6G Celicas Forums

Hello all,

I have a 1996 GT-S Convertible. I am looking at getting a cold air air induction system (with a K&N filter) on E-Bay. I am wondering - has anyone added CAI to their 2.2 and if so, what kind of return did you get? The web says is will add 10-18 HP...

i doubt VERY much you get 10-18whp from an intake.

i went that route, try 3hp 5 ftq

This post has been edited by Mstoochn: Jun 25, 2009 - 3:36 AM

8hp? Damn, I was going to say maybe 2hp and some bling factor in the engine bay.

Is worthless - SRI is just as good and alot less hassle and risk.
You have to remember our cars were CAI stock so better piping isn't gonna net you anywhere near what they claim
It's still a worthwhile mod to do - but just setup a simple SRI

This post has been edited by DEATH: Jul 14, 2009 - 9:57 AM

oh yeah, and it will be louder at idle and at high rpms. At idle, it will sound like you have a manifold leak, and at higher rpms, it will sound like a cross between an aftermarket exhaust and someone making motorboat sounds with their lips.

the only thing that you'll notice most out of an CAI is the noise. There was a thread on here a long time that someone dynoed with different filters, intake systems, and other gimmics and it barely made any power... Less than 1hp increase or nothing at all.

I think it sounds beastly [But that's cause of the Turbo whistle ]

i believe you are confusing your facts... in the info section there are dyno runs between the difference between a K&N high flow drop in filter and a SRI... there were no noticeable differences between the two but slight increase over stock... a CAI has been shown to have greater advantages than both of them

no, its true pitt. both ST and GT models come stock with a low end factory Cold air inlet below the bumper for cold air retrieval, the only advantage you get from an aftermarket CAI is the look and sound (as well as short ram, which sounds amazing on the 5s-fe (Injen Is2040p))

no the stock airbox is super resrictive.... the inlet is a small little opening in the fender... you are thinking of the resonator in the fender... a CAI w/ a K&N filter def has advantages over the stock system...

Don't know about the GT, but since driving the ST for 5-6 years without modifications to the motor, I've notice that the CAI does give a quicker throttle response, but just slightly.

OK - it sounds like it may be a good bet considering the one I am looking at (by a company called Chrome Intakes) is pretty cheap. The only other question is the filter itself. I noticed they sell the exact same system two ways. One with their filter and one with the K&N. The cost difference is about $50. I am thinking that the K&N cone filter can't cost more than $30 or so (I'm going to check), so I might as well by the cheaper one and the buy the K&N filter seperate if I don't like their filter...

I got the CAI added from Chromeintakes. Have to say I am pretty impressed with them. Since I am in SoCal they offered that if I drove there that they would install it for free. I am glad I did that. They actually custom made the thing on the spot. Also, the one guy noticed my throttle body was filthy when he took the stock air filter system off and took the time to clean it. Very nice.

So far, I like it - there is definitely more power, particularly at the higher RPM's. Not very loud, though. Matter of fact, the only sound difference I notice is at the the higher RPM's. Still, I am happy with the Mod and you can't beat the price of $73, which included red rubber (it comes with blue). I opted against the K&N filter for now as the guy said there would not be much of a difference in power (slight at best). Main difference with the K&N is that the filter last forever. Will get one when this one wears out (they say you can clean it up to 10 times).

Incidentally, if you have a GT with cruise control and opted to add the CAI yourself it is a little complicated. The pipe actually goes in between the cruise control module and the upper radiator hose. Tight fit. The pipe then turns the filter winds up under the plastic water resevoir.

Next up is headers! Going to do the e-bay ones that everyone here has recommended.

Bought the one from chromeintakes... ran it for 2 summers without any problems... and had to remove the lower part 2 days ago because it water soaked... (i drove over 4 big bumps filled with water and it splashed like crazy)

Now i'm running with the top part only (SRI)

Installed mine tonight and just like mcdonalds, im f*in lovin it. Sound, and yes the feel.

Weird - your is really different from the way they set mine up...my pipe is a static width all the way to the cone filter and mine comes in between the cruise control and the upper radiator hose and the cone filter winds up under the battery...

I'd love to post a pic but I can't figure out how. I have it in my profile but can't seem to do it here...any help would be appreciated. I do have it in my profile.

imo on these cars having a cai nets you any more power then a sri. just more risk of picking up water. if i wanted to i'd run no intake at all. just some wire mesh over the TB.

Upload it to photobucket or similar and copy and paste the [img] code it gives you in your post


QFT tho most people will argue that with you - the slight gain isn't worth the risk. A good SRI is perfect [You don't see us Turbo guys running CAI very often now do you? and we spend $$$ on FMIC to cool the intake temps]

This post has been edited by DEATH: Jul 14, 2009 - 10:35 AM

Could you tell me more about this rick of picking up water please?