ROTO Fab Cold Air Intake Vs. Cold Air Intake Systems?? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

RED DEMON SS · 09-11-2011, 01:22 AM

Love all the charts and stuff proclaiming the CAI pretty much the best cold air intake system?
But every time i see tricked out 5th gens i see a ROTO Fab under the hood!

So what do folks here have and which is the best and of course in just your own opinion?

Grimlock · 09-11-2011, 01:52 AM

I got the Rotofab for the open top and my ram air hood. I've heard nothing but good things about CAI and I probably would had went that direction if I didn't give intakes a second look, making me stumble on the Rotofab.

mikeSS · 09-11-2011, 01:58 AM

pretty sure roto was out before, and it was a pretty good system. a lot of people bought it. but honestly they both are great, i personally just like the idea and looks of the CAI better.

SKERIS · 09-11-2011, 05:24 AM

Had mine for over a year now...No probs.

scruffyluv · 09-11-2011, 06:45 AM

I had a airraid, and switched to cai in black.. most of the camaro owners I know have cai vrs rotofab.

Bay Area SS · 09-11-2011, 07:05 AM

Both are nice. I have the rotofab and am very happy. I liked that I could customize it a lol by having air box powder coated red and red hoses

Matster · 09-11-2011, 07:08 AM

Went with the Roto Fab because they had one that worked and fit well with the E-Force Sujpercharger.

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Spicoli · 09-11-2011, 09:47 AM

I was thinking about either a CAI, Inc. or Roto-Fab. I have read great things about both. I ended up going with Roto-Fab for two reasons.
1. I was concerned about how the clear window would look after a couple of years of use.
2. I could get the red hose couplings with the Roto-Fab.

I'm sure either is great, it comes down to personal preference.

busman721 · 09-11-2011, 09:54 AM

I'm going thru the same questioning, but have decided on the cai due to I think it looks nicer.

Hendu · 09-11-2011, 11:12 AM

The problem with the CAI is that the black one runs 450 bucks, but you can get the Roto in at least black for 100 less.

Do both create equal sound improvements? I am going through the same tough choice on which to get and it really isn't going to come down to if I want 5 more hp gain or not. It'll be sound and appearance at this point.

RED DEMON SS · 09-11-2011, 12:22 PM

Wow awesome views and points given everyone, i think personally the Roto Fab for me? At least im'm leaning towards the Roto Fab more!

DroptopZ · 09-11-2011, 01:10 PM

For us, the CAI was worth it. You pay a little more, get a few more ponies... and I like the look. Some people will prefer the look of the Rotofab and I think both are excellent products. There was a great comparison thread on this, I think it was stickied somewhere...

brantley847 · 09-11-2011, 02:10 PM

I was impressed with CAIs independent numbers with Jannetty racing.. that is why I went with CAI

HOWEVER! Roto fab rules the car shows I go to... they offer so much for engine bay dress up and their kits look cool as hell in addition to posting good numbers...

You cannot go wrong with either.

DJ UNKNOWN · 09-11-2011, 04:11 PM

Correct me if I'm wrong guys but didnt the air raid give u the most torque at lower rpms? If so why aren't more people running with those cause thts where I'm leaning

RED DEMON SS · 09-11-2011, 07:32 PM

I believe the Air Raid has to have the washer container moved?
Correct me if i am wrong.

BackinBlackSS/RS · 09-11-2011, 07:50 PM

If my choice was between the two, it would be CAI Inc. all the way. It has a closed top compared to Roto-Fab which relies on the hood to seal. How confident are you that it will seal each and everytime and what kind of wear and tear is that putting on the hoodliner. Just something to think about. Me, I got the Vararam and have never looked back.

squat · 09-11-2011, 09:04 PM

I had a rotofab on my G8 and I loved it

MarylandSpeed · 09-11-2011, 09:04 PM

Honestly driving the car, they are the same intake. We sell more Rotofabs I think because of a all the colors you can get. They look great under the hood!

My 5th · 09-11-2011, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by farthestnorth

I believe the Air Raid has to have the washer container moved?
Correct me if i am wrong.

Yes, you are wrong. You don't have to remove the washer bottle with the Airaid.

