For the past year or so I have had an plain jain short ram intake on my 97 LX. My friend gave me his AEM cai for next to nothing so I threw that on. It feels like it is slower in the higher rpms compared to the short ram. Is this my imagination or has anyone else felt this 2.

 

it's odd that your power loss would be in the higher rpms, since i've always been under the impression that a cai usually sacrifices bottom end for better top end. it probably wont help, but try cleaning or replacing the filter.

 

iv got a 94 lx coupe with a cai and once it gets past about 3700rpms you can notice more power but lower down it feels about the same

 

Something to consider: sometimes ppl can associate "loudness" psychologically w/ an increase in performance. We "think" it's faster on the butt dyno b/k it's louder.

If the CAI is quieter....that might fool the body into thinking the car is slower. Of course, only a real dyno will tell....

 

No I am pretty sure its not the sound or loudness that is making me think that it is slower in the higher rpms. Before the AEM cai I used my short ram with an extension on it just like a real cold air. That was a huuugeee difference in power above 4k. It kinda like just dropped off power anything above 4k. I even tried it with windows up and radio on. U can just feel it lagging. Well with the AEM cai, i guess since the diameter is 2-1/2 instead of 3 inch with short ram using the extension, it wasnt hardly as bad but still noticed it. But hey it could be in my head just need a dyno to prove it.

 

It's been my understanding that SRI gives high-end hp with loss of low end torque while CAI's give more low-mid range power with gain in high end but not as much as SRI.

I have an AEM CAI for the '91 Si (D16a6) on my B16 and it feels like the engine isn't breathing enough at high RPM's...

 

Ive also read somewhere that the temperature under the hood goes down to about the same temp as outside when you get up to speed of 15 and above. Not saying its true, but I read it.

 

theory states that the cold air intake should extend the tourque curve thus creating more power on the top end...but, this is theory mind you...

 

eitherway your not talking about huge hp differences, so whocares. if you feel the shortram works better for you than stick with it.

 

If you are really that concerned venture down to your local track and conduct some 1320 tests with the SRI and the CAI.