GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

I have read a few threads with CAI. Can anyone tell me if there is a big differnnce in performance? I know that there is a debate between K&N drop in's and CAI's. Thanks...

If you don't feel a difference in HP, then you should notice a difference in your gas mileage. The K&N can only do so much. But the CAI can actually increase your HP significantly.Inder

Welcome to the Encyclopedia of Vibe!As you've probably noticed, we're a friendly (some might say nosy bunch around here, and we love to see pictures of you and your Vibe of course!I'll defer answering your question to those Genvibers who actually have installed CAI, since I don't have either mod on my base 03 automatic.My impression from reading the forums during the past year is that the largest increase in horsepower comes from adding BOTH CAI and a cat-back exhaust system, for as much as a 15 hp total increase over stock (POSSIBLE, not guaranteed), either one alone yields increases on the order of 5-7 horsepower (POSSIBLE, not guaranteed). Again, my impression is that a drop-in filter yields less than that, since the standard airbox is still in place.

I noticed a difference. Not l;ike a turbo but you can tell.

Can't say much for the K&N one but I have a full CAI from Injen on mine. Sounds very nice and I notice the increase also. I'd put the same thing in all over agian if I did it over.

Quote, originally posted by BaseViber03 »I have read a few threads with CAI. Can anyone tell me if there is a big differnnce in performance? I know that there is a debate between K&N drop in's and CAI's. Thanks... I had a K&N drop-in filter and it made a tiny noticable difference in performance. I then put on a Cosmo Racing CAI and the power difference was amazing. Very noticeable increase, especially from 2800 rpm and up. It also makes a really great noise. At first you will see a drop in MPG because you will be wanting to hear that full throttle noise all the time. Then your mileage will return to normal. A drop-in or CAI has very little effect on mileage. A free flowing exhaust should give you a small increase in MPG.

That is if you don't hot rod it like I have since my mods. One of these days I'll get it out of my system.

yeah my gas milage sucks... everyone used to laugh I would always shift at 3000RPM... well with the CAI I shift at 4000-4500RPM most of the time and am harder on the pedal... kissed my good fuel economy goodbye.Now I have to force myself to shift at 3000RPM and not be fast on take offs.

i had my CAI on before i even drove it, so i can't tell you the difference, but it sure ssounds alot meaner when you put your foot in it, or at least as mean as a 1.8 can be.

its fun to watcg reactions of people crossing your path when you are stopped, just give it a quick tap on the gas pedal and watch people jump and look around.

The CAI was the most noticeable performance increase, well worth the money....and the sucking sound when you shift is awsome.

I love it. I'm making noise at both ends. Kinda like belching and farting at the same time.

Quote, originally posted by theangrydwarf1 »Kinda like belching and farting at the same time. such a beautiful occurence!!

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