Best method - installing CAI without lift, jack stands, ramps, etc..

[TheRealDefman]

So, if I limited to only having the factory jack what's the best method to install a CAI? If the answer is removing the front bumper, any links to How To's for that, I'm not having much luck with that part.?

Thanks!

PS: useful info here.. I have big fat arms.

 

[blinduno]

not to rack on ya much, but the 3 things you should have is one a jack, and 2 jack stands... makes life so easy :-D but ive never put in a cai myself so sorry i am of no use... i shouldnt even be posting then huh? strange.

 

[Kain]

The only thing you should be doing with just the stock jack is changing a flat in an emergency. If you go the cheap route, ramps or a jack and stands set are ~$40 from your local VatoZone or Wally World.

 

[NCZ13]

The only thing you should be doing with just the stock jack is changing a flat in an emergency. If you go the cheap route, ramps or a jack and stands set are ~$40 from your local VatoZone or Wally World.

being that your from VA, im surprised you call it vatozone too lol

 

[guy_incognito]

It is possible to install a CAI without lifting the car or removing the bumper (I actually did it this way), but having fat arms might make it impossible.

Either remove the front bumper or invest in ramps or jack stands. You'll want a way to lift your call if and when you get around to installing motor mounts.

 

[Kain]

being that your from VA, im surprised you call it vatozone too lol

lawl. I lived in Cali for 9 years, but even then, sometimes I feel like I need a passport to shop in a VatoZone here, too.

 

[TheRealDefman]

OK, so after rethinking not buying jack/stands (realizing this won't be a one time deal since the CAI will require maintenance) AND remembering that I have big fat arms...

Is removing the splash tray a better option? Directions for the Injen kit say to remove the bumper. Directions for the AEM have you going thru the fender well. So there are obviously several ways to do it. Funny that in the video of AEM doing it they take off the bumper, and it looks like they may have also taken off the splash tray, so how they do it and how they say to do it are different.

 

[Moultese]

Working on a car with just the factory jack is stupid and dangerous. If you are lifting your car up at all and it's not an emergency(see: flat tire) then you need jack stands. I don't know why you wouldn't just invest in a decent jack and jackstands. Unless this is the only mod you're planing on doing. And if that's the case, just take it to a shop. Or surely you know someone with jackstands that you can borrow.

 

[TheRealDefman]

Working on a car with just the factory jack is stupid and dangerous. If you are lifting your car up at all and it's not an emergency(see: flat tire) then you need jack stands. I don't know why you wouldn't just invest in a decent jack and jackstands. Unless this is the only mod you're planing on doing. And if that's the case, just take it to a shop. Or surely you know someone with jackstands that you can borrow.

Yes, it's the only mod I plan to do, hence my reluctance to spend $$ on tools I'll only use a few times... Too bad you didn't take a moment to read the other threads to see that I may have backed off my original idea..

 

[mazdaspeedster3]

take the driver side tire off and 4 bolts to remove that wheel well. Shouldnt have any problems. Just dont work with your body parts under that car AT ALL!

 

[bgibb68]

dude bring it by my house in pflugerville and i'll help you with it

 

[shane02pro5]

I'm pretty sure he was just trying to keep you from smooshing yourself!(group)

Yes, it's the only mod I plan to do, hence my reluctance to spend $$ on tools I'll only use a few times... Too bad you didn't take a moment to read the other threads to see that I may have backed off my original idea..

 

[TheRealDefman]

I understand.... I'm just cheap, not stupid.

I'm pretty sure he was just trying to keep you from smooshing yourself!(group)

 

[Moultese]

Yeah, I've known 3 guys to have a car come crushing down on them by just using a jack. Luckily all three only had minor injuries, but still. Better to be safe.

 

[Kain]

Yes, it's the only mod I plan to do, hence my reluctance to spend $$ on tools I'll only use a few times...

A jack/stands set is useful not just for mods, but general maintenance stuff like oil changes and tire rotations. The green you save doing those yourself more than pays for the tools in the long run.

 

[TheRealDefman]

So, I just got around to installing the Injen CAI tonight... I ended up going with the "take the bumper off" method. It wasn't too bad, some parts are a minor pain-in-the-ass... ended up taking the fog lights off since the wire is connected to the assembly with some funky wire-tie/clip thing and I couldn't just unplug the light. Threw a few choice words at the screw inside the fender well, but I got 'em back in! Happy to say there were no left over parts that weren't supposed to be!

Anyhow... Glad it's done, sounds nice, performs nice, blah blah. I drove about 32 miles this evening to let the CPU get used to it.... chewed up a shitload of gas playing with it!! I'm amazed that the car gets much better gas mileage than my PTC did, I'm getting around 22 MPG with the normal driving I do... some to work, some to shopping, some just for fun... Doesn't get 22 MPG when I have fun though, oh well, enjoy the cheap gas while I can!!

 

[///M Compact]

I bought this Snap-on jack and stands. Not cheap, but jacks and stands are like motorcycle helmets- if you have a $50 head, buy a $50 set of stands...

 

[MM BOOST]

instead of making a post and cluttering things up...when I bought my MS3 back in March, it already had a Injen CAI installed on it. I am wanting to replace the filter on it very VERY soon and I am wondering if I have to take the whole damn bumper off to replace the filter or is there an easier method??

 

[Mike240SX]

Spending $100+ on a CAI (and over a thousand on audio equipment) yet not spending $50 on even the cheapest PepBoys Jack/Jackstands...wow.

I feel like I'm back on the 240 forums.

Seriously, do you not change your own oil either?

 

[TheRealDefman]

instead of making a post and cluttering things up...when I bought my MS3 back in March, it already had a Injen CAI installed on it. I am wanting to replace the filter on it very VERY soon and I am wondering if I have to take the whole damn bumper off to replace the filter or is there an easier method??

You can probably do that thru the wheel well.