LMR CAI Fit and Finish Review - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

themossman · 08-09-2009, 04:04 PM

After plenty of internet jockey research...and some solid counseling from Vengeance, I thought I knew exactly what I wanted. I had decided on the Vararam after ruling out the 'hydro lock' fears because I could not find any substantial evidence of anyone having issues.

Anyway...Vengeance had my car complete several weeks ago and we were waiting for the Vararam piece, but when they said end of August...I decided I needed my car back. So LMR it was...

I had quite a few things done to the car, so I can say what the performance difference was by adding the LMR CAI, but that's not what this review is about. It's about the quality of the piece and my opinions about how it fits (or doesn't fit) in the car. The piece is installed correctly and I've tried 'adjusting', but...it's a design/build issue...not an installation issue.

I think the stock location of the airbox is HORRIBLE..there's zero air getting into the stock airbox and the CAIs that put the filter in the same location are going to run into the same issue. In these pictures you'll see I removed the windshield washer fluid reservoir in attempt to get more air into the cavity, but I haven't noticed much difference.

In picture one, arrow 1...your looking 'inside the airbox and at the strut tower. Arrow 1 shows the measurable gap between the tower and the shield. Arrow 2 shows some bizarre upward curve in the shield...you see a better shot of this from the other side in the next picture.

Picture three shows the 'outside' of airbox looking from rear of car to front. Arrow 1 shows the same strut tower lack of fitment. Arrow 2 shows the mounting bracket.

Picture 4...more of the same...arrow 3 shows where the crappy fit has rubbed paint off the strut tower brace.

Picture 5 shows the inside corner of the shield to show that it fits 'perfectly' on the bottom (ruling out improper installation).

Picture 6 shows the where the washer fluid reservoir used to be...note that there is no positive airflow into this airflow, so the intake is going to pull air from the shield gaps (hot air) just as easily at it will pull air from below.

Picture 7 shows the entire piece...notice the bizarre curve on edge 1...

I'd be interested to see other LMR installs to see if I got a 'bad' shield. There's simply no excuse for this type of fit.

As far as getting air into the cavity...to remove the reservoir, I had to pull the liner out of the front, drivers wheel. There's a shield on the lower grill that's preventing any air from getting into this area, but I believe that shield attempts to direct air into the radiator. If I were to keep a CAI in this area I would certainly look for ways to get a some fresh air into that area.

camarossrs2150 · 08-09-2009, 07:04 PM

DID YOU ALL THE COMPANY AND ASK THEM ABOUT THIS .IM LOOKING TO BUY THIS PRODUCT ALSO BUT NOT TILL THEY FIX THIS PROBLEM THANKS FOR THE INFO I WILL WAIT TO SEE HOW THEY RESPOND TO THIS POST

Nine Ball · 08-09-2009, 10:46 PM

That box is a heat shield, it isn't meant to be air-tight and sealed. It just protects from heat radiating from the engine, so it seems you are being a little picky about gaps. These cold air kits do not "pull air" like some vacuum sucking in, the air speed going in is actually quite slow. They make power by smoothing the airflow once inside the tube, helping to increase flow velocity. Keep in mind that a moving vehicle will typically supply the engine bay with fresh air anyways, it always circulates.

themossman · 08-09-2009, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nine Ball

That box is a heat shield, it isn't meant to be air-tight and sealed. It just protects from heat radiating from the engine, so it seems you are being a little picky about gaps. These cold air kits do not "pull air" like some vacuum sucking in, the air speed going in is actually quite slow. They make power by smoothing the airflow once inside the tube, helping to increase flow velocity. Keep in mind that a moving vehicle will typically supply the engine bay with fresh air anyways, it always circulates.

Thanks for the opinions. How does yours fit?

I understand that it's shouldn't be an 'airtight' fit. But, it should not mar the paint nor fit poorly. Clearly this does both.

Additionally, regarding the moving vehicle supplying 'fresh air'...not my comments regarding the air flow into the area. I had this all apart yesterday and was bit surprised. You should do the same.

White Devil · 08-09-2009, 11:30 PM

Quote:

I think the stock location of the airbox is HORRIBLE..there's zero air getting into the stock airbox and the CAIs that put the filter in the same location are going to run into the same issue.

Yet with "no" airflow it makes over 420HP... there must be air getting there somehow!

strange...

themossman · 08-09-2009, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by White Devil

Yet with "no" airflow it makes over 420HP... there must be air getting there somehow!

strange...

There's obviously air getting in there...but not of it's own free will.

White Devil · 08-09-2009, 11:40 PM

From the times I've looked around the bay I don't see a better spot to put an airfilter besides maybe routing it downwards for an actual CAI... but those run into other problems...

I like the LMR. It will probably be the one I pick up. I would like to see that shield fit a touch better though, I do agree with that. It's actually scratching your paint? Anyway to stick some rubber on the undersides that are scratching?

themossman · 08-09-2009, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by White Devil

From the times I've looked around the bay I don't see a better spot to put an airfilter besides maybe routing it downwards for an actual CAI... but those run into other problems...

