How about a magazine sponsored CAI shootout, with dyno results???

 

I went with the Helix, b/c my mechanic, Dan at GrassRoots (gratuitious plug) had one laying around when I was in for a boost guage in air vent mod. He used the stock box and cut the back out of it, just horsing around with new ideas.



I think they're all comparable when it comes to HP, b/c there just isn't that much variation to be had, the Alta is LOUD and has good looking tubing, the DDM is a piece of art, I've seen them at their shop and installed, it's a closed box and the craftmanship is remarkable, unlike our Dremel tool job on mine! ;-)

The paper / foam debate rages on many forums, I've always been a paper guy, (usually ran K&Ns in my vehicles).

 

Thanks to all, so far.
I can tell you that I'm NOT looking to hear the whine of the s/c, or the sucking sound when I mash the throttle. That's kids play.
I'm looking for a better mouse-trap. Seems the quieter units are more my style. I'll just have to buy-try and go from there.
Love the look of the M7/DDM, and Webs...

 

if that's the case you may wanna look for a used jcw box . good thermal plus quiet,plus vacuum operated flap i think .

 

as far as heat ; all i can say is if you pull over after a cruise down the highway ; this car is way hotter than one with room around the engine .welcome to compact cars i guess .

 

Does the DDM cai come with the hose?

 

and the extra cold air, come from removing the rear panel in the engine compartment. I did data logging that showed a HAI did the same power as stock, but that was before I made all my air flow mods.



Really, I think the best out there is from England, the GT Tuning unit because it has an airhorn in it, but it was pricey before the dollar tanked, and it's evem moreso now.

Find the one you like best, for whatever reason. As many have said, they're probably all within spitting distance of each other! If you DON't want the sound. Look for a JCW or a Dinan....

If you want to save money, watch the marketplace, CAIs show up all the time.

Matt

 

look into these,i love mine.made a big difference and its quiet.

 

I like my alta, I got it used for a good price with the samco tube. If i had to pick one new i would get the alta or ddm

 

I have the JCW and I love it. Quiet until 4-5000 RPMS then the supercharger whine starts. Looks good under the hood, covered by warranty, and provides a nice increase in power. You can feel the difference.

All cai(s) have pros / cons. I have seen and heard most of them. They are all cool just different and it just depends again on what you want...me I wanted to hear nothing until I got on the power and I like the JCW bits and the fact that I like most of my add-ons to be factory. Just me...and my .02.

 

just my 2 cents but save yourself the worries about it being to loud and not fitting right with strut bars and other issues and look into getting a intake like mine.it fits within oem specs and completely seals the intake charge from engine bay hot air.after i got it i could definitley feel a difference in power,sounds good to.

 

You still trying to sell this thing......show us the filter !

Besides looking like an OEM box.....what else is there but the paint.

And most all of the CAI's out now seal the intake from the engine.

 

i dont sell em,just what i have on my car,and im not taking it off until the filter needs cleaning.so there.lol

 

Mine is home made and work just fine here is picture my filter is k&n..

 

whats that strut brace off of,that thing looks evil.

 

moss mini

 

It doesn't have a top you can take off?

Bummer.............bad design

 

I have gone from stock to k&n typhoon to mini madness to ddm to alta to a modified stock with k&n replacement drop in. I prefer the one i have now.

 

+1 for the Helix, I've had mine now for a year and have been very happy with it, but I gotta say the DDM is an really nice unit

 

I don't think you can do better than the HAI with a heat shield, and an opening in the back partition. Plus it's cheap and not loud. For better performance during heat soak conditions, insulate the outlet horn. Once the HAI is separated from the exhaust manifold heat, the outlet horn seems to be the main heat source for the HAI when the car is idling.

 

If don't want more sound buy JCW CAI with Madness or ITG filter. If you don't care buy ALTA CAI with the top cover to keap it clear and cold air.