Sorry im a noob and im new to Subarus...I just installed a CAI on my 03 WRX...I am now wondering whether the car needs to be tuned...now that more air will be flowing into the car (i think) will this in any way affect the mass air flow sensor?? Im just now wondering if installing the CAI was a bad idea. I hope not.. From what i heard cold air is good for the motor isnt it?? plz help me out with this one, i dont want something that was somewhat inexpensive to cause expensive repairs.

-Adam

 

There's a sticky on the CAI information that you should read. There's lots of good info there.

You're correct that colder air is better, but having a turbo is a lot different than slapping a CAI on a n/a motor. The turbo is getting so hot that it really doesn't matter. On our cars, the cooling of the air charge happens in the intercooler.

As for the MAF.... some CAI's actually change the flow characteristics of the air going around the MAF sensor, causing it to read inaccurately. More air could be going into your motor than what the MAF is seeing, causing a lean condition.

From my personal experience with TXS Stage 2 (UTEC, TBE)... I put an Injen CAI on just to see what the hype was about. I got cool sound from the stock BOV and such, and everything seemed fine on the street. Going to the track, I couldn't get any of the knock tuned out. This was using a map that was knock-free, running 13.8 very consistently. Once I would adjust the map and fix the knock at one point, it would come in earlier or later. Then, I'd fix that, and it would appear at the same spot it had started! FRUSTRATING! After nearly an entire night of knocking and running slower times, I slapped the stock box on and changed back to my "tuned" map. Yet another 13.8, without ANY knock!

 

thnx fnkdrmr.... So is it safe to say that for normal, everyday driving, my car should be ok?? I just dont want anything MAJOR to occur. i installed a K&N on my M3...after a while the check engine light came on and the dealer had mentioned something about the knock sensors, could this happen with the WRX, if so will warranty cover it like BMW? Like I said i just want to be sure that nothing major will happen to my car. Thnx again.

-Adam

 

Warranty probably won't cover a CAI. The worst you'll get from street driving with a CAI is the hassle of check engine lights, possibly some negative effects on performance and/or drivability.

IMHO, I don't think CAI's are appropriate for WRX's at all. More problems than they're worth; plus the performance gained isn't enough to make up for the negative effects. If at all possible, I suggest uninstalling it and selling it to a "friend" The stock intake is actually good until you get a FMIC or aftermarket turbo, or if you are pushing over 300 hp.

 

with the air getting compressed (heats air dramatically) by a compressor attached to a turbine heated to 600+ degrees, a cold air intake is gonna do a whole lotta nada in the real world.

It will **** with you're maf sensor though.

 

if any intake, get a short ram, but do research on which ones will not change the flow of air. all the hardcore guys i seen still rock the stock airbox until they get a front mount.

 

thnx for the help everyone...so basically a CAI doesnt do **** but keepin it on wont really cause any major problems right? that all im concerned with i dont want any major problems down the road. thnx

-Adam

 

No MAJOR problems, just a busload of MINOR problems that'll probably end up driving you insane