(Tech Articles)
By:
Evin Ritter (Rellik)
Subject: 1994-2004 3.8 Liter V6 Mustang and 2005 4.0 Liter V6 Mustang
Quick Jump
Cold Air Induction Introduction - What is Cold Air Induction?
I have a few questions - Do you have a section for Frequently Asked Questions?
Wow, how many different types of Cold Air Induction are there? Where can I find information on them?
Is there modification add-on's to make a CAI work better?
Introduction
Cold Air Induction is misleading from its title. The phrase “Cold Air” is generally interpreted as the air being colder than the normal air induction system. Please keep in mind however, that the air is drawn in from the EXACT SAME LOCATION as the stock induction system (with the exception of ram air systems). The air is not any colder or warmer than the stock induction system, nor will the CAI make the air colder as it travels through the CAI; unless additional mods are taken into account, such as the CryO²™ system, which will be mentioned later in this article.
The air, being drawn from the same location, is still going to be the same temperature as it was before. The only parts you are changing are the restrictive stock induction, with a streamlined system which does not impede the flow of air as much as the stock induction system, and the air filter. Thats it.
What is a CAI?
A CAI is a type of induction system upgrade. The Full Length CAI places the air filter outside of the engine compartment, and also replaces the restrictive “wrinkles” in the stock induction, which slows down airspeed, and makes the air more turbulent when it enters the Upper Intake Manifold. The CAI is a replacement for stock induction systems.
A MeterForward system (mainly produced by John DeMolet formerly of Densecharger Systems) is a system what only replaces the tubing and filter which is in front of your MAF, leaving your induction system stock after the MAF. Though gains are apparent in the MeterForward system, they are not as high as a full length CAI.
How does a CAI work?
When installed, the CAI filters the air before it ever enters the system. Once the air is in the system, it doesn’t have to worry about being turbulent or going through a filter while in the system, making the airflow smoother, with a greater velocity as it passes the Mass Air Flow Sensor (MAF), Throttle Body (TB), and finally enters the Upper Intake Manifold.
The gains found in this modification are mostly due to the better air flow through the begining stages of induction.
What should I expect to see as a performance gain?
Performance gains on the CAI have been in dispute for some time. People have reported anywhere from a 3-14 horsepower (HP) gain, and about a 5-8 torque (TQ) gain. Typical gains are anywhere from 5-8 HP/TQ. Some retail sellers of CAI systems can sometimes claim up to 28 HP just from installing their CAI, filter and a new throttle body. This is HIGHLY skeptical. The CAI will not add that much HP, and adding a new, larger throttle body will not make up the difference. Besides, putting on a new throttle body on a V6 Mustang is useless unless you plan on supercharging your vehicle, in which case, why would you buy a CAI if you're going to repace the CAI with a new induction for the Supercharger? Also, in replacing your stock throttle body with a larger one, you must also port your induction manifolds to match the size of your throttle body, otherwise, you are not getting befifit from the additional airflow past the throttlebody.
There are two other gains that are often never mentioned with the installation of a CAI. Gas mileage and throttle response. Individual reports have claimed that their MPG (miles per gallon) has improved under normal driving conditions. Throttle responce is also often improved with the installation of a CAI.
Metal Vs. Plastic CAI. Which is better?
It’s personal preference. Metal CAI’s usually come in chrome or silver, while plastic usually comes in black. The main argument has been that plastic does not retain heat like metal does. Though this is true, it makes little or no difference when it comes to a CAI. Reason being, is that the air doesn’t stay in the Induction system long enough to heat up or cool down. Air is constantly flowing inside the CAI, as well as outside of it (from the engine compartment air). This air is constantly moving. Air passing outside the CAI is generally cool (unless in bumper to bumper traffic), thus keeping the outside of the CAI cool. A metal is no harder or easier to install than a plastic one. Like previously stated, it’s personal preferance.
There are four general types of CAI's. Full length, Meter Forward, Straight Shot and The FIPK System by K&N©. All of which will be discussed in this article.
Is it easy and straight forward to install?
