Battle of the CAI

[impulsive]

As we all are probably curious, i invite anyone to share there thoughts and Power Figures gained from each type of CAI that is out there for the Alloytec. Many people have different opinions so i feel its time we work out which one is probably the best.

I personally have the MCAI i original didnt like it as i didnt feel much difference at the foot, however i did notice my car cool down slightly and the fuel consumption go down on the highway.

[BullittSV6]

In reality, its not going to make much difference. 10 kw gain at most going into the engine, then losing a fair bit in the drive train, say about 25% so 8 kw. With such small power gains you are better off just going for the cheapest system, better bang for your buck.

[mattsv6]

I agree, I used a thermometer to measure the temp of the air going into the intake with a couple of different systems.... they were all pretty much the same - including the standard intake. Mind you i never tested an OTR system..

Give the holden engineers some credit, if you really want to do one, go the cheapest, because you're not going to get much (if anything) out of it

[impulsive]

Each to your own, However, i started this thread to gather your opinions on what is best.. for those who want to try these mods and stuff, so go on, sulk about how 'little' gains your getting, but for $30 a few kw is actually pretty good, and if it saves $100 in petrol every fortnight, all the better!!

So anyone else with anything decent to say

[ashbox]

i didn't go with the mcai i just cut an extra hole into the airbox slightly bigger than the other one and it has improved things a tad but can't complain about it costing nothing.

[BullittSV6]

Each to your own, However, i started this thread to gather your opinions on what is best.. for those who want to try these mods and stuff, so go on, sulk about how 'little' gains your getting, but for $30 a few kw is actually pretty good, and if it saves $100 in petrol every fortnight, all the better!!

So anyone else with anything decent to say

I actually agree with you. Its better to spend $30 and get the small 10kw gain rather than spend $599 and get a professional kit for the same 10kw gain.

[impulsive]

thanks, so back to the post , what do you figure is best bang for buck.. 2 Hole Mod/MCAI?

[bigdaddycool]

2 hole mod with K&N filter..... done.

[impulsive]

is it neccessary for the pipe on the '2 hole mod' im considering just cutting a hole.. Update: cant cut a hole when there is a hole there already.. didnt realise how big the MCAI is

[az_sv6]

yeah is the shroud neccessary also?

[bigdaddycool]

well i just cut a 90mm hole myself........ i did add a small pip that comes out a bit long enough to just touch the coolant pipe......

but I also drilled some holes up around the top plastic cover (where the normal vent is) to allow the car to collect air down to the other hole too........... works ok for me.

[PaulSV6]

yeah is the shroud neccessary also?

Yeap to cut down on engine heat entering into the airbox

[PaulSV6]

is it neccessary for the pipe on the '2 hole mod' im considering just cutting a hole.. Update: cant cut a hole when there is a hole there already.. didnt realise how big the MCAI is

Next to the MCAI hole, you can cut another one. There is enough room to do so, i cut mine at 70mm but could prob go 80-90mm.

[Fishman88]

Ive got the MACE CAI!! pretty gud stuff has a better induction soound probaly a lil gain but pretty cheap for under $300.

[Cod]

Ive got the MACE CAI!! pretty gud stuff has a better induction soound probaly a lil gain but pretty cheap for under $300.

$300

Genuine MCAI cost me $14 brand new from AMCAP(parts distributor in perth), 75mm off cut pvc pipe from bunnings about $3
Most expensive part was the K&N filter, waste of time doing the CAI mod unless you get a better flowing filter to go with it.

The thing that annoyed me was cutting up the mcai to fit, I used thick air con ducting tape to cover the gaps at the bottom of the molding to stop hot air being drawn in from there. The radiator cover didn't like sitting on top of the mcai molding either so i had to sort of push it down and force hold with the clips, but it moved it's position slightly bringing the main hole off the intake leaving a small gap.

Really wish there was a 3rd party company that made premolded CAI kits that suit the VZ perfectly. SS only do their complete intake replacement "growler" kit at $600 odd massive ripoff. They used to do the bigmouth version that used the existing airbox but removed it from sale the VZ's for some reason.

[Not_An_Abba_Fan]

10kW gain from a CAI??? Got a dyno result to back that up?

Responsiveness is probably the only gain from a CAI over standard intake on a V6.

[BullittSV6]

10kW gain from a CAI??? Got a dyno result to back that up?

Responsiveness is probably the only gain from a CAI over standard intake on a V6.

Nope, should have mentioned that was a guesstimate, if any gains at all. Mind you thats a guess of 10 kw at the engine which goes down to about 8 kw at the wheels.

I'll be honest I've never seen a dyno sheet for a CAI. I agree that response and induction sound are the only likely changes you'll see.

If anyone can find an alloytec CAI system dyno sheet, please post.

[Not_An_Abba_Fan]

I have seen a VZ that pulled 192.9 rwhp with just a catback and a two hole mod. But I have never seen any back to back testing on just a CAI versus stock intake.

But even 10kW at the flywheel is generous. I would say more like 2 or 3 if any at all.

[PaulSV6]

The thing that annoyed me was cutting up the mcai to fit, I used thick air con ducting tape to cover the gaps at the bottom of the molding to stop hot air being drawn in from there. The radiator cover didn't like sitting on top of the mcai molding either so i had to sort of push it down and force hold with the clips, but it moved it's position slightly bringing the main hole off the intake leaving a small gap..

Yeah thats what i had to do aswell, had to cut off an inch off the top of the shroud so the rad cover fitted flush!

[ashbox]

SS only do their complete intake replacement "growler" kit at $600 odd massive ripoff. They used to do the bigmouth version that used the existing airbox but removed it from sale the VZ's for some reason.

mace make a cai intake specifically for the vz

[Cod]

mace make a cai intake specifically for the vz

They don't do one for the VZ :-/ Just checked their site MACE ENGINEERING GROUP

What's the deal with the VZ? Everyone putting it in the too hard basket for CAI's :-/

[Not_An_Abba_Fan]

The benefit doesn't justify the cost.

A bit like thinking neons make your car look cool.

[torana355]

I have seen a VZ that pulled 192.9 rwhp with just a catback and a two hole mod. But I have never seen any back to back testing on just a CAI versus stock intake.

But even 10kW at the flywheel is generous. I would say more like 2 or 3 if any at all.

Yeah you would be lucky to get 3kw at the motor. That's why i just put a k&n filter in and left it at that.

[Corbs1234]

I think its similar to the placebo effect (prob not the right word im looking for but u know lol)
You buy one and install it (having never really taken notice of the cars acceleration beforehand) and then thrash it with the CAI...and "OH my god, this thing goes!" when in reality the CAI is as useful as a one legged man in an arse kicking contest.

[Cod]

lol but you also get the cool induction noise, my alloytech now sounds like a quiet 8 with stock exhaust, thats 2 hole mod with mcai