I debated between the Rotofab, CAI and Airaid, and went with the Airaid because I could get it locally and see and touch it before purchase. Plus it was cheaper than either of the others. I like the Airaid's bigger filter, more gradual radius in the pipe and it has a velocity stack on the filter end, which Rotofab just added. I'd love to get one of Rotofab's radiator covers, but because of the Airaid's radius it overhangs the radiator more.

DJ UNKNOWN · 09-11-2011, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by My 5th

Yes, you are wrong. You don't have to remove the washer bottle with the Airaid.

I debated between the Rotofab, CAI and Airaid, and went with the Airaid because I could get it locally and see and touch it before purchase. Plus it was cheaper than either of the others. I like the Airaid's bigger filter, more gradual radius in the pipe and it has a velocity stack on the filter end, which Rotofab just added. I'd love to get one of Rotofab's radiator covers, but because of the Airaid's radius it overhangs the radiator more.

Do u notice a performance increase?

brantley847 · 09-12-2011, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ UNKNOWN

Do u notice a performance increase?

ok....

INDEPENDENT TESTING... this is why I bought CAI. It doubled the numbers of both in discussion. Roto still put up great numbers..and I almost bought them for car shows I do.. but the numbers are with CAI. Period. The only one I want to see is VR's new setup tested.

https://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?...=1&output=html

OP, you stated you already saw the charts. If your interest is looks primarily, than do what you wish.. then go with ROTO. They are a great company and the number aren't bad. IMO they are among the top 4 providers available to us.. but CAI performance is proven and isnt shy to provide their product for testing. Again, I just wish vararam would get involved in these independent testings.

mclark10 · 09-12-2011, 09:11 AM

Both are great, but with CAI you can do this

ravensjeff · 09-12-2011, 09:37 AM

Performance-wise, a CAI mod will benefit you at higher horsepower levels. The one thing you need to remember about the RotoFab unit is the seal against the hood, which is somewhat crucial to its operation- no/poor seal could raise the air intake temp 25 degrees or so by sucking in the hot air from the engine compartment.

I had to modify the RotoFab box itself when I upgraded to a ACS SS9 fiberglass hood. Luckily, I was able to remove/grind parts of each end to fit the new hood. All is well. And I absolutley love the carbon fiber pieces that you can get from them. That is an appearance (And functional heat transfer piece) item that is one of the best engine bay mods you can get.

thallman91 · 09-12-2011, 11:07 AM

Roto-Fab here. Love it!

axis · 09-12-2011, 01:14 PM

If you're looking at the HP gains and are watching your $$'s, the Halltech Yellowjacket and CAI were tied for first place in Jannetty's test yet the Yellowjacket is priced $100 cheaper. Just something else to consider.

09-11-2011, 01:22 AM	#1
RED DEMON SS OFF THE HOOK Drives: RED DEMON! Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: PNW MISFIT Posts: 7,370 View My Garage	ROTO Fab Cold Air Intake Vs. Cold Air Intake Systems?? Love all the charts and stuff proclaiming the CAI pretty much the best cold air intake system? But every time i see tricked out 5th gens i see a ROTO Fab under the hood! So what do folks here have and which is the best and of course in just your own opinion? __________________

09-11-2011, 05:24 AM	#4
SKERIS Drives: Jewel Red 2SS RS A6 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: MA Posts: 123 View My Garage	Roto-Fab CAI IS GREAT Had mine for over a year now...No probs. Attached Images

09-11-2011, 06:45 AM	#5
scruffyluv CB5thGEN Drives: 2010 2LT/RS ABM, 06 HD Softail Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: VaBeach Posts: 755 View My Garage	I had a airraid, and switched to cai in black.. most of the camaro owners I know have cai vrs rotofab. __________________ One of the few blue

09-11-2011, 07:05 AM	#6
Bay Area SS Drives: 2010 rs/2ss Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: ca bay area Posts: 669 View My Garage	Both are nice. I have the rotofab and am very happy. I liked that I could customize it a lol by having air box powder coated red and red hoses __________________ 1 7/8 long tubes full XS Power exhaust no cats, Rotofab CAI, PowderPro Ported TB, Hurst short throw, TSP 231 236 cam, tuned by Synergy Motorsports 454RWHP, 440 RWTQ. More to come!