This is dependant on the individual’s definition of “easy install”. The requirements to install a CAI, is to remove the existing induction system, minus the MAF which is re-used with the new system. All items that are re-used are the MAF and bolts, the ruber feet from the bottom of the existing air filter housing, the IAT sensor (only applicable for 94-02), and some of the stock induction bolts.
However, taking anything out of a car is easy, just unscrew everything, and take it out. It is always easier to destroy, than to create. The install is fairly straight forward. The filter goes outside the fender well (on a full length CAI), which is held in place vertically with a metal plate. Through the plate is a 90 degree tube which has a square flange with 4 bolt holes. The MAF bolts onto this pipe. Then through ruber couplers, the other side of the MAF attaches to the MAF to TB tubing, and another rubber coupler attaches the tube to the TB itself. It is my recommendation that you practice putting it together OUTSIDE of the car before installing into the car. If you can see how it would all fit together before you start, it will make the install easier to understand and to accomplish.
Most CAI users have installed their own system with little or no problems, except for special cases.
If you would like step-by-step instructions on the procedure for installing a CAI, please see the How-To section, or simpily,
click here for a 99-2004 Cold Air Induction installation guide. (opens new window)
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Frequently Asked
Questions about CAI’s
Q) Do CAI’s Whistle? I've read people talking about all different kinds of sounds that the car makes after intalling a CAI.
A) Some do whistle, some don’t. No one really understands why yet, but there are
theories as to why some do and some don’t. Theories include:
-That the bends in the CAI are what make the whistle.
If you would like to hear what the whistle can sound like, please download and listen to these files:
-That the depth of the filter connection onto the first pipe causes turbulance which causes a whistle.
-There is a vaccum leak.
-That the air passing the throttle body plate is making the whistle and is only now more apparent due to the less insulating induction tubing.
Whistle 1
Whistle 2
Whistle 3
What you're listening for is a high pitched, yet somewhat quiet whistling. The volume and the tone of the whistle change with acceleration and deceleration.
These clips were taken within my 1998 Mustang, during the evening at about 60 degrees ambient temputure, after the car has been running for about 2 hours. The first two clips were taken while on the freeway, cruising along at 70MPH on cruise control. The third, was taken from a dead stop, up to about 4000RPMs in first gear, Then shifted into second. You can hear the "sucking" sound at about 1700RPMs throughout the powerband. During the shift, you can hear the whistle. Modifications, relevant to the sound of the car at the time to the vehicle, were: CAI, ASP Underdrive pulley, Phenolic Spacer, GT True Dual exhaust (yes there are other modifications to my car, but not relevant to the overall sound of the vehicle).
It should be noted that the use of an Air Conditioner will usually increase the sound amplitude.
Q) What does this whistle sound like? What can I do to not hear it when I'm driving?
A) A slight/moderate whistling sound from the engine compartment can be heard at certain
RPM’s, weather conditions, and temperatures. It sounds like a whistle. Some
people love the sound, while others get annoyed with it. Personally, I love my
whistling CAI.
If you dont like the whistling sounds, here is what you do. Turn on your radio. Even at comfortable listening levels, the music will drown out the CAI sound. But beware that the sound is and always be there, you can't simpily turn off the sound of a CAI like a light switch.
Q) I see auctions on ebay for CAI Systems. How
are these different from the name brands such as MAC and BBK?
A) The name of the company is the main difference. Another difference is the
size of the filter itself. Ebay auctions come with a smaller filter than MAC
does. Price is also another big factor. eBay auctions sell CAI systems for 50-70
dollars, where as the name brand CAI’s sell it for much, much more. Furthermore, the eBay systems do not come with a CARB Number. This CARB number is essential for passing SMOG emmissions tests. MAC and BBK have spent the additional money to have their system tested for emmissions safety. Though the eBay systems are identical, they didn't spend the extra money for the testing. Please be aware, that without a CARB number, you may possibly be failed on the visual inspection of your SMOG test. BE AWARE OF IT!
Q) I have an eBay CAI. Where can I get this CARB number?
A) To publish the actual number in means of getting around a State or Federal law, is something I'm not about to do. The last thing I need to be nailed for is publishing a way to get around it. But, the magic about the internet, is that any information you ever watned, is out there; You just have to know where look for it. And any email that is sent to me asking for the CARB number will not be answered.
