MS CAI : After-Install Pics

[TurboWagon]

The real reason for posting this is because I installed this myself and would like some feedback as to how things look compared to others either installed by the dealer of by themselves.

I am taking my car in next week for its 7500 mile service and don't want to deal with any hassle about it being on there. I have not had any problems after the installation but I just want to make sure things look right as to not bring up any questions.

Question 1: About the angled tube under the breather vent on the upper CAI pipe. I honestly can't remember how it was positioned when connected to the stock airbox; was it around the vent or not?

Question 2: The Fuel Pump resistor ballast location on the new CAI lower pipe. Note the water shield location.

Question 3: This is how close the shield is to the wheel well lining. It seems to be correct because the lower pipe lines up with the bolt that connects it to the frame, just making sure though.

 

[AutoXRacer]

It all looks good. My intake shield contacts the plastic wheel well shield.
I'm not sure what you're asking in question #1 though...

 

[2ManyCars]

Looks good.

 

[RelliMS3]

if i remember correctly, in order to attach everything there was only one correct way to do it.

 

[dparm1984]

How long did it take? How easy is it to install?

I'm hearing that you need to remove a wheel and the splashguard for the install. ProtegeGarage wants $45 to install it....it's damn cold here right now so I'm thinking I may just take them up on that.

 

[SharkDiver]

How long did it take? How easy is it to install?

I'm hearing that you need to remove a wheel and the splashguard for the install. ProtegeGarage wants $45 to install it....it's damn cold here right now so I'm thinking I may just take them up on that.

Yes,removing the wheel and guard will make it alot easier to install.If you have a garage I would do it myself.Also you may want to look into getting a sri since the performance is the same and it costs less and is easier to install.

 

[dparm1984]

Is it necessary to reach way down into the bottom of the engine bay for the install (hence the removal of the wheel & splashguard)?

If anyone has a link to the install instructions I would appreciate it.


How does your intake sound? Worth the money? :-D

 

[Mid_Life_Crisis]

How does your intake sound? Worth the money? :-D

Forget sound. It is the single most essential upgrade you can do for this car. Whether you are in the CAI or SRI camp, you need to let this thing breathe. Personally, I like the CAI, but it is such a PITA when it is time to clean the filter that I shortened my MS-CAI to an MS-SRI. By the way, no cels from the CAI and, after a month, no cels from the the SRI. Of course I am also completely up to date on SAs and recalls.

 

[dparm1984]

Oh I understand completely...the sound isn't what's important.

My biggest question is why you even need to get the wheel/splashguard off to do this install? Is it just too tricky to reach down there?

 

[CnoTataymo]

Yeah, I installed this bad boy yesterday and man, why the heck did they even put that plastic piece inside the wheel well? Other then that, the install went smooth. I took my time so it was like an hour and a half. I noticed while driving, it feels like I lost so low end but it made up for more midrange and some top. The spool sure does sound nice though.

 

[USMS3]

Wow, thats awesome man.... looks.....


like a couple red X's. Damn firewalls........ (bang)

 

[LENNY127]

looks good, dealer shouldnt say s*** about it.

 

[dparm1984]

How about a wider angle shot of the engine bay?

 

[2ManyCars]

Yeah, I installed this bad boy yesterday and man, why the heck did they even put that plastic piece inside the wheel well? Other then that, the install went smooth. I took my time so it was like an hour and a half. I noticed while driving, it feels like I lost so low end but it made up for more midrange and some top. The spool sure does sound nice though.

No joke on that internal sheild. If not for that it would be a 30-minute installation!

 

[SwampAss]

I cleaned my filter this weekend (20k service)

If you rotate your tires w/ your oil changes, getting to the filter and cleaning it is very easy. My shield rattles a little due to contacting the inner fender well. I might remove the shield. It's not really needed IMO.

 

[Conso]

ya i gotta clean mine, ugh

 

[TurboWagon]

Well, that makes me feel better that it looks correct. I have yet to get a full engine shot but I don't have anything special so it would look stock.

And yes, this installation would have taken a lot less time if that ONE bolt on the air deflector was easier to reach. It took me about 2 hours because I made sure I followed the instructions as carefully as possible.

I think the scariest part of the install is removing and installing that blue plastic ring. I was so sure I was going to break it but it finally came off. Man, what would you do if that thing DID break?

 

[Hot Shot]

Is it necessary to reach way down into the bottom of the engine bay for the install (hence the removal of the wheel & splashguard)?

If anyone has a link to the install instructions I would appreciate it.


How does your intake sound? Worth the money? :-D

Shoot me an IM with your e-mail address. I have the instructions I can e-mail you.

 

[RichB]

So does making the intake a SRI give you the same HP gains as the CAI?

 

[SwampAss]

So does making the intake a SRI give you the same HP gains as the CAI?

it's close. Not enough to matter when it's cold out. My concern is when it's summer.