This is for a GSR...
I know the basics, cai gives you more power (especially in vtec), Short ram will give you more power over stock (mainly because of the K&N style filter), etc etc. I've also heard horror stories about cars equipped with CAI hydrolocking in wet conditions and everything. I DONT drive my car in the winters, nor will I on really bad weather days. Also, the 100 or so extra $ for the CAI. Basically I'm asking for your opinions, is there is enough difference between the two to pay the extra for cai, or just get a shorty... thanks, vert

 

why dont you get a two piece, you'll have a short ram and a CAI, and see what you like better, you can change it however you like it

 

i would do that, but what I'm really looking for is people opinions from experience, I want to know what people have liked better.

 

i like the short rams

 

Horror stories of hydro-locking with the CAI seem to be few and far between. Sure it is possible if you drive thru deep water - don't! If you are really paranoid about it, you can get the cutoff valve installed for an additional $45. Someone in G2IC (who live in Miami) got this and vouched for it working after getting caught in flash-flood conditions. Go with the CAI unless you have specific needs in mind.

 

CAI is what i prefer. w/o a bypass valve you feel more power, but having a bypass will definity be good insurance during wet or raining conditions. when AEM introduced their bypass valve, they totally submerged the initial filter of the CAI, and had the engine on full open throttle. The bypass saved the car from hydolocking, thus proving that it really does work. but if you prefer a short, go for it. juss my cents...

 

Ive always owned Short ram... I guess cause I live in FL and theres a lot of water and I just didnt want to take the chance but if you dont drive it in the winter and rarely in the rain, then I would probably go with a CAI.
Mike

 

You can get a good review of each one of them on the articles on team-integra. You'll find there are arguments for each one. Its basically personal preferance. In big power all motor engines its actually suggested that you go with a short ram. And there is also the infamous "Hump" when you have a CAI. You'll have to check out the dyno charts on that site too for them. I think you'll find they perform close enough to each other that its tough to compare.

I wouldn't be scared of hydro, unless you plan on driving through swamps and taking it through a few lakes/rivers. And if you are scared, then get a short ram. Because why would you want to drive around paranoid? Just makes it an awful drive when your frightened.

Its personal preferance basically. A CAI may outperform them but it may not also. They've actually had temperature tests in the engine bay and where the CAI intake is, and its the same temp when driving, which is what counts. So the cold air issue isn't really there. Its basically the length of the tube that is the difference. Also, the diameter plays a key role as well.

 

i have a purple gsr intake pipe for $20 plus shipping.

 

short ram all the way
i have always and will always run a ebay ($30) 3" short ram intake with a k&n filter
i will never run a cai because when it rains many intersections get flooded and with a lower car there is a good chance in ******* up your motor
its defineatly not worth the risk

 

Comptech Ice Box. Cold air induction without hydrolocking.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by GSR Coupe &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Comptech Ice Box. Cold air induction without hydrolocking. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Can't go wrong with Comptech

 

yea, comptech makes good things, i appreciate everyone's suggestions, but i'm gonna go short ram... for the minimal gains an intake gives, it's not worth risking hydrolocking... not to mention it's easier to clean filter on shortys... i'm either getting an ebay pipe/K&N or AEM shorty... not shure yet.. like i said thanks for the suggestions, anyone else?

 

i like short rams.

 

ive always used an AEM cold air and never had a problem. it doesnt rain alot over here in San Jose, so ive never really had a problem. I dont like how short rams get hot and suck in the hot air from the engine bay. ive driven the same 95 gsr with a stock box, short ram and aem cai and the AEM felt the best. the stock box felt better than the shorty, even though it was way quieter.

im interested in trying out the J's Racing short ram with a heat shield. ive heard lots of good reviews.

 

If you aren't running in very bad wet conditions I like the AEM CAI. I and others have gained 10 or so whp with just the CAI. Even in the rain a CAI can be okay. You just need to be extra careful to avoid large puddles and such. My wife wasn't and blew my engine this year after I had the CAI since '99.

The Comptech would be my weapon of choice nowadays though. Although you still want to avoid high water as I know of people that have hydrolocked on this board. And if you have the complete Comptech setup (intake arm, filter and box) you could always switch back and forth between the ice box and just the short ram intake. Versatility for wet and dry conditions.

 

yes.... if not the comptech icebox....
then shorty with DIY icetake!!

 

I'd go with either the comptech or the shorty....I made a ultra-shorty by myself using an K&N replica filter and a spare intake pipe I had sitting around....total cost-$20 for the filter and 20 minutes of my time.

 

AEM Shorty My friend has one on his 91 Integ Ls and he is happy with it. Im in LA so the rain could get crazy here sometimes and the puddles could easily hydrolock a lowered car W/CAI if people aren't careful.

 

I've got a shortram with a heatshield around the filter... not sure how much heat it stops from getting in there, but I think its pretty cool. Never had a problem with it.

 

i've had both on my integra so far and i like the short ram better. simply because it seems to give a little more power in the low end, which hondas need desparetely, it makes the car seems a little more lively than when it has a cai. o and the sri is also louder than the cai

do a search though to get some more info..i know this has been posted like 700 times in the past month or so.

 

well, just ordered a short ram, thanks for all the input guys (AEM btw)

 

go for a short ram, mainly cuz you will never have to go through the hassle of hydrolock and blowing your motor, if you get a cai, check out the apexi ones... they off a nice *** splash shield for the filter

 

wont that cut off valve thing rob horsepower?

 

if you've got doubts.....go short ram.....don't wanna be trippin in case you're caught in a storm and driving your car....

EDIT: you can get a comptech for really nice gains and a peace of mind......