Any advice along those lines here would be helpful

HellBlazer · Post by **HellBlazer** » Tue Jul 01, 2008 8:37 am

I never really understood the sport compact cold air systems. Most of them suck air from down low behind the bumper cover- which seems retarded to me because its sucking up hot air rising from the road. I guess in colder climates it doesnt matter- but most cold climates are also wet, which poses the concern for sucking in water.

keithvibe · Post by **keithvibe** » Tue Jul 01, 2008 8:41 am

it's not hotter.. it's colder and your moving. Think of it this way... your engine runs about 180-200deg. What do you think the outside air is when your driving at say 60mph?it's going to be colder than your engine.

Cindragon · Post by **Cindragon** » Tue Jul 01, 2008 8:46 am

Yes, it is colder down there as it is not coming in through the 180 degree radiatior. Even when I lived in Phoenix the outside air never got that hot. That part I get, its just the mpg part that throws me a bit.

kevera · Post by **kevera** » Tue Jul 01, 2008 9:02 am

That's what the search feature is for,read up.

Cindragon · Post by **Cindragon** » Tue Jul 01, 2008 9:15 am

Ya, used the search feature, and got this thread......funny that....I didn't want to start a new thread because the topic is spread out amongst 200 threads.....guess i can just start a new one....links help if you know the name of a specific thread offhand....

kevera · Post by **kevera** » Tue Jul 01, 2008 9:49 pm

I'm going to be nice this time around.It all depends what year Vibe you have,if you have an 05 and up you're better off getting a short ram as they tend to throw a cel code with CAI.As for mileage,it all depends on how you drive.If you granny it you will notice a mild increase in mileage,but as a whole you will not see huge gains with either one.

Cindragon · Post by **Cindragon** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 7:00 am

thx kevera....i didnt want to start a new thread to ask that.....i just couldn't find it and didn't want to read 10000 posts

King Neptune · Post by **King Neptune** » Tue Jul 08, 2008 4:06 am

How much louder is the SRI compared to the Cai?

cold air or short ram

cold air or short ram

Re: cold air or short ram (dave9382)

Re: (Digger)

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Re: cold air or short ram (joholste)

Re: cold air or short ram (dave9382)

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Re: cold air or short ram (kcorona)

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AEM short ram vs CAI...

Re: AEM short ram vs CAI... (Legros) pdf of the CAI

Re: AEM short ram vs CAI... (Legros) pdf of the Short ram (Legros)

Re: AEM short ram vs CAI... (Legros)

Re: AEM short ram vs CAI... (Mrizzle05)

Re: (Digger)

Re: cold air or short ram (ballrub)

Re: cold air or short ram (vibebob)

Re: cold air or short ram (ballrub)

Re: (HellBlazer)

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