I like the LMR. It will probably be the one I pick up. I would like to see that shield fit a touch better though, I do agree with that. It's actually scratching your paint? Anyway to stick some rubber on the undersides that are scratching?

The 'rubbed' paint (worse than just a scratch) is what sent me on my tirade. You could put some weather stripping along the bottom...or cut the edge a little better to fit. I'm just waiting for Vararam. If you want the LMR, PM me and I'll give you a hell of a discount one that's 'slightly used'.

soonerfanru2 · 08-10-2009, 12:14 AM

How much for it shipped to Oklahoma I am interested if the price is right?

themossman · 08-10-2009, 12:19 AM

$275 to your door. But I have to wait for Vararam to deliver before I pull it off...

HaveBlue · 08-10-2009, 10:11 PM

I like how this one is an entire, larger, replacement airbox. I see on the flyer it's part of their MXP line. That usually means multiple air inlets.
Looks like the did some work with the tube too. It's not just a straight w/ 90 degree turn. (Note this is a pic of the prototype stereolithography part and doesn't reveal the inlets)

FLYNNZL1 · 08-11-2009, 08:50 AM

I am thinking of going with Airaid, it looks cleaner than the rest.

wirebender · 08-11-2009, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HaveBlue

I like how this one is an entire, larger, replacement airbox. I see on the flyer it's part of their MXP line. That usually means multiple air inlets.
Looks like the did some work with the tube too. It's not just a straight w/ 90 degree turn. (Note this is a pic of the prototype stereolithography part and doesn't reveal the inlets)

Are there any pics of this installed? Link for more info? Has an L99 been dynoed with this one??

caverman · 08-11-2009, 09:56 AM

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36712

Just in case you didn't see this post. You might wait and take a look at ADM's new CAI. Andy knows what he's doing and I would be willing to bet this is going to be one of the best on the market. He is addressing the air flow issue which is why he is going to have a Street and Race version.

Keep an eye on this one.

08-09-2009, 04:04 PM	#1
themossman Apprehensive Optimist Drives: '10 SS/RS SIM Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: JAX Posts: 1,383	LMR CAI Fit and Finish Review After plenty of internet jockey research...and some solid counseling from Vengeance, I thought I knew exactly what I wanted. I had decided on the Vararam after ruling out the 'hydro lock' fears because I could not find any substantial evidence of anyone having issues. Anyway...Vengeance had my car complete several weeks ago and we were waiting for the Vararam piece, but when they said end of August...I decided I needed my car back. So LMR it was... I had quite a few things done to the car, so I can say what the performance difference was by adding the LMR CAI, but that's not what this review is about. It's about the quality of the piece and my opinions about how it fits (or doesn't fit) in the car. The piece is installed correctly and I've tried 'adjusting', but...it's a design/build issue...not an installation issue. I think the stock location of the airbox is HORRIBLE..there's zero air getting into the stock airbox and the CAIs that put the filter in the same location are going to run into the same issue. In these pictures you'll see I removed the windshield washer fluid reservoir in attempt to get more air into the cavity, but I haven't noticed much difference. In picture one, arrow 1...your looking 'inside the airbox and at the strut tower. Arrow 1 shows the measurable gap between the tower and the shield. Arrow 2 shows some bizarre upward curve in the shield...you see a better shot of this from the other side in the next picture. Picture three shows the 'outside' of airbox looking from rear of car to front. Arrow 1 shows the same strut tower lack of fitment. Arrow 2 shows the mounting bracket. Picture 4...more of the same...arrow 3 shows where the crappy fit has rubbed paint off the strut tower brace. Picture 5 shows the inside corner of the shield to show that it fits 'perfectly' on the bottom (ruling out improper installation). Picture 6 shows the where the washer fluid reservoir used to be...note that there is no positive airflow into this airflow, so the intake is going to pull air from the shield gaps (hot air) just as easily at it will pull air from below. Picture 7 shows the entire piece...notice the bizarre curve on edge 1... I'd be interested to see other LMR installs to see if I got a 'bad' shield. There's simply no excuse for this type of fit. As far as getting air into the cavity...to remove the reservoir, I had to pull the liner out of the front, drivers wheel. There's a shield on the lower grill that's preventing any air from getting into this area, but I believe that shield attempts to direct air into the radiator. If I were to keep a CAI in this area I would certainly look for ways to get a some fresh air into that area. Attached Images __________________ Car is for sale --->http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=158486 Current Summary: Engine:Phase One-(All work by Vengeance Racing): Custom Cam, AR Headers, ported throttle body, ported intake, custom tune, dual valve springs, hardened push rods, under drive pulley, thermostat, Vararam CAI, C5R timing chain, Melling oil pump catch can, breather, MagnaFlow Sport Axle Back Suspension: Pfadt Sport Sway Bars, Pfadt drop springs Other: MGW Shifter, Custom Paint my build journal ---->http://camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30057

