CP-E CAI & COBB SRI impressions

Kain

Member
Just a little background, I had a COBB SRI installed for about 1,000 miles.

cobb_sri.jpg


Sold it, was put on the (indefinite) wait list for a SU red COBB SRI, then this CP-E CAI (powdercoated red by RPM) caught my eye, plus it was actually in stock. Got it in the mail yesterday, threw it on today after work in the parking garage.

cpe-cai_install_1.jpg

cpe-cai_install_2.jpg

cpe-cai_install_3.jpg

cpe-cai_install_4.jpg


Took it out for a spin on some local twisties to relearn the ECU. Here are my impressions so far:

First off, obviously installing the COBB SRI was much easier. CP-E recommends jacking the car up and taking off the driver's side wheel to access the fender well. Obviously I didn't because I took off the front bumper since I got my hands on a undrilled "mustache" that requires the bumper off to install. I recommend following CP-E's directions, would've been faster.

Performance-wise, I've heard people say the throttle response with an SRI is faster than a CAI. If that's the case between these two intakes, my butt dyno can't feel it. I don't have any dyno numbers, but the power feels similar. I've only put 60 miles on the CAI, so perhaps the ECU still needs some more miles to adjust.

Both make that nice (to most) whoosh vacuum sound, obviously the CAI's coming more from the left and lower than the SRI. Surprisingly, the CAI seems to be louder than the SRI (I had an AEM CAI and SRI on my last car and the SRI was noticeably louder on that application). The CAI also has this tinny undertone following the vacuum whoosh that the SRI didn't.

In any case, you can't go wrong with either intake. They both have air straighteners and are of impeccable quality.
 
Last edited:
CoolWhip, may I ask why? As silly as it seems, I sold my COBB SRI only because it was blue (going with an all red/black theme for my mods) and I sold it for a king's ransom.

Also, was that you who honked at me in Tyson's Corner a couple of hours ago? I waved back.
 
I hope that parking garage belongs to you housing complex :P
The red CAI looks pretty nice

Thanks. I'm borderline OCD, so if I'm not completely satisfied with a mod, it eats at me.

That's my work's parking garage. It was recently repaved, so it's clean enough to eat off of. Perfect for working on my ride in, especially on weekends when it's empty.
 
CoolWhip, may I ask why? As silly as it seems, I sold my COBB SRI only because it was blue (going with an all red/black theme for my mods) and I sold it for a king's ransom.

Also, was that you who honked at me in Tyson's Corner a couple of hours ago? I waved back.

No lol not me, The reason is I want to go with a color scheme under the hood as well.

I'm trying to decide if I want to go white on white or go with something else ...

I'm actually thinking of going with a bronze look under the hood when I get my rims lol ... still not sure but its not for performance reasons as much as apperance.

Any ideas for the engine bay with CWP?
 
Any ideas for the engine bay with CWP?

I really am partial to the panda look (white car, black mods). Maybe some red to break it up a little. Good thing with white is that really any other color will look nice as a complement.
 
I really am partial to the panda look (white car, black mods). Maybe some red to break it up a little. Good thing with white is that really any other color will look nice as a complement.

I was thinking red, even started looking at the SU SRI in red ... figured when I get the FMIC I'd get it powder coated in red as well.
 
There's a local guy selling his MS6 that has a red powdercoated valve cover. Trying to convince him to part out. Would look nice as hell if I ever go FMIC.
 
now I know why you went with the hotchkis bar. I'm more of a Harlequin modder. Gold wheels, silver intake, blue swaybar, red springs/camber plates.
 
not the fetal abnormality...I meant in regard to the French costumers in that genre of theater. (I'm not gay)
 
Minor TJ: I live/work in NoVa, too. Saw a fellow black MS3 on my way home from work earlier this week (maybe Wednesday or Thursday) in Crystal City. Definitely had some mods (I'm totally stock), but couldn't really tell as we only were next to each other for a second.
 
now I know why you went with the hotchkis bar. I'm more of a Harlequin modder. Gold wheels, silver intake, blue swaybar, red springs/camber plates.

Might I suggest this decal to show off your multi-color pride. Your ride could be featured in a Benetton ad.

cd22-l.jpg

(I'm not gay)
cd22-l.jpg

LOL, no. MDA is just my username, I work for a non-profit in Alexandria.
Old Town? That's where I work.
 
Took a couple of more pics with better lighting. I did notice that the counterweight comes 1/4" of hitting the CAI in third gear. I'm thinking of the COBB shifter weight to prevent any possible banging.

cpe-cai_install_5.jpg

cpe-cai_install_6.jpg
 
Wow, you actually took off the front bumper. Not really necessary but if it was easier access for you, right now. Yeah, I noticed when I made my MS CAI to SRI, not really much. I still prefer the CAI over the SRI.
 
Wow, you actually took off the front bumper. Not really necessary but if it was easier access for you, right now.
CP-E recommends jacking the car up and taking off the driver's side wheel to access the fender well. Obviously I didn't because I took off the front bumper since I got my hands on a undrilled "mustache" that requires the bumper off to install. I recommend following CP-E's directions, would've been faster.
I too just recently came to the realization that by stringing many letters together, words are formed which help to explain things in detail.
 
Might I suggest this decal to show off your multi-color pride. Your ride could be featured in a Benetton ad.

cd22-l.jpg


cd22-l.jpg


Old Town? That's where I work.

Yes, in Old Town, right off King Street. And if you knew the non-profit I worked for, you wouldn't call me a hippy! :)
 
Back