I debated on posting this because I didn't want to sound stupid but..... I had my Borla TD installed yesteday and when I was at the speed shop they asked me if I was going to put a CAI on the car. They said it would "sound great". I just agreed and said one of these days.
First of all I know the idea behind the CAI and what it suppose to do. I also know that there isn't much of a HP gain in the Z due to the already good airbox. So what is the SOUND everyone is talking about? Is it the sucking in of extra air or what? I know on my chevelle when you take the air cleaner off you hear a loud sucking sound, Is that it? I've searched for sound clips but nothing came up.
Can someone explain to me what this sounds like. I don't want to spend the money for just the Bling look of the CAi but if there is a definitive sound then ok. Also can you actually tell you have this installed, by the sound, without raising the hood up?
Thank You for your time and input.
Forgive me for being new to this.

 

Anybody, Anybody???????

 

Ok, I'll throw my opinion out there. I've helped install 2 of these on my buddies cars in the last month and even though I have not had personal experience on the Z I think I can make a pretty good judgement now.

First car, my buddies Saleen. Because the car has such a growl to begin with, we didn't tell much of a difference after putting the CAI on it. You could tell, both outside and inside the car, but to be honest, unless you were listening for it, you wouldn't notice.

Second car, my buddies 2001 Subaru 2.5 RS Impreza Turbo. This Air Intake stock on the car plain sucks. We took out this plastic crap and emptied the whole right side of the engine compartment. We put his Rallispec intake on and man does it roar now. Considerable difference, some people think it roars too much, sounds "ricey". But it also adds considerable HP to his car. I think part of the reason it is so much louder is becuase it doesn't draw from the under the bumper or wheel well like traditional ones. It sits open in the engine compartment right under the hood vent. So it draws through that therefore having the opening for sound as well.

So based on this, I think the Z would have minimal sound increase. It would be more like the Saleen, not becuase it's so loud to begin with like the Saleen. But because the stock Intake is so good to begin with, I don't think the sound would change much, just like the HP doesn't. With your aftermarket exhaust I would think it may make it sound a little better, but not that much more.

Just my two cents after doing 2 other cars...

 

Hugo...
I havn't heard a CAI on the Z yet in person...just a sound clip of the AEM, which I must say sounds awesome. However, I had a AEM CAI on my Gen 5 Prelude...let me tell you...it was my favorite mod ever on that car. It sounded like I was driving a ferrari when I hit VTEC. Its an awesome sound.

I have a question for other with the Injen...is the sound as dramatic as the AEM? Even if the AEM offers a coiuple horses less, I'd still opt for the sound.

Mike

 

I have injen, there really isn't any sound difference what so ever. But I can tell a difference in speed. I would recomend the mod.

 

with my flowmaster, I can't hear anything, but others say they do.


we had a 2000 323Ci, with the dinan carbon fiber cai, and it sounded like an electrical whine in the sound system. It was so bad to my wife, that she got an IS300, which we later replaced with a g35c.

 

Thanks guys for the input.

 

http://aceman350z.50megs.com/favorite_links.html

See if this helps


Later
Aceman

 

the whine in the stereo shouldn't have been from the intake (but, i could be wrong...i've never heard it on a bmw). that usually happens when one of the stereo wires doesn't have a correct ground. it will whine when you accelerate. i've heard this on many cars because of the creppy stereo install...and i've fixed a few of them. all you have to go it correct the ground...and the whine will go away.

 

I installed an Injen CAI as well as Invidia Exaust on my Z. Very pleased with the sound and power gains from both of these products. On my last car I also had intake/exaust.

The sound is more Throaty from the front of the car. Also between shifts I can hear a faint Hiss. Its sounds like a little miniture blw off valve. Good stuff.

 

Just got done driving my car a bit and appreciating the sound. The difference with the CAI is subtle but noticable for me at WOT and somtimes during shifts.

I like the look. I like the sound. And maybe it makes some power. 2 out of those 3 is usually fine for me.

Dan

 

Can someone post a sound clip of the Injen CAI? I want to "hear" before I buy.

-Chrismcagle

 

If you do not have a Crawford Plenum then I would definately suggest this before a CAI. It does cost a little more at $450+shipping, but you will feel a lot more power and a better sound improvement than a CAI. Food for thought.

 

You can really tell a difference on the high reving cars. They sound great on cars like the S2000, Civic Si, ITR, etc.

 

You cant really tell a sound difference from inside the car.. but outside it is significantly louder... mine has a weird sucking/whistling sound.. almost like a blowoff valve ??

 

I have the Injen CAI. It does make a sound kind of like a blowoff valve. I notice it most in between shifts and with the windows down. I have to say I do love the sound of it.

 

With stock exhaust the intake sound is very loud.....when you are at 4000 rpm's and punch it it really barks. As soon as I changed to test pipes the sound is now gone. A buddy who has a Civic Si noticed the same thing when he changed the exhaust on his car. The exhaust restrictions really make a difference to the sound coming out of the intake.