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CAI question

Old Sep 13, 2013 | 01:11 AM
  #1  
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Default CAI question

opinions please.

what is the best CAI for the outlay of cash?

Airaid(sp) or K&N have been the 2 that I have had people recommend.

as far as brand names to look at.
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Old Sep 13, 2013 | 05:31 AM
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Default Cai

I use the K&N on my 06,ARH headers,Fast 102 intake and of course a tune!
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Old Sep 13, 2013 | 07:32 AM
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Default it depends

what engine do you have and what are you looking for? if you have a stock LS3 the factory system works great and it's free. opening the shroud lets cooler air into the intake.
an LS2 does benefit from a CAI. lots, including me, are running Vararams other Halltechs.
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Old Sep 13, 2013 | 07:38 AM
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I just bought this Airaid from Summit for $258 after $30 mail in rebate.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/AID-251-230
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Old Sep 13, 2013 | 09:39 AM
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The K&N for a C6 is NOT a CAI.

It's just a filter change. There is no provision for cold (fresh) air to enter the intake manifold.
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Old Sep 13, 2013 | 10:57 AM
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I have the K&N, my car came with it when I bought it. It works fine to me. I do plan on selling it and getting a Vararram this winter.
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Old Sep 13, 2013 | 11:48 AM
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K&N does sell an intake kit that is more than just a filter replacement.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/kn...model/corvette
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Old Sep 13, 2013 | 12:22 PM
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i have the SLP on the wifes car
it's nice
if i had an LS3 car, i wouldn't do it, unless accompanying work needs it
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Old Sep 13, 2013 | 12:47 PM
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Originally Posted by recentlydivorced
opinions please.

what is the best CAI for the outlay of cash?

Airaid(sp) or K&N have been the 2 that I have had people recommend.

as far as brand names to look at.
Their is only one! and that's VARARAM contradictory of what members say about other air filtration systems, for the LS2 OR LS3. Vararam out performs them all, the fastest LS2 & LS3 c6's have the Vararam! both internal mods and bolt/ons according to the c6 performance list, member HOXXOH has done a thread and proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that the Fastest and the overwhelming majority of the fast cars have Vararamhttp://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-t...omparison.html
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Old Sep 13, 2013 | 02:51 PM
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Originally Posted by mdmorgansr
K&N does sell an intake kit that is more than just a filter replacement.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/kn...model/corvette
Just like haljensen mentioned, it's still not a CAI (Cold Air Intake), since it draws air from the same underhood place that the stock system does.
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Old Sep 13, 2013 | 02:55 PM
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Originally Posted by HOXXOH
Just like haljensen mentioned, it's still not a CAI (Cold Air Intake), since it draws air from the same underhood place that the stock system does.
That's why I stated it was an "intake kit". But it is more than just a filter.
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Old Sep 13, 2013 | 03:30 PM
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Originally Posted by dennis50nj
Their is only one! and that's VARARAM contradictory of what members say about other air filtration systems, for the LS2 OR LS3. Vararam out performs them all, the fastest LS2 & LS3 c6's have the Vararam! both internal mods and bolt/ons according to the c6 performance list, member HOXXOH has done a thread and proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that the Fastest and the overwhelming majority of the fast cars have Vararamhttp://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-t...omparison.html
The bottom line is simple. Stay with the OEM system for the best filtration or go to Vararam for the best performance.

You can increase the filtration for a Vararam by using a Amsoil EAA-240 filter.
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Old Sep 13, 2013 | 07:18 PM
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Originally Posted by haljensen
The K&N for a C6 is NOT a CAI.
It's just a filter change. There is no provision for cold (fresh) air to enter the intake manifold.
Right. I would like true "cold air", but don't want to cut the shroud or require a tune while I am still under warrantee.
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Old Sep 14, 2013 | 12:33 AM
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Originally Posted by carpe dm
Right. I would like true "cold air", but don't want to cut the shroud or require a tune while I am still under warrantee.
Prop the shroud open for about $2 and get about 1/2 the cold air of a Vararam. Easily reversible to stock in minutes with no damage.
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Old Sep 14, 2013 | 07:19 PM
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Originally Posted by HOXXOH
Prop the shroud open for about $2 and get about 1/2 the cold air of a Vararam. Easily reversible to stock in minutes with no damage.
How do you Prop the shroud open?.Thanks
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Old Sep 14, 2013 | 08:39 PM
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Default $2 cai

Originally Posted by Cherokee Nation
How do you Prop the shroud open?.Thanks
Gather parts: 2 pcs 1/4-20 threaded rod about 6" long, 4 pcs 1/4 x 1 fender washer, 8 pcs 1/4-20 hex nut

Prepare the props: Divide the parts to create two assemblies. Put two nuts about 1" to 1 1/2" in on each rod and tighten against each other (jam nut) and add a washer. Put two more nuts on the other end of each rod and run them loosely leaving about an inch space from the first pair and then add a washer.

