In June 2005, lxforums tested four popular cold air returns in a 5.7L Charger and compared the results to the stock paper filter. The results really shocked me. The stock set-up with the paper filter outperformed all of the cais in hp, torque, 1/4 mile time, and trap speed!
Horsepower and Torque ComparisonStock (paper)- 283.4 hp; 302.7 torque
Stock (K & N drop-in)- 280.5 hp; 296.5 torque
Open (no filter)- 279.1 hp; 289.7 torque
Volant- 279.1 hp; 294.1 torque
K & N- 279.4 hp; 300.9 torque
MOPAR- 279.3 hp; 296.3 torque
AirRaid- 282.4 hp; 297.3 torque
Quarter Mile Comparison
Stock (paper filter)- 14.6 sec. @96.0 mph
MOPAR- 14.7 Sec.@95.5 sec.
So the question to be asked is, what are we getting for spending $250-$300 on a cai? Just cool sound?? Hopefully the 2009 models will be more receptive to the cai.
The complete test can be found at:
http://www.lxforums.com/board/showthread.php?t=14140
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