Cold Air Intake...Is it worth it?

[WhgVibe]

Hello fellow Vibers. I have a 2010 Base Vibe with 1.8 engine. I have been thinking of adding a cold air intake but I wanted to your what your experineces are. Is it worth the investment? I would like to see a performance increase and any extra mileage would be a bonus. What do you guys and gals think? Any brand reccomendations?

Thanks for the imput......................

[zythr]

Hi


Worth the investment? No. You'd be better off getting a Vibe with the 2.4 engine, even then it won't be that much sportier.

[vibenvy]

In my opinion, an intake is most definitely worth it! They're relatively cheap and easy to install. They offer a small amount of increased power, add a nice growl to the sound of the engine and, if you drive conservatively, will net you a decent gain in MPGs. As far as engine modifications go, they are definitely your best bet.

That being said, my mom and I have seen a steady increase of at least 1-2 MPG since installing the K&N Typhoon CAIs on our 2009 Vibe GTs. The sound they give off is amazing and they look so much better under the hood compared to all that ugly factory plastic.

My suggestion for you would be to check out this thread (if you haven't already). K&N is definitely one of the best companies to get an intake from. You can find them on eBay for around ~$250.00 shipped.

Just a few notes about this intake: As you can see, it is not a cold air intake (CAI), but a short ram intake (SRI). IMO, the SRI is better because you absolutely do not have the worry of possible hydrolock (water getting sucked into the filter and into the engine causing the engine to lock up). SRIs are obviously also much easier to install and, when the time comes, the filter is much easier to remove for cleaning.

As far as filters go, you may want to consider selling the K&N filter that comes with the intake in favor of an AEM Dryflow air filter that does not require re-oiling. There have been many reports of people accidentally over-oiling a K&N (or similar) filter and it causes problems with the MAF sensor, etc. Just a heads up. We have had AEM Brute Force Dryflow air filters on both our K&N intakes since they were very first installed 4 years ago. I simply pull them off whenever I change the oil, tap them out on the floor and use the shop vac on them. Much easier to maintain than an oiled filter.

[Salsa Guy]

Very little gains in HP and MPGs. A K&N drop in will do about the same. If you like a little more noise to make the b*tt dyno think it's faster then yea go for it. $50 VS $250? If it feels good then do it.

Welcome to Genvibe.

[lannvouivre]

Very little gains in HP and MPGs. A K&N drop in will do about the same. If you like a little more noise to make the (removed) dyno think it's faster then yea go for it. $50 VS $250? If it feels good then do it.

Welcome to Genvibe.

The extra engine noise can help with hearing shift points as well as freeing up engine bay space (at least in the first gen). I like having ain intake that's so incredibly easy to remove and have out of the way. Then there's the neater appearance...

But I'm biased.

[cptnsolo77]

In my opinion SRI isnt worth the $$$ at all. The engine is still breathing hot air from under the hood. I would just get a drop in K&N. If I were to get an intake CAI would be the most effective. You get more airflow with the hi flow filter AND colder air from outside the hood. If your not worried about hydro lock go for the CAI. Im speaking from a functional point of view. However, the SRI & CAI do look great under the hood & cleans it up as well ! Good luck !

[Doug14]

I have a short ram with a Heat shield/partial air box with a 3" cold air feed from the lower grill. I Don't have to worry about possibly getting a wet filter and it's easier to maintain than a CAI (location of filter element is easier to access). Just my opinion. Oh, did i mention its cheaper?

[Dairgo]

I'm a bit slow on the uptake. I recently purchased an '09 GT (Metallic Red) and have been surfing around trying to find a definitive answer, but can't...

Is there a CAI kit that fits on the 2.4L engine, and how difficult is it to install?

[Kincaid]

Do you want a true CAI or the K&N short ram intake?

To answer the original post, I'd say an SRI is worth it just for the ear candy.

[lannvouivre]

In my opinion SRI isnt worth the $$$ at all. The engine is still breathing hot air from under the hood.

That's only if you're moving slowly or holding still. There's actually a lot of airflow going on under there when you're crack-a-lackin' about...which makes my engine bay horrifically dusty

[vibenvy]

I'm a bit slow on the uptake. I recently purchased an '09 GT (Metallic Red) and have been surfing around trying to find a definitive answer, but can't...

Is there a CAI kit that fits on the 2.4L engine, and how difficult is it to install?

Welcome to GenVibe! K&N considers their #69-8613TS intake a cold air intake because of the factory intake ducting that comes up from behind the front bumper and into the heat shield that surrounds the air filter. I recently removed the factory intake ducting and resonator though and realized that it definitely should not be considered a cold air intake because the factory ducting basically turns in on itself and isn't really doing anything at all. I'm sure there are probably other intakes that will fit (Scion xB and perhaps Toyota Camry 2.4L), but the one everyone has around here is the K&N #69-8613TS intake. I have plenty of pictures of it installed on both our 2009 Vibe GTs in both our Garages which are linked in my signature below.

Installation is pretty simple.

Check eBay for the cheapest prices on the intake. Also, you may want to consider getting an AEM Dryflow air filter instead of using the K&N filter that comes with the kit. AEM filters do not need to be oiled so you never have to worry about possibly accidentally over-oiling the filter and damaging the MAF (Mass Airflow) sensor. We have had AEM Brute Force Dryflow air filters (#21-203BF) along with the K&N intakes on both our Vibes for 4.5 years now and have never had a problem with them or the intakes themselves. I highly recommend this setup for anyone with a 2009-2010 2.4L Vibe!