Is a CAI really worth the cost on a 2006
08-14-2018, 09:09 AM
#1
Drifting
Thread Starter
Is a CAI really worth the cost on a 2006
I have a 2006 A6. I heard the factory intake flows pretty well. So is it worth spending $350 for a custom intake? Thought I might just swap in two K&N filters and call it a day.
Thanks,
Bob
Thanks,
Bob
08-14-2018, 09:25 AM
#2
Drifting
Member Since: Jan 2005
Location: Tucson Arizona
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St. Jude Donor '08
Yes
Did a test long ago with my '05. With OEM on a hot day, the intake air temp. could get up to 130*. After a Callaway CAI, the intake temps would be just 2-3 degrees above outside temps. The OEM tune starts pulling ignition timing as the intake temps go up. Not to mention the cooler (denser) the intake air, the better it runs. (the more fuel it gets (AFR).
08-14-2018, 11:04 AM
#3
Burning Brakes
The OEM LS2 intake flows like molasses. Yes a good quality aftermarket intake is worth the money for an LS2.
08-14-2018, 12:11 PM
#4
Race Director
Member Since: Sep 2007
Location: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
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C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
If you're happy with the car the way it is, then buy the OEM style filters and forget the rest. If you're serious about more performance, a filter won't make a dent except in your wallet. BTW, the K&N filters don't filter as well as most others. Your money, your choice.
Almost any aftermarket intake is better than the stock LS2 air intake.
08-19-2018, 08:26 PM
#6
I added a vararam on mine but also ported the intake and slightly blended the TB at the same time. Otherwise the car was stock before these mods. Car definitely pulls stronger and according to my scan tool IAT is about the same as ambient. I did elect to not use the oil type filter the vararam comes with.. you can read about my paper filter testing here -
Last edited by demon340; 08-19-2018 at 08:32 PM.
08-21-2018, 11:19 AM
#7
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Jan 2013
Location: what ain't no country I ever heard of
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If all you're thinking about doing is a cai, then i say no it isn't worth it. 350 dollar feel good mod. Cai is a supporting mod, not a stand alone in my opinion. save your money on the kn too, paper is fine.
08-21-2018, 11:33 AM
#8
Le Mans Master
Worth it how?
Opinions:
Gains 5 horsepower, probably not noticeable.
Better throttle response, over a throttle enhancer module, maybe not, noting no recalibration of Air/ Fuel trims.
More intake "roar", maybe.
Better under hood appearance, maybe.
Better dust/ water filtering maybe not.
Good luck in your decision.
Opinions:
Gains 5 horsepower, probably not noticeable.
Better throttle response, over a throttle enhancer module, maybe not, noting no recalibration of Air/ Fuel trims.
More intake "roar", maybe.
Better under hood appearance, maybe.
Better dust/ water filtering maybe not.
Good luck in your decision.
Last edited by Kenny94945; 08-21-2018 at 11:34 AM.
08-21-2018, 01:13 PM
#9
Worth it how?
Opinions:
Gains 5 horsepower, probably not noticeable.
Better throttle response, over a throttle enhancer module, maybe not, noting no recalibration of Air/ Fuel trims.
More intake "roar", maybe.
Better under hood appearance, maybe.
Better dust/ water filtering maybe not.
Good luck in your decision.
Opinions:
Gains 5 horsepower, probably not noticeable.
Better throttle response, over a throttle enhancer module, maybe not, noting no recalibration of Air/ Fuel trims.
More intake "roar", maybe.
Better under hood appearance, maybe.
Better dust/ water filtering maybe not.
Good luck in your decision.
08-22-2018, 11:30 AM
#10
Drifting
Member Since: Jan 2005
Location: Tucson Arizona
Posts: 1,827
Received 298 Likes
on
165 Posts
St. Jude Donor '08
Did a test long ago with my '05. With OEM on a hot day, the intake air temp. could get up to 130*. After a Callaway CAI, the intake temps would be just 2-3 degrees above outside temps. The OEM tune starts pulling ignition timing as the intake temps go up. Not to mention the cooler (denser) the intake air, the better it runs. (the more fuel it gets (AFR).
08-22-2018, 01:42 PM
#11
Racer
Yes it is worth it 
09-12-2018, 07:26 PM
#13
I like the vararam it's about $280, you can use a paper filter if you like ( just click on the link I attached in the post above for paper info) you know it's getting 100% ambient air. The quality is fine, and if you take your time the cutting of the shroud goes smoothly and looks good.