Open the shroud: Pop the two plastic snap pins out at the bottom front of the shroud. They're equally spaced about 6" from the centerline and attach the shroud to the front vertical metal plate. Pry the center locking pin out about a half inch and then pull the whole pin out. Push the bottom of the shroud toward the radiator.

Install the props: While holding the shroud open, put a rod with the most thread showing (it should be about 3" worth) into the hole where the pins were in the metal plate, then put the short end into the mating hole on the shroud. Repeat on the other side. You should now have both assemblies in place and the shroud propped open about 1"-1 1/2". Now run the frontmost loose nuts toward the front of the car until you get the open space of the shroud where you desire. I'd suggest somewhere in the 2 1/2" to 3" range. When you get the opening desired, spin the remaining loose nut to the front and tighten it, jam nut style, to the other nut.

That's it. It takes longer to read this than to do it. Obviously reverse the process to restore the shroud to the stock location.

Enjoy the newfound power, but also be aware that some of the dirt etc that would have been stuck in your radiator/condenser will now be on your engine. If you are creative enough, you can seal off the upper part (above the air filter) of the opening to stop the dirt and effectively force the air through the filter.
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Old Sep 14, 2013 | 11:04 PM
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Originally Posted by HOXXOH
Gather parts: 2 pcs 1/4-20 threaded rod about 6" long, 4 pcs 1/4 x 1 fender washer, 8 pcs 1/4-20 hex nut

Prepare the props: Divide the parts to create two assemblies. Put two nuts about 1" to 1 1/2" in on each rod and tighten against each other (jam nut) and add a washer. Put two more nuts on the other end of each rod and run them loosely leaving about an inch space from the first pair and then add a washer.

Open the shroud: Pop the two plastic snap pins out at the bottom front of the shroud. They're equally spaced about 6" from the centerline and attach the shroud to the front vertical metal plate. Pry the center locking pin out about a half inch and then pull the whole pin out. Push the bottom of the shroud toward the radiator.

Install the props: While holding the shroud open, put a rod with the most thread showing (it should be about 3" worth) into the hole where the pins were in the metal plate, then put the short end into the mating hole on the shroud. Repeat on the other side. You should now have both assemblies in place and the shroud propped open about 1"-1 1/2". Now run the frontmost loose nuts toward the front of the car until you get the open space of the shroud where you desire. I'd suggest somewhere in the 2 1/2" to 3" range. When you get the opening desired, spin the remaining loose nut to the front and tighten it, jam nut style, to the other nut.

That's it. It takes longer to read this than to do it. Obviously reverse the process to restore the shroud to the stock location.

Enjoy the newfound power, but also be aware that some of the dirt etc that would have been stuck in your radiator/condenser will now be on your engine. If you are creative enough, you can seal off the upper part (above the air filter) of the opening to stop the dirt and effectively force the air through the filter.
Good ideal..Thanks
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Old Aug 5, 2015 | 05:55 PM
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Default 2$ cai

Originally Posted by Cherokee Nation
Good ideal..Thanks
Do you have any pictures of this modification you could share?
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Old Aug 5, 2015 | 08:22 PM
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here you are
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...gle-bolts.html
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Old Aug 5, 2015 | 10:42 PM
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Originally Posted by rpmextra
That's a pretty close representation of how it works, with the exception of the hardware being used.
The two problems of using toggle bolts are the head of the bolt doesn't fit through the shroud hole, so it has a tendency to pop out (I lost 2) and that the bolt is only 4" long, which again allows it to pop out. Additionally, the toggle is hard to adjust and relies on tension to keep the bolt from unscrewing.
The method I described resolves all the issues inherent with toggle bolts.
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