What sound do CAI's provide?

TitanLPD · 04-16-2006, 08:13 AM

I hear people talking about the sound from their CAI's. What is it exactly? Does it boost exhaust sound or have a distinct sound from the engine compartment?

THanks

TOK · 04-16-2006, 08:46 AM

Intake noise typically isn't a pleasant sound... Loud whoosh, white noise.

Mr. B · 04-16-2006, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TOK

Intake noise typically isn't a pleasant sound... Loud whoosh, white noise.

Wrong you are. I have fond memories of my sisters '69 Chevy Malibu with a 350 and a Quadrajet carb.....the air cleaner lid was flipped over and a 4'' filter replaced the 3'' unit.....when the back barrels on that carb opened up, the sound was glorious.

**P's Titan** · 04-16-2006, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. B

Wrong you are. I have fond memories of my sisters '69 Chevy Malibu with a 350 and a Quadrajet carb.....the air cleaner lid was flipped over and a 4'' filter replaced the 3'' unit.....when the back barrels on that carb opened up, the sound was glorious.

He's not wrong, it makes a whoosh sound. I think it's a glorious sound but the whoosh is def. there.

jaho1979 · 04-16-2006, 11:23 AM

My AEM produces a deep sucking sound. To me, it sounds awesome!! When you are flooring it, and it gets above 3,500 RPM, it really screams and sounds awesome, reminds of a big 4-barrell carb. Definitely loud though, especially on the highway and if towing. To me, its a great performance mod if you want extra noise, and some performance, because it is not always loud like an exhaust system, only loud when it needs to be!

markislive78 · 04-16-2006, 11:23 AM

My K&N Aircharger is pretty darn loud....

**helomech** · 04-16-2006, 01:44 PM

I love the sound of my AEM. Like jaho said it is quiet untill you give it some throttle. I notice the sound above 2500 and it gets louder with more rpm.

TitanLPD · 04-16-2006, 04:14 PM

Thanks for the input, I guess like exhaust noise is subjective.

Is it at least a throaty or tough noise or just "white noise" as described.

CAI's seem to be a lot of coin for little HP, there has to be some other incentive for everyone to be buying them!!!!

**helomech** · 04-16-2006, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TitanLPD

Thanks for the input, I guess like exhaust noise is subjective.

Is it at least a throaty or tough noise or just "white noise" as described.

CAI's seem to be a lot of coin for little HP, there has to be some other incentive for everyone to be buying them!!!!

It is a throaty air rushing noise, I don't think it sounds anything like white noise.

Armada · 04-16-2006, 05:47 PM

If you want to know what a CAI is likely to sound like, especially the exposed cone type, just take the top off your airbox, remove the air filter and make a BRIEF run of a block or two where you can "get on it" at WOT once or twice.

Don't do this for more than just that block or so. Pull over and put the filter back in and the top back on the box. If you like the sound, that's close to what you can expect.

It is loud (to me) and is a deep throated "hollow" rush of air at WOT and relatively quiet at other times.