Ready To Buy A CAI...advice needed...

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed May 21, 2003 6:34 am

Ok, deciding I really want to expand my knowledge and skills on a car, and sure would love a few more horsies under the hood, I'm gung-ho about getting a CAI.I need feedback on just a couple of things. BTW, I have a base Vibe, in case you didn't know, as I know CAI's can be better or worse for each powertrain...-Which is the best to go with. I understand certain brands are throwing CEL's, and others seem to be causing no problems. So, I listed the brands I could find below, can you all vote and tell me which is my best bet? I'm willing to pay a few dollars more for something that will last and won't screw with my engine.-What's the difference between a short ram intake and a CAI? Which is better for performance improvements?-I've asked before, but I can't find the thread. Is this something a beginning DIYer can do? I did the horn swap, and the headlight swap...that's really the only work I've done under the hood. Is this something I can handle myself? I don't care if it takes a whole day...but I just want to know it's easy enough to do myself.-Again, I know it's been mentioned, but I can't find it. How much of a drop in MPG can I expect? Will it be significant (say, >3 MPG) or nominal?-Does anyone regret installing it? Rather, did you not get the gains you'd hoped for, and if you could do it again, would you not?-What other maintenance costs and frequency can I expect? How often do the filters need changing? How much do new filters typically run?Thanks everyone! I appreciate all the help!

PBFlash · Post by **PBFlash** » Wed May 21, 2003 7:52 am

I have had an Injen on mine for about a month now with no problems. The sound and performance are great. I know the TRD has been causing problems with CEL's and also a clicking noise from the VSV. I haven't heard about any problems with the AEM. I think the K&N is overpriced. It's a short ram so the power gains will not be as good as a CAI and they cost more. The install took me about 1 1/2 hours by myself. It's not very hard and the instructions were pretty clear. I could probably help you out if you don't feel comfortable. I haven't been tracking my mileage so I can't help you there. You do not have to replace the filter. You can take it off, clean it, and put it back on. Should last forever.

millster · Post by **millster** » Wed May 21, 2003 8:39 am

I purchased an Injen for mine. I still haven't put it on yet, but I like what I hear from the other people who have. Like PBFlash, I've read a lot of reports of CELs with the TRD intake. The VSV problem is related to the metal braket Toyota includes to hold it to the strut towers. Just pull it off that bracket and tie it up like the Injen and AEM and it's fine. I don't think you could go wrong with any of the CAIs. You'll definitely get better performance from them than a short ram.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed May 21, 2003 9:13 am

Silver --How about ease of install?MPG ratings before and after CAI?

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed May 21, 2003 9:30 am

Will do, thanks silver!

rasermon · Post by **rasermon** » Wed May 21, 2003 11:10 am

quote:How about ease of install?Lancer has a well detailed post on his install, but his pic's are not loading. http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=1281

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed May 21, 2003 11:17 am

Thanks raser, that really helped! Unfortuantely, no one yet has been able to tell me if there is a noticeable difference in power, or if there is a big MPG impact...

slbpsi63 · Post by **slbpsi63** » Wed May 21, 2003 11:18 am

Since when has ractive made a CAI for the Vibe??????

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed May 21, 2003 11:22 am

Umm...lol...sorry, my mistake, they don't.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed May 21, 2003 11:26 am

LOL!Sorry folks, I saw Ractiv when searching for CAI's, didn't think to look to see if they made one for the Vibe. DUH!

Triton · Post by **Triton** » Wed May 21, 2003 11:37 am

I would recommend the Injen intake as well, but they are all good. I have not had any problems with the CEL after my intake install.I would definatley also recommend that you have another person there to help you out. It makes the filter install a lot easier.From all the dyno's that I have seen, a CAI gets you more hp than a short ram. And as far as mpg goes, I have actually increased mine. It all depends on how you drive it after you install the intake. If you go all out because you have some more hp, you are going to burn more gas. After you get one, drive normally and check the difference. Since I installed mine, I have noticed a 2 to 3 mpg increase under normal driving around town which is all I do.As far as filter maintenance goes, depending on where you drive would tell you how often you should clean the filter. In dusty conditions, you would want to take it off and clean more often. For where I am, I am going to take it off anywhere from 10,000 to 15,000 miles and recharge it with a K & N kit. You should not have to replace the filter either. Just remove it and wash it then oil it.I hope my comments have helped. Good luck!

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed May 21, 2003 11:50 am

Thanks Triton! That helps a lot!Silver -- you say that ptuning is the authorized dealer and will warrant the parts, but adventon has lower prices. Isn't the warranty through the manufacturer? I can't buy the product from any dealer and have it warranted?

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed May 21, 2003 11:52 am

Damn. So I can't go ebay either, can I.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed May 21, 2003 11:56 am

Yeah, it's a lot of $$$ though. I wanna do this, but don't wanna break the bank... It's almost $50 more at ptuning...

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed May 21, 2003 11:59 am

Agreed...

