CAI Contemplation
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 198
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From: North Carolina
CAI Contemplation
Sorry if this has been beaten to death but so far I like this forum and the experiences/opinions that many are willing to share with new guys like me.
I've been looking at air intake options for my 2004 C5 coupe that is stock apart from the Borla exhaust. After looking at what seem to be the most popular and most reviewed "basic" options, I've decided on a Callaway Honker.
It looks like I will definitely need a tune with the Callaway but unfortunately the mechanic that I would like to use for the tuning says I shouldn't get the Callaway "because of serious issues I will have with water".
Callaway folks in CT told me "as long as you don't try to ford any rivers, you'll be fine"
So I'd like to hear what some of you think/know:
How much will CAI change how car runs? Will she be at all driveable after the Callaway is installed without a tune? Should I just look for another shop to do the tune? He seems like the best around, maybe I'm just being stubborn...
I've been looking at air intake options for my 2004 C5 coupe that is stock apart from the Borla exhaust. After looking at what seem to be the most popular and most reviewed "basic" options, I've decided on a Callaway Honker.
It looks like I will definitely need a tune with the Callaway but unfortunately the mechanic that I would like to use for the tuning says I shouldn't get the Callaway "because of serious issues I will have with water".
Callaway folks in CT told me "as long as you don't try to ford any rivers, you'll be fine"
So I'd like to hear what some of you think/know:
How much will CAI change how car runs? Will she be at all driveable after the Callaway is installed without a tune? Should I just look for another shop to do the tune? He seems like the best around, maybe I'm just being stubborn...
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: N.E. Suburb MN
This thread is basically necrophilia..... It's been f'd to death. I'd recommend just using the search function and Google. Yes they with other mods like headers etc to provide nice bolt ot gains.
1/4 mile/AutoX
Joined: Jun 2014
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From: Buffalo Texas
I use the Vararam, which many think is the most susceptible for water issues, of which I have not. I could feel the difference (and many will say bull*) I didn't get a tune until I added headers !!!
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Unless you drive in several inches of water, you should not have any problems with the CAI. You may feel some increase in HP, but don’t expect a huge difference. I really do not think a tune is needed just for an air intake. Wait until you do other power enhancing mods and then have the car tuned.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 198
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From: North Carolina
Unless you drive in several inches of water, you should not have any problems with the CAI. You may feel some increase in HP, but don’t expect a huge difference. I really do not think a tune is needed just for an air intake. Wait until you do other power enhancing mods and then have the car tuned.
I was referring to whether it would run rough with more air flow.
One of the local, well-known tune specialty shops encouraged me to get a tune after adding a CAI to my aftermarket exhaust - perhaps just wanting my money - and that made me want to ask here about the Callaway and about the real need for a tune.
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Joined: Feb 2021
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That’s a lot of money for a few hp, but it’s considered a good intake. A tune is not required, but if the engine has not been dyno tuned there is definitely power left on the table that the less restrictive filter can capitalize on.
Last edited by vette4fl; Nov 19, 2021 at 11:06 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 86
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From: East Tennessee
I put a Honker on my stock '04. No problems with water nor with the way it ran. It did feel more responsive but I can't say what hp gain there was. A few months later I had a dyno tune to wake it up. The tune got it to 327 hp.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 198
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From: North Carolina
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,803
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From: Northville, MI
With any air cleaner change you will experience a slight change in the engine management system. Most would not feel any change at all except the air intake might get louder.
If you were to run a scan log you would see the changes that occur. Most PCM will adjust to the slight change in air temp/speed etc. and make subtle changes to the engine management to compensate. However if the changes are great enough (changes the Long Term fuel Trims more than +- 5) tuning will help the car run smoother.
If you were to run a scan log you would see the changes that occur. Most PCM will adjust to the slight change in air temp/speed etc. and make subtle changes to the engine management to compensate. However if the changes are great enough (changes the Long Term fuel Trims more than +- 5) tuning will help the car run smoother.