Q) Will the smaller filter hurt performance?
A) No. This is another misconception of Air Filters. The smaller filter on eBay
CAI auctions will perform just as well as the larger one. Example: If a car uses
650 CFM’s of air to run at peak efficiency, then why would you want an air filter
that would filter 2000CFM’s?
Q) The filters on the ebay auction are blue.
How does this differ from a normal, reddish K&N filter?
A) The blue filters are made by Holley, another well known automotive company.
The blue filters are Holly’s version of a high intake air filter, just like a
K&N Filter.
Q) I have a K&N filter on my stock induction
system, can I use it when I get my new CAI?
A) No. They are completely different setups. Use the filter that comes with the
system. Re-sell your old K&N to someone who doesn’t have one, or hang on to it,
your choice. There are reports that the filter CAN be used, but, with modification. Modifications to a stock K&N filter to be used on an aftermarket CAI are not published at this time.
Q) Are the blue Holley filters harder to clean
than a K&N?
A) No. Actually, I’ve used K&N’s filter re-charger kit on my Holley filter with
no problems.
Q) Does your gas mileage really go up that
much?
A) This is dependant on the driver, the conditions, and the style of driving. I know when I
first got my CAI, I was a gas happy lead foot. But rising gas prices stopped
that. I stretched out my gas as far as I could, and I got 332 miles on one tank
of gas. But I usually get about 250-290 Miles per tank under normal conditions.
Q) What is a
Tunable Induction (AKA Densecharger) CAI?
A) A Tunable Induction CAI is the plastic ABS Cold Air Induction System. It is made
from ABS Plastics. The designer, John DeMolet, sells them. For more details, please follow the above link.
Q) Does Tunable Induction make a full length CAI?
Where can I get one?
A) Tunable Induction does in fact make Full length systems again. For a while, he discontnued the production for personal reasons. For details of his products, click the above link.
Q) Someone is selling a Tunable Induction/Densecharger (or any other CAI for that matter) in the for
sale section on a forum. Should I buy it?
A) If you want a Densecharger, then yes, go for it. But beware the year of the
car that it is coming off from. Be sure you get the same or simular year of CAI as your car is. CAI's from 94-98 are interchangable, and CAI's from 99-04 are interchangable. Putting a 99+ CAI on a Pre-99 Vehicle will require modifications to work.
Q) Do I have to disconnect my battery to
install the CAI?
A) With ANYTHING automotive, it is always wise to disconnect the battery for
safety. It is recommended that you disconnect your battery, but it is not
required. Do yourself a favor, and take the 30 seconds to disconnect the positive (+) termanial.
Q) I’ve heard that you need to “reset” your
onboard computer to accept the CAI. Is this true?
A) If you disconnect your battery, you reset your computer anyway. But it is not usually
necessary to reset your computer to function properly after the installation of
a CAI, just as it is not necessary to disconnect your battery. Some reports have been stated, that because they DID NOT disconnect their battery, they felt no difference in performance. This has not been confirmed. Look, you're working with sensors, sensors are electrical... just disconnect the battery.
Q) Do I have to pump a higher octane gas to see
better gains?
A) No. Using a higher octane gas will not help your performance unless other
steps are taken in to consideration. Such as Heads, Cams, Pistons, A new
computer chip, ect. Using a higher octane gas will only waste your money if all
you have is a CAI installed. Stick to the Manufacturers recommendation on
Octane.
Q) With the air filter in the fender well, does
this leave the exposed to the elements?
A) Not any more than it was before. Remember, the air is still being taken from
the same place that the stock induction. If you’re romping around in three feet of mud
in a field.. you’ve got more to worry about than your air intake.
Q) Can I drive through puddles with the CAI installed? I'm talking DEEP puddles, or DEEP Flowing water.
A) Yes, but that would depend on the depth of the puddle. If the puddle is no more than a foot (12 inches) deep, then I would say yes. A puddle that is a foot deep will be about as high as the base of your stock height driver and passenger side doors. Now that's pretty deep, I wouldn't suggest opening your door if youre in a puddle that deep.
