Long term impression of CAI

[guy_incognito]

Seems like most of the posts in forums are from people touting the improvements right after they've installed their CAI, and not too much about the long term performance.

Have people noticed any changes in the long term (>1000 miles)? Any changes after the ECU recalibrates? Sound, subjective performance, objective (dynos), MPG changes?

Thanks all. I'm 90% sure I will be getting one, just want to know what to expect down the road. Is it fine to install before break-in period is over?

 

[clos561]

dont have 1k miles so far but im sure nothing wil change....im not sure what miles i need ot change my filter but im sure that a dirty filter wil alter the air flow...

 

[whitey4311]

Actually reading about the filter says that as it gets dirty it works better but still it should be cleaned at about 20k miles.

http://www.off-road.com/chevy/news/2005_09/aem.html

 

[Speed3girl]

How do you like your CAI??

 

[Jesse MS3GT]

Ive had mine for over 2,000 miles. CPE kicks ass!

 

[clos561]

mines good...(first)

 

[Speed3girl]

mines good...(first)

Mines is GREAT!!!

 

[controlo]

all good here. speed3girl, the only reason your car is better than mine is because yours wasn't egged... .
i bet mine rips harder, haha.

 

[justa4banger]

Don't mean to be a Jerk, but this is a dumb question. Computers nowadays learn with in minutes of starting the car and are always adjusting to out side variables.
Adding a CAI will enhance overall performance and if it does deteriorate, then its probably due to a dirty filter.

the reality is, that any small changes you won;t be able to notice. the reason the CAI seems to have such a measurable butt dyno affect is due to the decently size increase in power. Over the next 1 year you could slowly lose 10hp and You as the driver would never notice it.

Oh breaking in period my friend was done before you even thought of getting your particular MS3. the Idea of driving 500-1k miles before dogging the s*** out of it, is from back in the old days, with different designs in rings and valves seats, bearings ETC.......... drive the car like you intend to. It will last short of STRAIGHT abuse.

NAd yes the CAI seems to be the best Bang for the buck and HP per doller upgrade, so what you waiting for.

 

[Speed3girl]

all good here. speed3girl, the only reason your car is better than mine is because yours wasn't egged... .
i bet mine rips harder, haha.

I am sorry to hear that. That stinks.

 

[redspeed]

I love mine custom CAI, just $90. (flash)

 

[Kosh]

5k miles with mazdaspeed cai. Still sounds good and no problems. The original thrill and excitement is pretty much dead since I am driving for fuel economy and not just to hear spool sounds

 

[SwampAss]

I have about 6000 on mine. No complaints. I could do without the noise aspect of it but the power boost (perceived or other) is nice.

 

[sparkplug]

I have about 6000 on mine. No complaints. I could do without the noise aspect of it but the power boost (perceived or other) is nice.

Well I have 6000KM on my Mazda speed 3 with a mazdaspeed CAI at it sounds great and still feels great. Looking forward to the EMS PNP

 

[chuyler1]

Long term CAI review on Protege5

Sound: The sound is nice going through the gears and it quiets down when you cruise on the highway...unlike an exhaust which tends to drone at highway speeds.

Performance: Expect a loss of power down low but you'll gain it back the closer you get to redline. If you're driving stick, it will eventually cause you to run at a higher rpm all the time so you can listen to the sound and not worry about the lack of torque down low.

Would I install one again? Probably not. Its nice to have occasionally when you want to rev high or run through the gears...but for every day driving I don't see an advantage...in fact I see it as a disadvantage because you end up shifting more often to stay in the torque band.

 

[Hikaru9]

...in fact I see it as a disadvantage because you end up shifting more often to stay in the torque band.

Good thing we don't have that torque problem. *^_^*

 

[chuyler1]

Yeah, I'd imagine the torque issue wouldn't be as bad on a turbo charged vehicle.

 

[whitey4311]

Well if there is lost torque I cant tell at all and my friends stock MS3 isnt as fast as mine thats for sure. It made the car not so much huge horse power or anything but more responsive and snappy which is great.

 

[Kosh]

I think the last thing we have to worry about is torque.