CAI intake question

[meathead333]

first off let me state i am car illiterate. will the CAI intake work on an automatic? would someone like me actually notice a difference? whats the cost w/ labor since i am a moron? thanks

[ragingfish]

I'm pretty car illiterate myself, and I looked at the instructions for a CAI installation...it actually looks relatively easy...but then again, I've never done so I can't say for sure...

[meathead333]

thanks, what about price?

[rasermon]

$185.29 at Adventon.com. http://www.adventon.com/acb/showprod.cf ... up_ID=1956

[Triton]

I'm not sure how much of a difference it would make in an automatic. It would still boost performance though, so I say go for it! I can tell you it is a big difference in the GT. Feels and sounds awesome!

[Stang2Vibe]

He meant about the price to install it. I don't know what a shop would charge to install a CAI, but it would be a rip off in any case. If you can turn a screwdriver, a wrench, can read, and have at least 4 brain cells capable of common sense, you should be able to do this yourself. I'm not saying its as easy as changing a light bulb, but as far as automotive procedures go, this is about as easy as it gets. I really hope to get one myself real soon.

[tinman]

Does a CAI increase or decrease gas mileage? Does it make the engine louder? Thanks.

[ragingfish]

A CAI gives you more power...more power equals lower gas mileage...and I believe someone above stated, on the GT at least, the engine is louder...

[Stang2Vibe]

I don't necessarily agree that more power equals lower (worse) gas mileage. My 94 GP made 160 HP and averaged about 18-19 mpg with the 3.1 V6 engine. My Vibe GT makes 180 HP and I've been averaging about 24 mpg. My Geo Tracker made 94 HP and didn't get as good gas mileage as my Vibe that makes 86 HP more. So that isn't necessarily a true statement. I doubt very much that installing a CAI will affect fuel economy that much. The tradeoff for the HP gain is more than worth it. A mod that allows you to bolt on about another 12 HP for about $200 is a great buy. That's about $16.66 per 1 HP gained. Guys are out there putting exaust systems on cars that cost 3-4 times as much to gain only about 5 HP max in most cases. (Conservatively estimating, that is about $120 per 1 HP gained). Probably the only other mod that gives you more bang for the buck is NOS. And we don't want to get into all that again. The CAI adds dyno proven HP at a relatively cheap price and can be done yourself in about an hour or so.And the sound difference that members have been describing on here seems to be a rather desirable change. Not some loud, ratty, noisy change.

[Triton]

The very first place I looked after getting my Vibe for a CAI was a local custom shop. They priced the Injen intake at almost $300 and wanted $50 to install it. It is a big ripoff to have it installed for you.

[ragingfish]

I stand corrected about the gas mileage.And I meant it was a good louder for the engine, not bad. Just wanted to clarify.

[joatmon]

You can't necessarily compare different cars/powertrains and get a correlation between HP and gas mileage. I've had different cars with similar HP with very different MPGs, and also cars with simlar MPG very different HP.Modifying the engine in a Vibe will probably have an effect on it's fuel efficiency. The question is "How much?" For me, power and economy is a compromise. I realize I can't have as much as I want of both in the same vehicle.Has anyone who has installed a CAI in your Vibe measured the effect that the CAI had on your gas mileage?

[NovaResource]

quote:Has anyone who has installed a CAI in your Vibe measured the effect that the CAI had on your gas mileage?I've not noticed a change in MPG either way. Performance has gone up (G-Tech ET times were lowered).But don't take my word for it. My car knowledge is merely adequate.

[Lorin]

Initial results (1 tank) show about 1/2 mpg increase. I'm going to take another 1,000 mile road trip to Indiana and back in a few weeks, which will give a provide a more accurate measure.I think I drive the car harder with the intake, because the fun-factor encourages you to run at a higher rpm. I probably loose some potential gains.As far as the install goes, if you're really not comfortable, I would recommend checking out a speed shop that (hopefully) has already installed one on somebody elses car first. The TRD instructions were very good, but if you really aren't comfortable doing it yourself, then $50 is cheap peace of mind.

[mwebb]

I went to Adventon.com. and they had the AEM intake for a Matrix but not the Vibe. I am just wondering if the Matrix One will fit my base Vibe. The AEM one is a lot less than the Injen one so that would be great. If anyone could help I would appreciate it thanks.

[slbpsi63]

Yes it will fit. Is it for a base modle or GT. I think the Injen model is better for the base and the AEM is better for the GT. I know there are dyno's posted around for you to check out.

[mwebb]

Thanks, I will look into that. I have the base, so depending on the dyno it may be worth it to spend more on the injen.I have heard several things about haveing to take the front bumper off to install the intake on a base Vibe....anyone know if there is truth in that?

[Stang2Vibe]

I don't think that anyone on here has taken their front bumper off to install their CAI. If I remember correctly, some have said that the job would have been easier to complete if they took off the black plastic panel that forms the driver's side front wheelwell.

[mwebb]

I just helped install a CAI in grand am where we had to take of the Wheel well cover, it was real easy and the replacment clips were only like a dollar.

[Stang2Vibe]

That sounds about right.