As for the flowing water, BE CAREFUL! It is a known fact that 6 inches of flowing water can sweep a car away. Forget about the CAI, now you're talking about loosing your car. Be careful.
Q) If I go dual exhaust, would I need the CAI?
A) No. The 2 modifications are complimentary of each other, but one is not required if you have the other. Both of these modifications help the car breathe better, but if
you just want to get one of the modifications, it’s completely alright.
Q) Does adding a CAI make my exhaust sound louder?
A) I am currently analyzing my wave form evidence between the differences between the two. Please be patient while I finish my work.
Q) I have to re-use my MAF (Mass Air Flow Sensor), but where is it?
A) It’s inside this.
You can see it inside the housing. Some are metal, some are plastic. The picture demonstrates a MAF that is made of metal.
If you want a better picture of what it looks like,
click here for the V6Stangs.com Cold Air Induction installation guide.
Q) I am afraid to get my hands dirty to install
the CAI. I’m afraid I’ll screw something up. I’m not a mechanic and I’m not
knowledgeable about cars. I’m afraid to screw with my car because I might break
it. How much would it be to have someone install it for me?
A) You can pay for me to fly out there, and I’ll install it for you. It is a
fairly easy install. We’ve had people ask us how much it would be to install
one. Honestly, not a lot of us know how much a pro install would be. We mostly
did it ourselves. But like I said, fly me out there and I’ll do it for you for
the cost of a plane ticket (or gas money), a hotel, and a 6 pack of beer. There are step by step tutorials on this site (see above link) for installing a CAI.
Q) The stock induction has a metal screen that
falls out when I take out the MAF. Do I need to re-use that too?
A) No. The screen is not needed, or required when you install the CAI. But save
it with the old induction system, you never know when you may need to put the
old system back on. Some people have put the screen back in. Please be aware that the system was not designed to easily incorperate the screen. Thus, some people have expierenced air leaks, while others have not.
Q) How does the difference in filters affect
performance?
A) If you're referring the differences between a Fram Paper filter and a K&N oil
based filter the differences are the speed and amount of air flow. With paper
filters, the air has to travel through a dense paper material filter. Which is
effective, to it is really restrictive (but not to the point of hurting your car
in any way).
Q) What are the differences between CAI Years?
The K&N Style filter uses a better flowing method air filtration. It uses a
single element that has a type of oil in that filter element which catches dirt,
dust and other debris. The upside of the single element is that the air doesn’t
have to slow down as much to get past the filter, thus creating more/easier air
flow possibilities.
If you're asking about the differences between the reddish orange filters and
the blue filters. One is K&N and the other is Holley respectively. They both
produce the same gains.
So what is it you were asking about filters? The argument between Paper vs. Free
flow single element oil based filters, or the K&N's vs. Holley's?
It has been suggested that the blue filters are not in fact made by Holley. Though this is
a contridiction to what Ebay sellers have informed me. Nonetheless, an oil based
filter, regardless of the name, will perform like any other free flow filter.
A) Good Question. The 94-98 CAI’s are identical. However 99+ CAI Systems for V6
Mustangs are different than that of the pre99 CAI’s.
But even in the 99+ years, there were changes to the design of the stock induction system. 99-01 V6 Mustangs have a seperate sensor for temputure, thus incorperating the temputure sensor hole in the MAF to TB tubing. While the 02+, redesigned the MAF itself to incorperate the temputure sensor inthe MAF housing. Thus making the hole for the temp sensor an obsticle to overcome for the 02+'s. If you wish to put a 99+ CAI onto your 02-03, you will need to come up with a way to plug up the hole. Some have gone to an automotive chain store, purchased a rubber grommet to plug up the hole. One person in particular used a bicycle valve cap and silicone to plug up the hole. Quite creative. He has yet to report any problems with this method.
Q) Why are the 99+ CAI’s different than pre
99’s?
A) Because of the Split Port Induction Manifold. All 99+ mustangs have split port
manifolds, which changed the position and angle of the throttle body. Thus,
making it a differently designed system than pre 99’s.
Q) Can I get a 99+ CAI to work on my pre99?
