I have a Helix CAI and I love it. The sound is great, and it was $200 new. The supercharger whine is to die for, especially with my shiny new pulley! AFAIK, the Helix is very similar to the Alta, just using a paper filter.

 

I think what it comes down to is "What are you looking for in a CAI"? For lower sound, get one with a more enclosed box that doesn't open up the firewall-side plastic (JCW). For more sound & supercharder whine, get an Alta-type with the more open box and open firewall side. Let's face it, they all do about the same thing, add a couple hp (maybe) and add to ("improve") the intake sound.

And lancesr, I did the same thing until I heard it was the boost valve. Apparently Detroit Tuned has a boost valve available with a stronger spring that helps take care of it asd well as improving throttle response, but I don't have an extra $150 (ish) to throw at it right now... would love to hear from anyone who's gone that route. Another thread of reference would be to search on "yo-yo chronicles" by ryephile.

 

More than likely the whistle is just the throttle plate making noise when it is barely open, not the BPV.

 

I am one of the few that does NOT like his Alta CAI. I had the DDM works and sold it to get the Alta and have been mad about that ever since. If anyone wants to trade a DDM for the Alta let me know!!

That whistle from the Alta cai drives me crazy.

 

Shouldn't be the throttle plate, though, since it happens well off idle, about when the "secondaries" would kick in (if this were a 4-barrel Holley). Interesting thought, though, have to check into it.

 

The whistle described happens at low part throttle, same as on mine. The noise is created by the throttle body plate just barely opening causing the air to whistle.

 

Hmmmmm.... is there a fix? I've kind of grown fond of mine as a "fun meter" or fuel economy gauge, but it'd be nice to not have it...

 

I agree. There have been many times when passengers in my car have asked if my car was ok.

I may just bite the bullet and sell my Alta one and buy anothre DDM cai.

 

I'm using the MINI Madness CAI. Nice sucking noises and supercharger whine.

 

i just switched from jcw to craven's return of the cai.

unbelievable sound!

 

The whistle is not caused by the intake. The intake will only determine how much you hear. The Alta allows a bit more than most, the next would be the paper filters, and lastly the intakes that do not open up the cowl area will be the quietest.

 

I just ordered my Alta CAI for my car!!! Very excited... other than my blacking out and my pulley..this will be my first BIG mod!! And I got it for $170 after shipping! I hope they send me the one with the black box!

 

I have the helix unit, and i love the sound even at part open throttle the sound is nice, then again it is rare I have a passenger so i dont need to worry about anyone asking what is that whistle

 

Youre gonna love it! PM me your real name and order number and I can check what box you ordered. PS... the "classic" airbox is silver and the "V 2.0" is the black.

 

I have used the Dinan for the last year or so. You can hear the whistle but you have to be listening for it. The easiest fix for the whistle is don't drive at part throttle

I have also washed and oiled the stock Dinan filter with no issues.

 

If you want more power use the alta foam type air cleaner it really only filters out the big chunks of dirt and sand .I went back to the k&n type filter and noticed a big difference in air flow, much less .Get a sealed box type cai system open only in the back of the box accessing the cold air from the cowl vent (the stock cold air intake opening infront of the radiator remains intact on most systems).

 

I am excited to hear mine whistle

 

Is there a noticeable difference in noise with the K&N?

 

very little.

if u plan on using a k&n for stock airfilter type, id say about 15% increase in sound, if that.

 

So with the Typhoon K&N Typhoon not too much difference? What about with the DDM cai? Both for 03 mcs

 

ohh so you talking about the cone type k&n.

it will definitely make a difference, since it's an open design, which aftermarket intakes tend to be.

if you want to make it louder though, get the foam filter type, like Craven's, or Alta intake.

 

I have the monster cai with a cone K&N, opened up the cowl and got the high pitched whistle, plus the metal intake was getting hot with engine heat. wrapped it with header wrap and the whistle went away and the intake is nice and COLD!!

 

"I have the monster cai with a cone K&N"

Monster cai?

 

Bylund951 here is the website for it, although I bought mine from a member here.

http://abdracing.com/Merchant2/merch...t_Code=M70.M20

 

CAI installed!!