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed May 21, 2003 12:01 pm

One thing I never thought about...how does adding stuff such as this affect the warranty on the car? I mean, if I add this, and maybe an exhaust down the line, perhaps drop a couple inches, how would this impact Pontiac's willingness to cover any problems?

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed May 21, 2003 12:03 pm

So as long as I don't open the block, I should be ok?Oh yeah, someone said something about having a second person handy to install the filter...does that mean I need to jack up the car, or can it be done on the ground?

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed May 21, 2003 12:06 pm

Schweet! Thanks silver! As always, you got the answers for me. Too bad ptuning don't have different colors...

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed May 21, 2003 12:15 pm

Interesting. On Injen's site, they show a pic of an installed CAI in a matrix...however, it seems the picture actually shows a vibe!http://www.injen.com/webpages/intakes/i ... d2065.jpgI say this because AFAIK, toyota does not use delphi batteries? Isn't delphi owned by GM?One last question: Is the XR or the XRS the equivalent of the Base? It's the XR, right?

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed May 21, 2003 12:18 pm

quote:You can not order from Injen, you have to go through one of their dealers.Yep, I know, i was just browsing the site.Thanks again silver! I think I'll go order mine now...

millster · Post by **millster** » Wed May 21, 2003 1:07 pm

quote:I say this because AFAIK, toyota does not use delphi batteries? Isn't delphi owned by GM?Another part of the combination Pontiac/Toyota design. Both the radio and battery (possibly some other parts) are Delphi in both brands.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed May 21, 2003 1:24 pm

Well, there goes my theory.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed May 21, 2003 2:26 pm

Ok, before I go and buy my Injen, I noticed in some older threads people had problems fitting the Injen CAI in the vibe, and had to remove the bumper and work around foglights and stuff...Granted, this thread was mid 2002...has this problem been corrected, or is this still a problem? Should I go with an AEM instead? Thanks again guys.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed May 21, 2003 2:31 pm

But it will all fit ok afterwards? It won't be too close to a hot foglight or out of the direct airflow?I don't mind a couple of obstacles as long as it works out in the end...

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed May 21, 2003 2:34 pm

Kickass.Thanks again silver. Dude, you and I have posted more to each other this week than I have posted in general in the last 2 months! ROFL!I think we need to meet up wtih you michigan folks at some point. Make a east coast/michigan meetup. LOL!

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed May 21, 2003 2:36 pm

I'm goin to indiana this summer for a few days...maybe I'll head up Michigan way.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed May 21, 2003 2:39 pm

Umm...no clue how to get there. LOL! Waiting for AAA to give me the route...Gonna check out IU Bloomington...

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed May 21, 2003 3:34 pm

quote:Cool. College is costly. Save your money. I will...after the CAI...hehe...

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed May 21, 2003 11:55 pm

Bought my Injen CAI from ptuning.com today...went for the red, as silver kindly pointed out to me, it matches my Hellas and my incoming GrafxWerks badges, plus if I opt to install the strut bar later, that's red too. SCHWEET!!!Definitely recommend ptuning...these guys were great, and they said they can get it to me in a week and a 1/2...because it's a special order...plus I got a matrixvibe.net 5% discount, so I paid $236...a bit more than I wanted to spend, but from what I'm hearing, the Injen is worth every penny...Thanks everyone for the help! I'll keep ya posted on how the install goes...

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Thu May 22, 2003 12:04 am

So I guess with this puppy installed I should be running around 138 HP...

Triton · Post by **Triton** » Thu May 22, 2003 12:08 am

You will love that Intake. You will have to take some pics after the install. Check mine out on my Cardomain page link in my signature. The red "Injen" on my intake will match my hella horns when I get them. Let me know what you think of mine.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Thu May 22, 2003 7:40 pm

Yours was very cool Triton...I love how you matched a lot of major components under there to the paint color...really ties it all together...I was talking on here with Silver last night and I was struggling to pick a color...finally, he clued me in the red CAI would match the red hellas, and the red strut bar (if i ever opt to do that). Very cool. They said I should have it sometime the week after next...hoping it coms faster than they expected!

Triton · Post by **Triton** » Thu May 22, 2003 9:05 pm

Thanks for the compliments. They had to special order mine as well. It didn't take that long though. And trust me, it's well worth the wait!

Pablo1669 · Post by **Pablo1669** » Thu May 22, 2003 9:48 pm

quote:Very cool. They said I should have it sometime the week after next...hoping it coms faster than they expected! Ptuning overestimates their shipping times, my exhaust showed up like a week before they said it would. But I can't promise anything.

Nervous_Dog · Post by **Nervous_Dog** » Thu May 22, 2003 10:38 pm

Check out this link: http://www.enjoythedrive.com/content/?id=8124 Your dealer cannot void the whole car's warranty. If you remove your stock airbox it will no longer be under warranty. However, the dealer cannot void the warranty of anything else "down the line" from the mod that you installed. If you replace your stock airbox with a high-flow intake with a K&N Filtercharger cone filter, the dealer can't void the warranty on your throttle body, O2 sensor, or intake manifold. - from J-body.orgLook up the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act to get more info. SEMA will be happy to contact a dealer who tries to deny warranty work on the basis of aftermarket parts. Know your rights!

