I know this is going to be a really dumb question to anyone who has a CAI, but I don't. However, I'm soon going to be buying a cheap one on eBay along with a bypass valve (don't want hydro-lock).

The question is this: Can I later switch out filter crappy eBay with a 3" or 2.5" (whichever it is) K&N filter?

My car is a 1991 Accord LX but that shouldn't matter.

 

yes

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by the heep &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I know this is going to be a really dumb question to anyone who has a CAI, but I don't. However, I'm soon going to be buying a cheap one on eBay along with a bypass valve (don't want hydro-lock).

The question is this: Can I later switch out filter crappy eBay with a 3" or 2.5" (whichever it is) K&N filter?

My car is a 1991 Accord LX but that shouldn't matter.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yes definitely do it. K&N extreme is what I have.
Bypass isn't 100% necessary, but it is peace of mind, I just drive with light throttle during heavy rain. My filter is closet exposed to the elements as well, b/c I took my bumper lights out in favor of more airflow. 1yr later, no problems with hydrolock. and I live in SW FL wheres theres lots of Rain randomly all the time. So its up to you

 

just make sure the filter is the same size as your CAI piping and your good to go

 

this is done ALL the time...

as for the bypass...i have one on my AEM unit. i dont regret it, but i can't say it was neccesary at all. for the engine to be damaged, it needs to suck up alot of water...and for this to happen the entire filter needs to be submerged. remember that water is heavier than air, so unless it's complelty submerged, the intake wont be sucking up water (also, for the bypass to work, the filer has to be submerged anyways)

the bypass DOES work, however, even with a 2" drop, i have yet to come across a time where it saved my car...thing about it, even in my case id have to try and drive through at least 6-7" deep on water....if you dont know how to spot and avoid those, then your just plain retarded

 

Thanks for all the replies.

I'm definitely going with the bypass for peace of mind. I drive my Accord down some pretty gnarly dirt roads and I haven't hit any holes yet that would give me hydrolock, but I don't want to take the chance.

Once I get this done, maybe it's time to get serious about a F22A4/6 manifold swap.

The only downside is I live in California so I've got to be very careful with what I can do and still pass smog. I'm assuming a CAI won't cause me to fail (unless someone wants to tell me differently.)