Okay before we go on, please don't flame me and keep reading! This is not a post asking about what the best intake is or any of that. I know each intake is different and that a lot of research is necessary. I've read many articles and threads, and i feel that I'm at the point where my stock intake is a limit to the power on the car. I have a stock intake box + tube, 75mm tb, 5/16 plenum spacer, test pipes, hks exhaust, and jwt lightweight flywheel. Currently, I have two intakes I'm debating between. Z1 MSpec Race intake or Limp Mode Tuning (LMT) short ram. The first is a 3 inch cold air intake that reaches in front of the radiator and the second is a 4 inch short ram intake that sits in the engine bay with a heat shield. Both have pros and cons. The 3 inch intake is nice, but I'm concerned about potential hydrolock as I drive in rain and snow. The 4 inch intake I'm concerned is too big and may suck in too much hot air. Anybody have any experience or suggestions? I'd like to keep the pcv system intact as i have a new catch can, so RZG and similar intakes are off the table.

 

If I recall, a 4" intake is definitely going to require a tune. Something to consider.

 

If you drive in the rain or snow then an intake that has a filter that sits that low in the center grille is a bad idea.

If you're really concerned that much about warm air versus a "true" cold air intake, then you can always get a front bumper duct/scoop and make (or buy) a plate which diverts air directly to the filter if it sits in the engine bay.

I'm not sure if any intakes that are 3.5" and up have the port for the PCV so you would likely need to fab something up if you want to keep it intact. Do you have 2 catch cans for both sides?

Any intake mod will require a tune to make the most out of any changes. You'll be running lean with a 3" intake and no tune, but it will be drive-able. I'm not even sure if it will run without a tune with a 3.5" intake and up.

Personally, I would run an intake as big as possible with as little bends or bottlenecks if you're looking to get the most out of it.

 

You may be right, only 3.5" I know of is MaZterpeice and that's titanium so it's expensive. Typically they forego any PCV, but yeah no cold air for rain.
if you are concerned about warm air get a scoop and duct air from the grille.

 

LimpMode intake and have Pat do the tune as well. You will be impressed.

 

Rain and snow will do little to an intake, most important is not driving into standing water dealer than the filter.

Short Ram vs CAI , both have advantages. With a proper heat shield the short Ram pulls the same temp air as a CAI when moving. When sitting still the CAI has an advantage

anytime you make the MAF sensor area bigger than stock you will require a tune