Why a CAI
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 8,673
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From: Atlanta GA
Ohh, don't get me wrong, air temps effect timing, but calling an air intake system a cold air intake is a bit of a stretch. The stock intake, haltech, etc etc etc all have similar IATs. There is other reasons besides IATs to do an aftermarket intake. So look at it as an intake system, not a "cold air" intake.
Yep you are 100% correct
Dave
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
There is a definite difference in IAT between the stock LS3 intake with Donaldson filter (any of the 3 versions) and the Vararam. There is also a distinct difference in 1/4 mile times.
For anything other than WOT there is no way to measure if there is an advantage.
For anything other than WOT there is no way to measure if there is an advantage.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 396
Likes: 5
From: Liberty Hill TX
I like and have been using K&N for decades on my vehicles, both filters and CAI systems. I have NEVER had a problem and like their 'reusability'. As far as getting anymore/less 'dirt' in the engine, I would like to see one factual piece of proof of this when used properly (i.e. not over oiled). I have never had any engine issues with any of the vehicles I've used them on; some of these vehicles have had in excess 150K miles on them with the K&N filters/CAI when I sold them in great shape. 
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,436
Likes: 875
From: Bay Area CA
Ohh, don't get me wrong, air temps effect timing, but calling an air intake system a cold air intake is a bit of a stretch. The stock intake, haltech, etc etc etc all have similar IATs. There is other reasons besides IATs to do an aftermarket intake. So look at it as an intake system, not a "cold air" intake.
We both know what more air will do to an engine.
Last edited by Mike's LS3; Dec 14, 2016 at 06:20 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: SW Florida
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Well, I can tell you that after installing an aftermarket 'Airaid' CAI on my 2011 GS (A6), that my in-gear idle is not as smooth as it was with the stock air filter.
Understand, the idle quality is still good, but it's a fact that it's not as smooth as it was with the OEM filter.
The Airaid CAI has been on the car since I bought the car new back in 2011.
Understand, the idle quality is still good, but it's a fact that it's not as smooth as it was with the OEM filter.
The Airaid CAI has been on the car since I bought the car new back in 2011.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,999
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From: Bay Area Ca.
Yup disruptive airflow.
If you read Tadge's review on intakes you will see that GM spent a lot of time and testing to get the MAF signal how they wanted it for fuel and drivability.
Always going to be a trade off when going aftermarket no matter what.
If you read Tadge's review on intakes you will see that GM spent a lot of time and testing to get the MAF signal how they wanted it for fuel and drivability.
Always going to be a trade off when going aftermarket no matter what.
Last edited by Boomer111; Dec 14, 2016 at 06:39 PM.
CF Community Team
Joined: Apr 2016
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From: Pittsburgh
2025 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
As far as cai's go I would not consider a Airaid on the same level as a Halltech or a Vararam. I installed a Halltech on my 2010 & had no rough idle & no tune was needed.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2014
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From: Atlanta GA
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Safety Car
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Unreal, I would never disagree with you as I have a great respect for you and your knowledge but the LS3 intake and the Z06 have great intakes yet I have logs showing my car pulling timing before I installed the Vararam . After install depending on the weather it still pulls some timing but not even close to what it was pulling before the install. My IAT is now not much above ambient air temp ....
Dave
Dave
Even in 90+ degree Florida heat, they did 6 close consecutive pulls, and timing was NEVER pulled. They were surprised, but we had the proof. I daily watch my intake air temps, and it is rarely more than 5 degrees above ambient on any given day, even in stop and go redlight traffic.
Soooo, I'm leaving well enough alone
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,436
Likes: 875
From: Bay Area CA
Hey Dave, I hear ya, but I installed a ZR1 air filter in my stock LS3 intake just before my header and tune on my 2011 GS.
Even in 90+ degree Florida heat, they did 6 close consecutive pulls, and timing was NEVER pulled. They were surprised, but we had the proof. I daily watch my intake air temps, and it is rarely more than 5 degrees above ambient on any given day, even in stop and go redlight traffic.
Soooo, I'm leaving well enough alone
Even in 90+ degree Florida heat, they did 6 close consecutive pulls, and timing was NEVER pulled. They were surprised, but we had the proof. I daily watch my intake air temps, and it is rarely more than 5 degrees above ambient on any given day, even in stop and go redlight traffic.
Soooo, I'm leaving well enough alone
Also, consider octane availability. In Florida, you have 93 octane, in other states, i.e. CA, we have our special 91 octane crap gas.
Last edited by Mike's LS3; Dec 15, 2016 at 12:22 PM.