Are Cold Air Intakes Worth the Cost?
 

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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RE: Are Cold Air Intakes Worth the Cost?
 

I don't buy it. I've watch too many cars dyno'ed from OEM filter inlet setup to CAI and there was always a performance gain. Some more then others but always a gain.

RE: Are Cold Air Intakes Worth the Cost?
 

It would be the first car in my experience that didn't like it. Weird.

RE: Are Cold Air Intakes Worth the Cost?
 

I expected more, but saw gains when tested.

RE: Are Cold Air Intakes Worth the Cost?
 

I just hope it sounds good.
Went by Dodge dealer and saw car I ordered #6091. $61985 in window...sad thing is they will probably get it.The salesman told me to leave and not cause any trouble.LOL Told him I wanted to see if it was #6400. Then I told him how rare the silver ones were and they should try for 65 or 70k plus they are faster.

RE: Are Cold Air Intakes Worth the Cost?
 

Hard to believe that a stock paper filter flows better than NO filter.

RE: Are Cold Air Intakes Worth the Cost?
 

Yeah it must be that rush of unrestricted air into the engine! I think the report must have had a serious flaw.

RE: Are Cold Air Intakes Worth the Cost?
 

A lot of what is seen with the CAI kits is the flow path through the tubing and how it enters the motor. The flow may not be as smooth or uniform as the factory although the factory set up may be a bit restricted in comparison. This is where the difference is between CAI's. Dodge is doing their homework very well on the intake systems and we see the same results in the 08' Viper to these mods.

RE: Are Cold Air Intakes Worth the Cost?
 

So you saw no change as well?

RE: Are Cold Air Intakes Worth the Cost?
 

Just give it time, when more of the aftermarket comes out, a CAI and tune will be the best bang for the buck!!

If the stangs are getting around 25rwhp out of CAI and tune just think what a 5.7 or 6.1 can do.

The aftermarket is coming! :D