Ok, I have no idea where to start. So far I have done nothing to my car except OEM body kit and Type-R front strut bar. But that is besides the point.

I don't know if I really want to start fooling around with my engine. This is my first new car, from the dealership, still making payments. I know that some of the first things that people do to their car when they get it, is the simple bolt ons: Intake, header, and exhaust. Realisticly, I know that most likely I will not gain more than 10HP from an I/H/E setup.

I know most people recommend AEM intakes. Any thoughts? Do AEM really make that much noise at WOT that people claim it does, or is that just a modified exhaust making more noise? Power gain/loss noticeable?

If money is no object, what type of intake do you guys suggest? Spoon, Mugen, AEM...? Remember, I don't know much, yet, so go easy on me, this is my first time.

 

well, i was in the same situation as you where...i didnt know where to start or IF i even wanted to start for that matter, but come to think of it, Intake is one thing that i AM going to upgrade, depending on where you live[weather being a main factor] i suggest you consider different style intakes....

I am considering the injen intake, since winter is coming up, i think im going to buy the short ram, and just get the cai extention in the spring... cai does make a difference, sound-wise and performance-wise... cai is the best bang for the buck imo, but it's negligible...

as for brands, AEM is one of the best if not the best manufacturer of cai's... you definitely cannot go wrong with them, unless your city floods ever so often
I dont think you'll have any noticable difference in performance in getting a "better" brand than aem...

i hope this was helpful, sorry i dont ahve any specifics down for you
try a search. there has been numerous threads relating to intakes that have been extremely helpful.

gsxr

 

I think the AEM cai is a good place to start. I have one and I think it sounds good. It's not a ricey sound...more like a deep rumbling noise. Most people that hear it really like it. As far as performance gains, you can feel an increase in the mid-high range (this is what I think at least). Your gains will not be off the charts, but if you can get one for a decent price (180.00 or less brand new), I think it's worth it, especially when it's cool outside (definately can tell a difference). I would definately consider the weather where you live. If you have deep puddles, don't get it. After I installed my AEM, I went for dc headers and an exhaust system. To tell you the truth, I didn't notice too much from the headers and exhaust. This is why I bought a drag turbo kit and will be installing it soon. If you decide against i/h/e, why not upgrade your suspension? You will notice a big difference with that route.

 

Still kind of nervous about messing with anything with my car. And I am not sure how deep I want to get into this whole thing. As far as the weather goes. It doesn't rain much here in San Diego, so I am not worried about puddles or flooding.


[Modified by 2001 Integra GSR, 1:33 AM 10/17/2001]

 

I was nervous too, but after you install a cai system, you will realize that it's not really a big modification. All you're doing is changing an intake. If you're worried about the warranty, just go to your Acura dealer and see how they feel about intakes. The dealer out here in Sacramento (Niello Acura) that I used to take my car to actually sold the AEM cai and other various Comptech parts. A place like this should understand mods and know whether something is really detrimental to your car. Therefore, your warranty would still be valid in almost all cases.

 

I am not really worried about warranty issues. I am more worried about passing smog in the future, running too rich/lean, getting pulled over and having to deal with cops, things like that...I am just trying to look at an overall picture, not just quick performance gains to go drag racing. I guess right now I am weighing the pros and cons.

 

i say get the AEM CAI!! it sounds amazing at WOT youll love it

 

As for running off stoichiometric and passing emissions, I'm pretty sure with an intake you have nothing to worry about.

An intake does increase the amount of air that the engine can flow through the throttle body, but not dramatically. The stock mass air sensor should be able to deal with the increased airflow. So whatever increase you do realize with an intake, the computer will compensate by injecting more fuel. Hence the power gain.

And for the same reason, your O2 sensor will continue to operate properly, as will your cat, so there's no emissions concerns.

Plus, the CAI only provides real benefit at or near WOT, and at least in Ohio emissions tests are done at part throttle.

 

True, no problems with emissions. The CAI will actually lean out your fuel a little bit, but for some reason hondas come from the factory running fairly rich, yet honda engines prefer a leaner mixture. I run an AEM. I would suggest an AEM but it's up to you, Comptech makes some real good parts too. Plus, it won't sound bad, it will sound better.
-

 

Thanks for your intelligent response. I appreciate it greatly. This guy is such an idiot. He's my loser brother.


[Modified by 2001 Integra GSR, 6:45 PM 10/21/2001]

 

AEM CAI. Works like a champ on every car I have installed it on.
It is true, Honda tunes the car to run rich from the factory, that is one reason the intake makes such a difference on a GS-R.
Sound, pleasing, very pleasing...

Jason

 

AEM CAI is most popular on this web board but other places the Iceman is. Also the comptech intake is fairly popular I say get an iceman or comptech I love my AEM CAI but get somthing diff and something LESS prone to sucking up water. also all of these intakes can suck up water just to warn u contrary to what other people say!

 

AEM CAI all the way.