CAI Worthwhile??
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 531
Likes: 46
From: Tucson, AZ
CAI Worthwhile??
Greetings!
I have a 2006 coupe (mods in sig) and recently picked up a Calloway Honker CAI at a great price from a forum member, thinking it would be an easy 20 minute install similar to a lid/intake on an F-body. Now that I read into it, I'm seeing that you have to jack the car up, pull and cut the shroud, etc.
Is it really worth all this hassle for a CAI? I had always thought that it was debatable whether these things actually did much of anything, but figured that for 20 mins of labor it was worth a shot - now that I see it will take a few hours I am having some second thoughts.
On that note, are there any CAIs out there that are simple installs and would produce the same gains as the Calloway?
- Tommy
I have a 2006 coupe (mods in sig) and recently picked up a Calloway Honker CAI at a great price from a forum member, thinking it would be an easy 20 minute install similar to a lid/intake on an F-body. Now that I read into it, I'm seeing that you have to jack the car up, pull and cut the shroud, etc.
Is it really worth all this hassle for a CAI? I had always thought that it was debatable whether these things actually did much of anything, but figured that for 20 mins of labor it was worth a shot - now that I see it will take a few hours I am having some second thoughts.
On that note, are there any CAIs out there that are simple installs and would produce the same gains as the Calloway?
- Tommy
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,443
Likes: 370
From: Maryville TN
St. Jude Donor '06-13,'16-'17, '19
CAIs are very worthwhile on LS1 and LS2 engines. The stock intakes were very restrictive on these engines.
The LS3 and up intakes were improved by GM.
Tom
The LS3 and up intakes were improved by GM.
Tom
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 780
Likes: 9
From: Miami FL
I have a Calloway Honker and it has provided decent gains for me - 419/431 with headers and tune. If an intake doesn't require you to cut the shroud then it's not a CAI. Cooler air from outside the engine bay is what gives you more hp by preventing your CPU from pulling timing.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 10,399
Likes: 25
From: Austin Texas
If you are talking a last generation F body-----
They had a cold air intake from the factory. The filter box is ahead of the radiator.
LS2 and LS3 intakes get most of their air from the engine compartment after it's been thru the radiator.
They had a cold air intake from the factory. The filter box is ahead of the radiator.
LS2 and LS3 intakes get most of their air from the engine compartment after it's been thru the radiator.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,231
Likes: 451
From: Maryland
Bottom line = a CAI will make more hp.
With no timing being pulled; cooler air will make more hp because cooler air is denser air, meaning more oxygen molecules in the same space which will make more hp with the correct amount of fuel. 
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 11
From: Newport, RI
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,174
Likes: 228
From: Colorado
After a lot of research, I ordered Halltech's new MF105S. The Beehive cuts out engine heat, and the dyno numbers show a solid 15rwhp without cutting the shroud. On my '06--which had a much less fussy MAF than the newer C6s, I put in a K&N Aircharger and propped the shroud open so it got nothing but outside air. Worked great. Unfortunately, the Hitachi MAF on my '13 is very sensitive to turbulent air, so doing so gave a slight surge at highway speeds. That's why I went to the Halltech. Not a problem on an '06, however, so gives you an option with the K&N, Airtech or other intakes without having to cut the shroud--which I didn't want to do because it is a pita.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,106
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Worthwhile is a pretty vague term without listing your needs, desires, and expectations.
Your profile shows headers, but the use appears to be more show than go. i.e. garage queen.
If you need to satisfy an urge for more bling in the garage or at the local gathering spot, that's simply a personal decision.
If you want more WOT performance, then a true CAI along with a dyno tune are the next steps to take toward that end. However, if you expect that to gain a whole lot of HP or you rarely ever go WOT, then it's a waste of time.
Your profile shows headers, but the use appears to be more show than go. i.e. garage queen.
If you need to satisfy an urge for more bling in the garage or at the local gathering spot, that's simply a personal decision.
If you want more WOT performance, then a true CAI along with a dyno tune are the next steps to take toward that end. However, if you expect that to gain a whole lot of HP or you rarely ever go WOT, then it's a waste of time.
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 531
Likes: 46
From: Tucson, AZ
Worthwhile is a pretty vague term without listing your needs, desires, and expectations.
Your profile shows headers, but the use appears to be more show than go. i.e. garage queen.
If you need to satisfy an urge for more bling in the garage or at the local gathering spot, that's simply a personal decision.
If you want more WOT performance, then a true CAI along with a dyno tune are the next steps to take toward that end. However, if you expect that to gain a whole lot of HP or you rarely ever go WOT, then it's a waste of time.
Your profile shows headers, but the use appears to be more show than go. i.e. garage queen.
If you need to satisfy an urge for more bling in the garage or at the local gathering spot, that's simply a personal decision.
If you want more WOT performance, then a true CAI along with a dyno tune are the next steps to take toward that end. However, if you expect that to gain a whole lot of HP or you rarely ever go WOT, then it's a waste of time.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,106
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
I ran SIR 3 weeks ago. Was that you in a white C6?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 531
Likes: 46
From: Tucson, AZ
My best times that day were low 13's @ 108 - still getting used to the A6 and didn't have the headers on the car yet. Not really sure how that stacks up considering the higher DAs we have out here.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,106
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Nice, I was there that morning but was running a Victory Red coupe.
My best times that day were low 13's @ 108 - still getting used to the A6 and didn't have the headers on the car yet. Not really sure how that stacks up considering the higher DAs we have out here.
My best times that day were low 13's @ 108 - still getting used to the A6 and didn't have the headers on the car yet. Not really sure how that stacks up considering the higher DAs we have out here.
Knock about .5 off your times as an estimate to what good air in Phoenix would net.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,655
Likes: 15
From: Jeffersonville In
Cruise-In I Veteran
Cruise-In II Veteran
Cruise-In III Veteran
Calloway Honker
I have the Honker and it is a quality piece. With headers will add about 15 to 20 rwhp. Pulling the hood is not necessary on an 06. ( didn t pull mine ). Installation took about two hours.