09-11-2011, 07:08 AM	#7
Matster Drives: 2010 2SS/RS IOM/IOM #3625 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Greater Toronto Area Posts: 1,811 View My Garage	Went with the Roto Fab because they had one that worked and fit well with the E-Force Sujpercharger. __________________ 666 EVIL RWHP BUILT AND TUNED BY SHIFTED PERCEPTIONS INC.(SPi) 416 Forged Stroker, E-Force Supercharger, Blower Cam, Rotofab CAI, Stainless Works 2" LT Headers and 3" Exhaust, LPE ZR1 Twin Disc Clutch, DSS 1400 HP Axles, Pfadt Performance Kit Stage 3.

09-11-2011, 01:52 AM	#2
Grimlock dey see me rollin Drives: the magic school bus Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Vault 101 Posts: 705	I got the Rotofab for the open top and my ram air hood. I've heard nothing but good things about CAI and I probably would had went that direction if I didn't give intakes a second look, making me stumble on the Rotofab.

09-11-2011, 01:58 AM	#3
mikeSS Drives: 2013 E92 M3 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: MI Posts: 7,291	pretty sure roto was out before, and it was a pretty good system. a lot of people bought it. but honestly they both are great, i personally just like the idea and looks of the CAI better.

09-11-2011, 09:47 AM	#8
Spicoli Drives: 2010 Camaro 1LT/RS Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: SW Michigan Posts: 99 View My Garage	I was thinking about either a CAI, Inc. or Roto-Fab. I have read great things about both. I ended up going with Roto-Fab for two reasons. 1. I was concerned about how the clear window would look after a couple of years of use. 2. I could get the red hose couplings with the Roto-Fab. I'm sure either is great, it comes down to personal preference. __________________ All I need are some tasty waves and a cool buzz and I'm fine (and of course a hot Camaro doesn't hurt).

09-11-2011, 09:54 AM	#9
busman721 Drives: 2011 camaro 2ss/rs Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Arlington,Tx Posts: 49	I'm going thru the same questioning, but have decided on the cai due to I think it looks nicer. __________________ Camaro>mustang

09-11-2011, 11:12 AM	#10
Hendu Drives: 2SS 45th Anniv LS3 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: SW Minnesota Posts: 316	The problem with the CAI is that the black one runs 450 bucks, but you can get the Roto in at least black for 100 less. Do both create equal sound improvements? I am going through the same tough choice on which to get and it really isn't going to come down to if I want 5 more hp gain or not. It'll be sound and appearance at this point.

09-11-2011, 12:22 PM	#11
RED DEMON SS OFF THE HOOK Drives: RED DEMON! Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: PNW MISFIT Posts: 7,370 View My Garage	Wow awesome views and points given everyone, i think personally the Roto Fab for me? At least im'm leaning towards the Roto Fab more! __________________

09-11-2011, 01:10 PM	#12
DroptopZ I'm your huckleberry... Drives: '10 SS/RS, '88 IROC vert Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Seattle Posts: 328	For us, the CAI was worth it. You pay a little more, get a few more ponies... and I like the look. Some people will prefer the look of the Rotofab and I think both are excellent products. There was a great comparison thread on this, I think it was stickied somewhere... __________________ '88 IROC-Z vert (14.9 @ 92.3) '10 2SS/RS LS3 - to run this Summer

09-11-2011, 02:10 PM	#13
brantley847 v It bites. Drives: 2011 IBM 2SS/RS Join Date: May 2008 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 3,382	I was impressed with CAIs independent numbers with Jannetty racing.. that is why I went with CAI HOWEVER! Roto fab rules the car shows I go to... they offer so much for engine bay dress up and their kits look cool as hell in addition to posting good numbers... You cannot go wrong with either. __________________ 2011 2SS/RS Performance: 439 RWHP A6: 226/236 Comp Cam, Kooks 1-7/8, CAInc, Borla S type, FTI Converter, Vmax TB, Rx Catch Can, Trans cooler, SLP 160 termo, Melling high volume, Eibach Springs/Sways 1" drop, Whiteline complete bushing kit. Appearance:Smoked side markers and black bowties. Blk / Blue Carbon Fiber interior trim. Next in order: F14s, 3.70 gears, DSS Axles, End links/Toe rods/trailing arms, Ported heads, S/C. 1100 7/02 Ordered 3800 8/09 Order produced 4200 8/13 Shipped 6000 8/24 HOME!

