I know it's been asked a million times, but I've tried searching.
Who makes the better cold air intake for my R53 and why?
I like the looks of the M7/DDM, AFE's, the popularity of the Alta, etc.
Who gives the best bang for the $$$.
Forget about the sound, that's childs play.
Pleated vs. foam. Lid vs. no lid. etc....

 

I recently got the foam Alta, I think it is a great kit. Quality build, easy install,

I'd recommend it.

 

I have the aFe CAI. They offer it with either an oiled or their new ProDry S (no-oiled) filter.

 

Check out the CAI from Craven Speed. I find it provides excellent throttle response because of the size of the foam filter and the box itself. It is the only CAI that I know of that comes as an entirely enclosed box. Other CAI are boxes without a bottom and rest on the lower stock housing. Craven Speed's installation requires you to remove the entire stock system, even the plastic housing for the CEU, and install their complete box. The CEU is installed inside the box without the plastic housing, thus affording more space for cold air. Also there is a laser pre-cut port on the front of the box should you desire to connect the stock air port from the front grille into the box giving you ram air.

 

I think what you're going to find is everbody likes the one they have, but I think really they're all about the same.

 

ive been through a couple and surprisingly my pick is the Ultrik

 

I have an ALTA (no lid) and love it.

-Cody

 

Enclosed is better than not.
Plastic box is better than metal.
Dry filter is better than Oiled.
Foam ????? Not sure.

Make your own CAI???? Best bang for the buck!

 

+1 ALTA Intake

 

True that, so I have M7/DDM no lid
I Really Like

 

i had the alta intake and now i have m7/ddm intake,.. and i love it... the whine is not as loud as the alta but i can feel the throttle response much better with my m7/ddm intake... its more solid when you GAS it... its awesome...

 

ALTA!

 

I have had....stock, Dinan, Alta, AGS and DDM .... I like the DDM.....

it has been shown that there is no more than about 2 whp dif from any of the aftermarket units.... so it is really which one appeals to you..... Alta is too loud, Dinan is too quiet..... DDM is just right (could not help 3 bears reference)

 

+1 for Alta!

 

The best CAI hands down is the one that you like the looks and sound of. They all pretty much do the same thing, in the same manner. Me, I went with the Craven Speed one. I like the fact the top is somewhat clear so I can see when it's time to clean the filter. I also like it's a full box that is replaces all the OEM bits and I like and respect the way Craven does busness.

 

 

OP: I know you said that sound is not really important when buying a CAI, but as many have said here, its basically what it comes down to. Get something that fits and sounds/looks good. The performance will be about the same.

 

Had heard that foam cleans easier than paper & has better air flow even when it happens to need cleaning....So I changed to Alta.

 

Dinan!

 

+1 you may wanna search hai . some guys are running them and are seeing better throttle response . gets rid of all the tubes and the 180 the air has to make to get to the throttle body . plus it adds some space to the engine bay which this car sorely needs to dissipate heat . i've never seen an engine so perfectly shoe horned in my life . there's no where for the heat to go .can you say old school louvers? does anyone still know how? we need it now!!

 

I had the alta on my 05mcs and was quite satisfied with the ease of installation and performance. On my new 2006 mcs, I got the new CAI from Randy Webb at Webb motorsports... absoutely awesome. Out performed the alta and I would think anything else on the market. I got the model with the ram air... worth the extra money.

 

I've had two, K&N and DDM,DDM is the way to go,it really woke up my 03' that already had 15% and Borla (race) catback.And,Dave is good people.
Bill

 

I talked to two manufacturers and they both admitted that there probably is no difference in performance between any of the aftermarket CIAs. I have the Helix and am very satisfied.

 

CAI - Which is better?

HAI or mine. < see gallery

If you listen to people that don't know any better than to throw money at it you will end up in the same boat. That's their choice though each to his own and justify it anyway you can.
You asked a straight question, this is a straight answer.

 

Foam will perform better from clean to dirty. Easier to clean and maintain. The box top does not add anything to a well designed product. The Alta w/o the top seals against the underside of the hood so it doesn't really need a top. Heat is only a problem when you aren't moving. Lots of data to support this. Once the car is moving things cool down fairly quickly.

Paper or foam relacment filters for the stock box are a bit smaller that the aftermarket ones, especially the new Alta one.

Power wise there is probably a 2hp range and very little noticable difference when done as a stand alone mod. Best when done with other mods.