CAI or CT-E Icebox

6187 Views 9 Replies 4 Participants Last post by tottenham12712, Aug 16, 2012

Pson

Discussion Starter · Aug 16, 2012

Just what the title states I just can not make up my mind right now on what setup I should have on my TSX. Right now, I have a CAI installed and I just don't think I like it.... I feel as if a lot of low end power is gone, which I understand it happens with a CAI. Some members state the numbers are so low that after a tune you can not tell...however, some reason I do really feel it. The other factor that is the noise makes me feel horrable...when I get on or off the on ramp heading to work....everyone is looking right at me.

So, I did have the stock airbox with a upgraded filter (K&N and Amsoil one, which is the same as the cone filter on my CAI). I feel the low end Tq there in that setup. My thinking is if I make the change again, I want to do it once and for all. Depending on the debate here...I might install my stock box back again with a true mod of cutting the lower pipe off making a lower air pipe. Could install the CT-E Icebox while I am there and either run the foam air filter or one of the above I have too (K&N or Amsoil).

So, with the polls and the information listed..flame away and post your thinking on the matter. Thanks for looking and all the help guys

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tottenham12712

· #2 · Aug 16, 2012 (Edited)

What intake manifold do you have?

I gained power and tq when I switched from a SRI to a CAI on the RBC, granted it was about 2whp so its not like I noticed it but I would run the CAI, its going to keep your IATs down which means more air + more fuel = more power.

I wouldn't recommend using any form of air box if your trying to make power they are restrictive I dont care what tests were done its all BS, you want the smoothest flowing intake pipe possible.

Edit: Not sure what the injen pipe diameter is but its best to be at least a 1/4 larger than the diameter of your TB. My piping is 3" going into a 68mm TB.

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Pson

Discussion Starter · #3 · Aug 16, 2012

To be 100% real here....I am done modding my TSX until 100K. Then I might slap a SC in the thing and that is if they still have them around. The IM is OEM and the car hasn't even broke 44K yet. I do not drive it that much and know the 4 banger isn't going to yeild a ton of power either...however, I do enjoy the pep it has now.

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xjohnkdoex

· #4 · Aug 16, 2012

i would see if someone would want to swap intakes with you--your injen for an icebox & cash. you've already installed the header, vtc gear and a tune. no sense in going back to the OEM box even if you're ditching the resonator/piping.

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tottenham12712

· #5 · Aug 16, 2012

I honestly think its a waste to use the CT box. Im assuming you have flash pro or Kpro, so with a tune your gonna see better numbers out of a CAI rather than the box. I also highly recomend the RBC or RRC with a J35 TB.

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Greyout

· #6 · Aug 16, 2012

CT box = OEM look, subtle sound increase

CAI (The K&N dyno'ed the best according to Heeltoe, but whatever) = Bling under the hood, more agressive sound, and maybe 2 more horsepower.

You won't feel the 2 horsepower, but you will notice the sound every day, and you'll notice the look every time you pop your hood.

So its mostly about personal preference.

In my opinion, if you run a traditional CAI with a K&N cone filter, you might want to consider sealing the vent on the splashguard in front of the tire, but thats a horse that can't stand any more beating so lets not go there.

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Greyout

· #7 · Aug 16, 2012

tottenham12712 said:
I honestly think its a waste to use the CT box.

One dyno showed more top end HP on the CT box when compared to the injen.

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Pson

Discussion Starter · #8 · Aug 16, 2012

tottenham12712 said:
I honestly think its a waste to use the CT box. Im assuming you have flash pro or Kpro, so with a tune your gonna see better numbers out of a CAI rather than the box. I also highly recomend the RBC or RRC with a J35 TB.

Thing is my tuner said the gain in the switch didn't impact anything. I couldn't feel or see anything really different either.

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Pson

Discussion Starter · #9 · Aug 16, 2012

Greyout said:
CT box = OEM look, subtle sound increase

CAI (The K&N dyno'ed the best according to Heeltoe, but whatever) = Bling under the hood, more agressive sound, and maybe 2 more horsepower.

You won't feel the 2 horsepower, but you will notice the sound every day, and you'll notice the look every time you pop your hood.

So its mostly about personal preference.

In my opinion, if you run a traditional CAI with a K&N cone filter, you might want to consider sealing the vent on the splashguard in front of the tire, but thats a horse that can't stand any more beating so lets not go there.

Those are two pieces that are really having me look into this. The CAI sound is something I do not enough and do fear the waterlog issue too. I actually can feel the little TQ in the low end lossed and my MPG dropped with the CAI too (which I was shocked at too).

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tottenham12712

· #10 · Aug 16, 2012

Dont worry about water issues, I was at first but I have driven my car through water that was just under my fogs and it was fine. Filter was for the most part dry. You gotta remember that on very humid days there is water in the air, it takes alot of water to hydro lock a motor, its not just a splash of water it is a big gulp that can do it. In that case you need to drive through a foot of water to have that happen.

If your losing mpg with a cold air intake than your tuner isnt doing a good job. Your going to run cooler air with the CAI which means more fuel on the same tune.

Thats why im saying I dont care what test were done with what intake setup because its irrelevant, one setup might be best for that one tune, but if you were to sit there and re tune each one I would place a large sum of money on just a CAI that is larger in diameter than the TB and has smooth bends.

If you want take a datalog of your car daily driving (a few stop and goes) and than a 3rd gear pull from 2k. Ill bet its off a bit with the CAI setup.

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CAI or no CAI....

Keep Injen CAI installed

Install a CT-E Icebox

Install the stock airbox and cut the lower pipe for ram air.

CAI or CT-E Icebox

Pson

tottenham12712

Pson

xjohnkdoex

tottenham12712

Greyout

Greyout

Pson

Pson

tottenham12712

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