A) Known problems that you WILL run into
if you try to install a 99+ CAI onto a Pre 99 :
-The MAF to TB pipe is not only too short, it's not angled correctly. If you put
the TB coupler on all the way, then try to attach your MAF coupler, it WILL NOT
REACH. (And yes, I realize my engine bay is dirty. I live on dirt roads, give me a break.)
-If you install the piping first without securing it to the plate, the holes
will be off by about 3.5 inches and WILL not align.
-If you install the piping then try to bring it all together with the bolts on
the MAF, you WILL pop off a MAF or TB coupler... GUARANTEED!!
- The PVC tubing is located on the opposite side of the CAI on a 99+ than the
94-98's. Your stock PVC tubing will not reach, and will be the wrong diameter.
You will need to purcahse a recuder, a 1" hose clamp and extra hose to
compensate for the different locations.
-To addapt the overall shortness of the 99+ CAI to a 94-98, you will need to
purchase at least 1, 3" ruber coupler to replace the one that is on the MAF
(available at hardware stores (ie Home Depot)). This will extend the CAI by a
bit, and it will then be possible to connect all the necessary components
correctly.
Yes, it's a slight modification, but when you're trying to do this for the first
time, it can be frustrating. My advice... buy one that is Year specific. 96-02
CAI's... yeah well, you're taking a chance. The Intake Manifold changed
considerably in 1999 from the previous models.
Q) eBay sells CAI’s for 96-02 Mustangs. But
didn’t the intake change in 99?
A) Yes, they did change, and eBay sellers, despite my numerous emails, have done nothing
to change their ways of misleading consumers when it comes to CAI’s. If you see
an auction like this, Email the seller, ask him of the Mass Air Flow Sensor to
the Throttle Body tube (the tube that doesn’t have the 4 bolt holes) has a 45
degree or a 90 degree angle. That will tell you which one it is. 90 degree is a
94-98, while a 45 degree bend is a 99+.
However, some companies are listening, and changing their ways. They are realising that the manifolds did change between the 98-99 year, and are becoming more year specific.
Q) With Ebay auctions, will I get everything I need to make it work in my car?
A) Ok, this is an age old question that almost everyone I've encounterd has asked through the years. The answer is NO.
The ebay auctions, being as great as they are, do come with a downside. A few items that have come up are easily solved,
but they can be annoying if you're not prepared for them.
- The PCV hose is too short on the 94-98 engines to reach and fit onto the new CAI. You will have to buy 1/2" hose from your local
automotive store. They will ask you what it is for. If you tell them it's for your PCV hose, they'll freak out and tell you that the hose they have
is not designed for PVC hoses and will deteriorate. Which is true. But for the 12" of hose you'll need which costs about a buck, and the necessary hose clamps (2 to 4 1" clamps will suffice), if you have to replace it once every 5+ years, it's worth it. OR you can try to find a PVC hose long enough that you can buy from somewhere, spending time and gas money... up to you.
Q) What are the common modifications with eBay CAI Installs?
-The 99+ Ebay CAI's don't come with a cap to fill up the IAT sensor hole that is used between the 99-01(early 02) years. Easiest way around this is either sealing off the
hole with silicone, or using a typical valve cap, which fits perfectly into the rubber housing. If you're weary about the cap being sucked into the pipe, then
simpily secure the cap with silicone. Another way to seal it is to buy a rubber gromett that will fit into the CAI tubing itself. This is usually an issue for
later models of the 2001 and present day Mustangs.
A)The following list are the typical and most common modifications you'll have to do with a CAI install:
- On more than one occasion, the PCV Valve tubing is not long enough to reach the new CAI. Most people have had to buy a new 3/8" length of hose and a couple of 1" clamps to secure the new hose to the correct fitting.
- On 2002-2004 Mustangs, the IAT sensor was intregrated into the MAF. So, there is a hole that is needed to fill to prevent an air leak. This particular solution caught my eye and I decided to share it. The hole was filled with a .38 caliber bullet. Quite creative. Though most people will either use silicone sealant or a bicycle valve cap. All methods have proven to be sucessful.
Q) My IAT sensor doesnt fit in the new CAI correctly. Is that normal?