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri May 23, 2003 3:57 am

I think you're right, cause I got an e-mail today it already shipped! WOOHOO!

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri May 23, 2003 8:01 am

Killer. We all know where I'll be next weekend then!

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri May 23, 2003 8:14 am

Depends on how they ship...UPS is notorious for taking their sweet (removed) time shipping stuff. Nothing ever arrives by the estimated delivery date (hence the reason ETD always gets pushed back)FedEx is known for often getting stuff to their location long before the estimated delivery date.USPS just loses stuff, breaks stuff, and takes a while.Regardless, I have no way to track it, I wasn't given a tracking #.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri May 23, 2003 8:21 am

Yep, you're right. I had to go to the order status page to get it.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sun May 25, 2003 3:18 am

Nope. It's in Ontario, California. And it's been there since THURSDAY!

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sun May 25, 2003 3:25 am

It better the hell. I want my CAI dammit! LOL!

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sun May 25, 2003 3:42 am

True. Damn holidays.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sun May 25, 2003 7:34 am

Yeah, I know...

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sun May 25, 2003 8:04 am

I realize first hand how impatient I am now...LOL!AND YAY, THIS IS MY 1000th POST!!! I am now a Gen Vibe God!I feel surprisingly mortal for a god...

Lancer · Post by **Lancer** » Sun May 25, 2003 3:01 pm

I fixed (hopefully) the pic's problem. Yahoo suck's, Car domain rocks.

millster · Post by **millster** » Mon May 26, 2003 3:20 am

Good deal. Wish I would have read this before just now. It is helpful to have a quality walkthrough like Lancer's available. Some of the Injen instructions are lacking and the one other walkthrough I found (not on this site) is pretty lacking as well. But now, we're all set again! Now, where was this all leading... oh yes, I finally got my intake in!!!! I'll forgo the photos for now since I'm sure everyone knows what they look like and mine is certainly no standout. Let me just say this: I love it!!! The evil-shop-vac sound at idle is cool, the sound at WOT is terrific and the sound at lift is awe inspiring. Even the sucking sound it makes when you shut the engine off is cool. I won't bother rehashing what everyone else has said about the power increase, etc, but I will say that it smooths out the power band noticeably. It always seemed like the engine bogged out around 4K, but now it's super smooth all the way to 8K. Of course, maybe my mind was a bit clouded by the euphoria from that awesome sound. Truly this is a great and really easy mod. Only took my father and I about an hour and that was working at a pretty relaxed pace. This brings my love of my Vibe to a whole new level.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Tue May 27, 2003 11:28 pm

My CAI hasn't moved from California IN 7 DAYS!!! I am getting SO pissed! I HATE UPS SO DAMN MUCH!!!

Triton · Post by **Triton** » Tue May 27, 2003 11:41 pm

Don't worry about what the tracking says ragingfish. Did they give you a delivery date? If they did, look at your tracking number the day before and the day of. You will see a lot of movement then.If you hate UPS and the way they track packages, you should see how the USPS hadles it. They really stink!

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri May 30, 2003 1:18 am

YAY!!! IT'S HERE!It was waiting for me when I woke up!CAI here I come!!!!!Now, people keep referring to 3 screws that release the fender wall from the front bumper to ease filter install...where are these screws? In the engine compartment, in the wheel wheel? Thanks guys...

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri May 30, 2003 6:53 am

Well, I got it in!It was a tricky install -- took about 3 hours...mostly because I had trouble getting the damn CAI itself in...Hit a few snags:When I installed the vibration bumper, i over tightened it and sheared the nut and part of the bolt right off! But, I later discovered I had installed it in the wrong hole (spent 20 minutes trying to get it installed with the bumper in the wrong hole ). Then I couldn't get to the fog area to tighten the bolt, so I ended up removing most of the wheel well...Lots of push rivets there, and some screws. Anyone planning this install, I HIGHLY recommend removing the interior of the driver side wheel well...makes it much easier...Unfortunately, I messed up the driver headlight...it's not sitting right, not sure how to get it back in... Broke one of the plastic rivets that held the valve cover in place...went to toyota, ordered a half dozen, $9!!!!! Hoping they ordered the right damn part. For the heck of it, went to a random pontiac delaer, they ordered me 2 also, but will cover it under my warranty. DOH! $9 lost. But, we'll see.Not liking the sound of the new CAI...sounds like a riced up car...much deeper, especially when accelerating in high RPMs...Noticed the car idles slower, and also in general accelerates in a lower RPM range...The sound it makes when you turn off the car is awesome...Have pics, but my cable internet went out (using dialup, UGH!), so will post tomorrow!