WAI and CAI: pros, cons, comparison

irideflatland · 07-12-2005, 05:26 AM

People have talked on these forums about their warm air intakes and cold air intakes. It would be cool if someone could write what they do, good and bad things about them, and compare the two. And do most cars come with WAI?

If you haven't figured it out yet, I know nothing about cars, but I am trying to learn. Thanks for all the help so far.

PurdueGuy · 07-12-2005, 06:10 AM

The stock intake might technically be a warm air intake, but if you call it a WAI, people will assume you mean aftermarket. Just call it a "stock intake".

A warm air (or short ram, or several other names) intake puts the end of the intake inside the engine bay, where it sucks in air. The air in the engine bay is warmer than the outside air due to the engine & such, thus the name.

A cold air intake places the intake end outside the engine bay (in the fender for saturns), where it draws in the cooler ouside air.

You'll also hear about RAM air intakes. For saturns, these are custom jobs that usually use a hood scoop. The idea is the same as the CAI, except you're also trying to get the air to be forced into the intake by the car's speed. A good idea if set up well, but since they're custom jobs for Saturns, you're unlikely to do any better than a good CAI, and have more risk.

Downsides of intakes:

WAI - a little more dirt into the filter over the stock intake probably, but that's about it.

CAI - a fair amount more dirt into the filter than stock intake or WAI. Some risk of water ingestion, but the risk is very low if you stay out of deep puddles and don't have a body kit that opens up the fender and exposes the filter a lot.

WAI - same downfalls as the CAI, but the intake is definately at risk for taking in rain water. Creative ways to prevent water ingestion are needed. Since a good CAI is just as or more effective, this is recommended.

irideflatland · 07-12-2005, 06:17 AM

So from what I have read (eBay), a CAI would give a few more HP's, but what effect would it have on fuel efficiency?

PurdueGuy · 07-12-2005, 06:33 AM

an aftermarket intake could potentially help economy very slightly - if you can keep your foot out of it.

irideflatland · 07-12-2005, 06:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PurdueGuy

if you can keep your foot out of it.

Meaning? It's fine with me as long as it doesn't hurt MPG's.

PurdueGuy · 07-12-2005, 04:21 PM

"if you can keep your foot out of it" = if you can keep from flooring the car a lot. The intake will be less restrictive, resulting in either a bit more power, or a bit more economy. Your driving manners will decide which.

ilikecereal · 07-12-2005, 07:53 PM

WAI don't necessarily give any more power over a stock intake, but they sound better and are less restrictive.

CAI sound better, give more power (depending on other mods as well), and help your fuel economy if you can drive conservatively. but this is hard as you have a little more pep, AND it sounds better when you floor it. so it's a trade off.

i recommend CAI. you will usually only sieze your engine with water if you get your intake fully engulfed in water.

PurdueGuy · 07-12-2005, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilikecereal

i recommend CAI. you will usually only sieze your engine with water if you get your intake fully engulfed in water.

Yup, stay out of deep puddles and it's fine.

No river wading for your satty! *shakes finger*

TylerC161 · 07-13-2005, 08:04 AM

iv been debating with myself here on my CAI.. how much water would it take to KILL my engine for good..

as seen in this pic you can see my filter

http://www.xwarlordx.com/TylerC161/DSC03193.JPG

*Edit* WHOA! Please dont post pictures that require extensive side scrolling CSJ *

lets just say im driving in the rain, its raining.. not too hard, but a soft rain. do i risk damage to my engine? of would little drops of rain not be large enough to go all the way up my tube and into my engine.

PurdueGuy · 07-13-2005, 04:56 PM

I cant' see the filter in that image - is it exposed horizontally or vertically?