A) Deffinately not! One member of our Mustang community had the unpleasant expierence of such an event. What happened was he pulled the sensor out of the sensor
housing itself! This happened when he pulled too hard on the wires of the IAT sensor. Remember to grasp your IAT sensor by the plastic housing, not the wires themselves. We all had a horrible time trying to figure out this problem, until he figured it out and took a picture of his mistake. All involved had a great laugh, and I told the member that he just made his way into the article FAQ's. Additionally, this is only applicable to 94-02 Mustangs, for the IAT sensor was intregrated into the MAF in the mid to late 2001 model V6 Mustangs.
Q) I recently received a Strut Tower Brace for my car, but when I try to install it, my IAT sensor hits the brace. What can I do?
A) The strut tower brace has been a known issue with ALL CAI's with an IAT sensor. The botton of the brace will hit the IAT sensor before it hits the strut tower.
A common solution is to drill the hole on the side or beneath the CAI. Just seal the existing hole after you take out the ruber grommet that holds the IAT in place.
Take out your IAT sensor, and then remove the ruber grommet. The hole that is left is how big your new hole has to be. Now, make sure you dont make the new hole so far away, that the IAT sensor wont be able to reach it. Drill the hole, put the new grommet in, and re-install the IAT sensor.
Q) Is Ram air Better than a normal CAI?
A) This has been a topic of discussion for a while now, and simpily put, at driving speeds, Ram Air does nothing. Fluid Dynamics studies show that at the speed a street car drives,
Ram Air has no useful effectiveness. There have been several studies to prove this, and such studies can be found at VetteGuru and Autospeed.
Q) Can I put the filter directly onto the MAF sensor and forget about the Fenderwell tubing?
A) Doing such a process would be like a "Straight Shot" Induction system. Please see the "Straight Shot" type of CAI at the botom of this article for more information.
Q) Do I need a larger aftermarket Mass Air Flow Sensor (MAF)?
A) No. A larger MAF on a V6 Mustang should only be used if extraordinary measures are taken (such as a supercharded application, or a heavily modified N/A application which will need more airflow). A larger MAF only tricks the computer to think that there is the same ammount
of air being inducted. With the larger airflow actually going in, the engine is leaned out. Which can be harmful over a period of time. A larger MAF, though not needing a chip to properly calibrate the new airflow, it is advised to get a programed chip to adjust for it.
Q) Do I need a larger aftermarket Throttle Body (TB)?
A) No. Unless your manifolds are ported to match the new Throttle body, a new one would be useless.
Q) Do I need new chip for my CAI?
A) Not even close. If a CAI and the simple bolt on mods are all that you're doing, you will not need a new high performance chip. Generaly, if you change your rear gear ratios, install a new cam, or something of that nature, then you will most likely need a new chip to compensate and effeciently use the new modifications.
Q) I want to blow some nitrous into my CAI, will I need a new chip?
A) In this case, I would suggest a flip chip. One setting to have a normal N/A driving siatuation, and the other setting for shooting the nitrous.
Q) Do I need a blow-off Valve for my CAI?
A) Blow Off valves are designed to relieve pressure inside the induction system during a time that the vehicle does not need the pressure. An Example of this would be when you shift gears, the foot is off the gas, thus, the car is revving down. It doesn't need the power that the boost is imposing, and bleeds off pressure.
You have installed a CAI, not a turbocharger. You dont have the boost that such a modification will make. So in Final, no, you do not need a Blowoff valve for a CAI.
Q) Do I need an intercooler for my CAI?
A) An intercooler is a very specific piece of hardware, which is designed to serve as a cooling off stage for incoming air on Forced Induction applications only. When air becomes pressurized, it increases in temperature by quite a bit. Hotter air means less horse power due to lack of density. A CAI does not pressurize the incoming air. Having no need to cool off non pressurized air, an intercooler is not needed for a CAI system.
Q) I've heard that the CAI will cause my exhaust tone to change, is this true?
A) Huge debates have come up because of this question, and though it is a relevant question, it's one of the most argued. While some people say they could hear a change in their exhaust tone, other say that they didn't. Theory would suggest that with the car getting a more free flowing air supply, that naturally, the exhaust would have more volume, thus changing the tone. The claims of such will be tested when I have to change over my induction from CAI to stock for my California SMOG check this month, at which time, I will hopeflly bring some first hand expierence to this question, and end the debate.
