GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Anyone know what the HP and the torque gains are for a C.A.I.?

Not much.... 3-5 maybe... It's more about it working with a system, like adding headers and exhaust... I wouldn't expect much, except for a little pep...

Like sublimewind said, but depending on the brand I'd say 5-8hp, but you will lose low and low-mid range torque. However, you will gain a little more torque at the higher rpm range.

Pretty close to zero in the 2500-3500 rpm range where you drive 99.99% of the time.

Quote, originally posted by djb383 »Pretty close to zero in the 2500-3500 rpm range where you drive 99.99% of the time.But when you get on it (with header and exhaust) the power comes on like a motocross bike from 3,500rpm and up. Isn't that when you want the extra power, when you are winding it out WFO.

I believe the original post was about a CAI. There have been dyno results posted, after installing a CAI, showing little, if any increase, from 2500-3500 rpm but 3-5 HP increase at 6300-6500 rpm (base redline). Don't recall seeing dyno results after a header and exhaust install but it would be interesting. For sure the noise level gets a boost.

Quote, originally posted by Sunny »But when you get on it (with header and exhaust) the power comes on like a motocross bike from 3,500rpm and up. Isn't that when you want the extra power, when you are winding it out WFO. Umm 5 hp is about the same difference as having a mid size dog in the car with you. And since the 5hp is at peak powet, the % difference is and feels very small. There's actually less power below 3K and you feel that more because the percentage of loss down there is much greater.

a GT will have different results from an AWD or base. driving the demodded pumpkin (04 Vibe 5spd), i notice a huge performance difference in the 3500 K rpm range from when we had CAI, Exhaust and Unichip. even without the CAI and unichip, the exhaust made a slight difference. and the other day, forgetting that i was in the Pumpkin and not my usual DD, and that we demodded the vibe, i almost got ran over by a volvo wagon! would not have happened with the mods on the car.

Quote, originally posted by goodvibe » Umm 5 hp is about the same difference as having a mid size dog in the car with you. And since the 5hp is at peak powet, the % difference is and feels very small. There's actually less power below 3K and you feel that more because the percentage of loss down there is much greater.How much horsepower does a Unichip deliver for $500.00 compared to a $100.00 CAI? 25HP, me no think so.

I might as well chime in.The CAI itself adds only a few horses on it's own.But with a cat-back and/or header seams to make it worth it.I did notice a drop on the lower end,but much better on the top end,especially on the highway.Then I added the unichip and gained my low end torque back and it seemed to add more all around.But I got bored of that and added a supercharger.Much better now.

Quote, originally posted by Sunny »How much horsepower does a Unichip deliver for $500.00 compared to a $100.00 CAI? 25HP, me no think so. I got the unichip because it added as much peak power as an intake but actually showed the most difference where a GT is weak. Below lift. Much better drivability and pull down low. To each his own. It made enough of a difference that a freind who drove it a few times knew it had an upgrade the first time he drove it with the chip and without being told. I can also afford it and wouldn't consider another GT without one. Buy your next stereo by looking at #s and you'll get what you deserve. Your's is a small minded view unless you've tried it.