I'm hearing that CAI is hype. Please clear this up. Does it just make noise?

 

If u have an aftermarket exhaust..it'll get louder.

Also allows more air to get thru to the engine. however, i'm no mechanic so don't ask me to explain what this actually does:|:|:|:|:|
The CAI's that are located in a place to allow cooler air in are the best.

 

Cold air is more dense, so it carries more oxygen which means a bigger boom and more power.

The idea behind the bigger K&N type filters is that it allows more air into the engine and is less restrictive. More air equals more oxygen. More oxygen means, well, you get the idea.


As far as HP gains, you'll gain more at high RPM vs Low RPM with a CAI.

 

Also, most guys don't report much seat of the pants gain on a Hemi. They seem to improve the 4.7 performance more than the 5.7. Most do, however, say the intake sound is louder. Most like it, some don't...just a subjective thing.

 

The thing I've wondered is whether a CAI is actually getting cooler air. The CAI is still taking in air from the engine compartment. It would seem to me that the only true "cold air intake" would be if you had a fully functional hood scoop. Then route that air directly to the intake.

 

The stock filter config is a "cold air intake" too. It takes air outside the engine compartment through the drivers side wheel well. The drawback to this is that if you are 4 wheeling a deep crossing, it has been known to pick up water and cause hydro lock. Meaning the guts of the engine grenade themselves. The aftermarket CAI really helps deter this do to location change.