Q) I've read that people can attach a blowing device, such as an electric supercharger to blow presurized air into the system. Do these work?
A) Electric superchargers have been circling around the eBay world for some time now. The simple fact is, is that they do NOT provide enough air pressure in the system to do anything. I have also seen people ask if attaching a hairdryer to their CAI will provide air pressure. The simple fact is, they dont add the pressure needed to do any good. Not to mention that it will screw up your Air/fuel Ratio, most likely leaning out your vehicle, which as previously stated, isnt good over time. Besides, when people ask you what you have under the hood, I know I wouldnt want to tell them "I've got a modified Revlon 12 Volt hairdrier" under the hood.
Q) Can I attach Nitrous into my CAI?
A) Absolutly. Just remember that, unlike the Fast and the Furroius fanatics out there, not all Nitrous systems are called "NOS" (which stands for Nitrous Oxide Systems, one of many brand names of Nitrous System distributers). NOS is simpily a street racer terminology for Nitrous. But yes, you can use a CAI system to utilize your nitrous system.
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The Types of Cold Air Induction Systems
MAC, BBK Style Full Length Cold Air Induction
This system, is probably the most common type of Cold Air Induction system to date. Usually silver or chrome in color, these systems are made of metal, and places the air filter inside the fender well for the air supply. These systems are of a "show" type quality, meaning that they will grab attention of those people walking by your car. Making it not only a performance part, but also an appearance piece as well. Such systems can be purchased at online retailers, such as Autobadges.com.
Tunable Indutcion/Densecharger Full Length and Meterforward Cold Air Induction
These systems are made of ABS Plastics and are black in color. A K&N Air Filter is used in the same method as the above mentioned System, with the filter inside the fender well. Though not as flashy as a chrome CAI, the Tunable Induction is a great alternative to having a CAI system without the shiny factor, to preserve the dark, mysterious look of an engine. These units and more information can be found on www.Demolet.com.
Ram Air Induction System
"A Ram Air system is a Cold Air Induction system. But a Cold Air Induction system is not always a Ram Air system."
A Ram air system uses the principle of using the speed of the car to "shove" air into the system. A Ram Air is placed in a possition where it can take air from the front of the car. At slow speeds, the air is taken in at a normal speed. At highway speeds, the air is being put into the system at speed, creating a small compressed blast of air being shoved into the throat of your engine. Other types of cars have a Ram air system, such as the Ford Mustang Mach 1 (called a Shaker Hood Ram Air System), and the Ram Air FireBird. March Performance makes such a system that can be used on the 3.8L V6 Mustang.
K&N FIPK Induction System
Information about this System can be found at K&N Fuel Injection Performance Kits (FIPK). Apparently, they do not make a system for the 94-98 V6 Mustang according to their application site. So this system, for the moment, is soly for the 99+ V6 Mustangs.
99+ FIPK installation numbers and instructions.
"Straight Shot" Induction
The Straight Shot Induction is very simular to the K&N FIPK. The theory is, the bends in a fullength CAI system cause pressure differences, and airflow disruptions due to the bends. Now, according to Fluid Dynamics principles, both the pressure difference, and turbulance are present after a disruption in the flow of the air after a turn like that. So if you can make the air run in a straight path, you will have a more efficient airflow. Also, there is the issue of incorrect MAF readings from that 90 degree bend. For details on this type of Cold Air Induction System, please read this thread.
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The Types of Cold Air Induction Add-on's
Cry-O² Cyrogenic System System™
From designengineering.com (used by permission).
"The CryO² ™ Air Intake consists of an aerodynamically design bulb with a cryogenic chamber which is mounted in a 4" segment of air tube. As the air passes over the bulb heat is removed from the air charge resulting in a colder, denser more powerful charge. Dyno testing showed a reduction in intake air temperature of more than 35%. The CryO² ™ Air Intake can be used on tubocharged, supercharged or naturally aspirated applications. Multiple units can be used for colder results. Installs in minutes and comes with silicone connection sleeve, hose clamps and connection/vent hose."For Details, Please visit designengineering.com.
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