So i was wanting to do a different type of intake on my '00 1500... I didnt know which type to do because i like to go muddin', but in here in Wyoming bout the only time we get real mud it involves BIG puddles... Thats where I run into my dilemma, when I hit a puddle and get water up the passenger side, I seem to suck up water... So my question is, would the CAI be better at keeping the water out or would a 14x3??

 

In the scenario you described, a 14x3 is not what you want. it would probably be the worst. A CAI will not be much better. In your scenario, the stock air box will be the best, or a homemade snorkel.

 

I'd go with a CAI that includes an isolator of some kind to keep splashing water away from the filter, and a filter sock (K&N calls them "dry charger") to keep the liquid water off of the element if some gets past the isolator.

I lost a Jeep 360cid engine to liquid water that got past a 14x3. Never again! It still hurts just remembering that shattered piston.

 

The problem with the stock airbox is that I seem to be sucking water through the gap between the frame and the front quarterpanel. Im not really driving through anything deep its just alot of splashing and thats when I run into problems... I dont know if anyone else has had this problem or maybe its just my truck... The more I think about it, a CAI with a box around it does seem like it would work. I dont know though Im kinda new to the whole truck thing...

 

i vote the spectre intake kit, comes with the heat shield and u will feel the gain in performance. its only 113.00 on summit. might be worth a shot.

 

That's the solution that's got my vote. Just don't forget the filter sock for those times when the isolator's not enough. If you want to go top-of-the-fenderwell deep, that's snorkel territory. Otherwise, you'll be fine with an isolated CAI and filter sock.

As long as the isolator is positioned so that blow-back from the fan can't splash directly on the filter element, and you've got the sock, you're in good shape. Also be sure that your axle, trans, and transfer case breathers are all hooked up water-tight and the open (and valved!) ends are all as high as the top of the firewall. Some folks hereabouts have found out the hard way about those, particularly the auto trans vents -- you don't want to be next.

Let us know how you go, and include some pictures, too.

 

i had a K&N cai, and bought a 14x3 just because i thought it was the same gain, just wanted my motor louder, i lost a noticable amount of low end, and put the intake back on and it felt awesome to have that throttle responce back

 

While I feel the 14x3 is still great for the money, a proper CAI, such as a Volant, S&B, or Ram Air, with a sealed element is the most effective, it just costs more. For your application, I would go find a Dakota or Durango air hat, and fab up a snorkel kit out of PVC or something along those lines to keep you nice and dry.

 

So have you ugys heard about the stock intakes suckin up water at all?? I just dont wanna be the crazy guy with a problem no one else has even heard of... lol

 

Short of submerging the passenger side to the top of the fender, I've not heard of the stock airbox sucking water. So maybe you are the crazy guy with the problem no one else has ever heard of...



The thing is: If you've got that problem it needs to be fixed because shattered pistons are a real downer.