Quote:
Originally Posted by mikeSS
i dont understand why people do not know, that long term use of a CAI will equal no gains to actually decrease gains with out a tune.
you don't want your ECM to adjust, thats when the gains are gone.
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You are mistaken.
The ECM commands the AFR (using the LTFT's and STFT's, etc. which are managed differently than the old LS1 models) taking into account the increased airflow. It cannot reduce the airflow, nor does it depart from its commanded AFR. Because you have more airflow at the same AFR, there is more power.
A fresh install may cause it to run more lean, with consequent more power (usually, as the LS3 doesn't always like it leaner), but once it adjusts, a good CAI will always be more powerful (all else being equal) than a stock tune.
Think of it like temperature: 10*F cooler, and your engine will have more power. The ECM cannot unlearn that and will not force it to the previous lower power level. What it will do is adjust fuel and spark accordingly to keep it in its nominal operating range, which will naturally give more power because cooler, denser air burns better and produces more power naturally. Hotter air does the opposite, as the computer moves its parameters to keep the engine nominal (protected).
Same thing with a CAI. It basically shifts your "nominal operating range" to a more powerful range.
Hope that helps.
Padre