08-09-2009, 07:04 PM	#2
camarossrs2150 Drives: abm2ssrs Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: still out of my mind Posts: 2,095	DID YOU ALL THE COMPANY AND ASK THEM ABOUT THIS .IM LOOKING TO BUY THIS PRODUCT ALSO BUT NOT TILL THEY FIX THIS PROBLEM THANKS FOR THE INFO I WILL WAIT TO SEE HOW THEY RESPOND TO THIS POST __________________ [SIGPIC]

08-09-2009, 10:46 PM	#3
Nine Ball Drives: 1969 & 2016 Camaro SS Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 3,849	That box is a heat shield, it isn't meant to be air-tight and sealed. It just protects from heat radiating from the engine, so it seems you are being a little picky about gaps. These cold air kits do not "pull air" like some vacuum sucking in, the air speed going in is actually quite slow. They make power by smoothing the airflow once inside the tube, helping to increase flow velocity. Keep in mind that a moving vehicle will typically supply the engine bay with fresh air anyways, it always circulates. __________________ Fquick.com/NineBall

08-10-2009, 12:14 AM	#9
soonerfanru2 Drives: 2ss Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: muskogee ok. Posts: 42	How much for it How much for it shipped to Oklahoma I am interested if the price is right?

08-10-2009, 12:19 AM	#10
themossman Apprehensive Optimist Drives: '10 SS/RS SIM Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: JAX Posts: 1,383	$275 to your door. But I have to wait for Vararam to deliver before I pull it off... __________________ Car is for sale --->http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=158486 Current Summary: Engine:Phase One-(All work by Vengeance Racing): Custom Cam, AR Headers, ported throttle body, ported intake, custom tune, dual valve springs, hardened push rods, under drive pulley, thermostat, Vararam CAI, C5R timing chain, Melling oil pump catch can, breather, MagnaFlow Sport Axle Back Suspension: Pfadt Sport Sway Bars, Pfadt drop springs Other: MGW Shifter, Custom Paint my build journal ---->http://camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30057

08-09-2009, 11:40 PM	#7
White Devil Drives: Summit White 1SS Soon Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 52	From the times I've looked around the bay I don't see a better spot to put an airfilter besides maybe routing it downwards for an actual CAI... but those run into other problems... I like the LMR. It will probably be the one I pick up. I would like to see that shield fit a touch better though, I do agree with that. It's actually scratching your paint? Anyway to stick some rubber on the undersides that are scratching?

08-10-2009, 10:11 PM	#11
HaveBlue Drives: CTS/CAMARO Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: SEMA/PERF INDUSTRY GUY Posts: 488	I like how this one is an entire, larger, replacement airbox. I see on the flyer it's part of their MXP line. That usually means multiple air inlets. Looks like the did some work with the tube too. It's not just a straight w/ 90 degree turn. (Note this is a pic of the prototype stereolithography part and doesn't reveal the inlets) __________________ "everyone wants to go to heaven. but nobody wants to die" "you gotta pay to play" SEMA PICTURES-PARTS & CARS http://www.pbase.com/haveblue/sema_2009

08-11-2009, 08:50 AM	#12
FLYNNZL1 Wicked ZL1 Drives: 2017 ZL1 A10 HBM Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,175 View My Garage	I am thinking of going with Airaid, it looks cleaner than the rest. __________________ 2017 Hyper Blue Metallic ZL1 A10/CF Hood Insert/PDR/NAV MODS: Rotofab CAI/V-MAX CNC Ported Throttle Body/Clear Bra/LED Reverse Light/Rock Guards/Lift Pads/Darkened Tail Lights/Ghost-Tinted LED Side Markers/Darkened 3rd Brake Light

08-11-2009, 09:56 AM	#14
caverman Drives: '69 SS Convertible Join Date: May 2009 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 7,111	http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36712 Just in case you didn't see this post. You might wait and take a look at ADM's new CAI. Andy knows what he's doing and I would be willing to bet this is going to be one of the best on the market. He is addressing the air flow issue which is why he is going to have a Street and Race version. Keep an eye on this one. __________________ *-2010 Camaro* 2SS \| M6 \| VR w/White Stripes \| 1 3/4" KOOKS - 3" Magnaflow \| LPE 3.91 gears \| ADM tuned \| Halltech w/ADM Scoop \| Spohn/BMR Trailing Arm/Toe Rod \| BC Coilovers\| Pedders FE4 ZL1 swaybars \| Cradle/Diff/Radius Rod bushings \| VMax TB \| Morimoto Projectors \| MGW shifter \| Red Calipers Build Journal

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
MATRIX – 24HR REVIEW CAMARO 2SS/RS - NO BS!!	Matrix	5th Gen Camaro SS LS LT General Discussions	54	06-14-2009 02:37 PM
Had the 2SS/RS for a few days now - Review	Crowley	5th Gen Camaro SS LS LT General Discussions	26	06-05-2009 05:46 PM
Outstanding fit and finish.	lnsjr1	5th Gen Camaro SS LS LT General Discussions	8	05-16-2009 05:04 PM
Fit and Finish	Camaro Goon	5th Gen Camaro SS LS LT General Discussions	76	12-19-2007 06:28 PM