09-11-2011, 04:11 PM	#14
DJ UNKNOWN Drives: 2011 Red Jewel RS Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Indpls, IN Posts: 553	Correct me if I'm wrong guys but didnt the air raid give u the most torque at lower rpms? If so why aren't more people running with those cause thts where I'm leaning

09-11-2011, 07:32 PM	#15
RED DEMON SS OFF THE HOOK Drives: RED DEMON! Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: PNW MISFIT Posts: 7,370 View My Garage	I believe the Air Raid has to have the washer container moved? Correct me if i am wrong. __________________

09-11-2011, 07:50 PM	#16
BackinBlackSS/RS Go Blue!!!!! Drives: 2012 Cruze LT Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Indiana Posts: 23,374	If my choice was between the two, it would be CAI Inc. all the way. It has a closed top compared to Roto-Fab which relies on the hood to seal. How confident are you that it will seal each and everytime and what kind of wear and tear is that putting on the hoodliner. Just something to think about. Me, I got the Vararam and have never looked back.

09-11-2011, 09:04 PM	#17
squat Drives: 2011 Dodge Charger Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: MN Posts: 887	I had a rotofab on my G8 and I loved it __________________ 2011 Dodge Charger

09-11-2011, 09:04 PM	#18
MarylandSpeed Drives: 2012 ZL1 & 2010 2SS/RS Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Maryland Posts: 2,267	Honestly driving the car, they are the same intake. We sell more Rotofabs I think because of a all the colors you can get. They look great under the hood! __________________ Phone- 443-730-9428 Now Offering Installs and Tuning! * Check Out Our New 2010 Camaro Section!

09-12-2011, 09:11 AM	#22
mclark10 Drives: 2013 CRT ZL1 Vert M6, 2011 Equinox Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Cortland, NY Posts: 3,375 View My Garage	Both are great, but with CAI you can do this Attached Images __________________ Cosmetic Mods- A few Performance Mods- Even fewer (Click above image to learn about UpstateC5)

09-12-2011, 09:37 AM	#23
ravensjeff 100% Chevy & Harley Man Drives: 650 HP Forged Internals-549 HP rear Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Eldersburg,MD Posts: 1,881 View My Garage	Performance-wise, a CAI mod will benefit you at higher horsepower levels. The one thing you need to remember about the RotoFab unit is the seal against the hood, which is somewhat crucial to its operation- no/poor seal could raise the air intake temp 25 degrees or so by sucking in the hot air from the engine compartment. I had to modify the RotoFab box itself when I upgraded to a ACS SS9 fiberglass hood. Luckily, I was able to remove/grind parts of each end to fit the new hood. All is well. And I absolutley love the carbon fiber pieces that you can get from them. That is an appearance (And functional heat transfer piece) item that is one of the best engine bay mods you can get. __________________ Forged & Tuned by Lingenfelter!

09-12-2011, 11:07 AM	#24
thallman91 Drives: 2011 2SS/RS VR Vert! Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: League City, TX Posts: 238	Roto-Fab here. Love it! __________________ 2011 Victory Red Convertible - 2SS/RS Completed Mods: Roto-Fab CAI, Side vents, V Flag emblem, SOLO Cat-Back, VR Painted Engine Cover *Considering Mods:* SOLO High Flow Cats, VR GFX, Window Tint, Backup Camera, Chrome Wheels Fedorov for President! Ovechkin for Vice!

09-12-2011, 01:14 PM	#25
axis Drives: 2010 Black 2SS/RS A6 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Central Ark Posts: 4,512	If you're looking at the HP gains and are watching your $$'s, the Halltech Yellowjacket and CAI were tied for first place in Jannetty's test yet the Yellowjacket is priced $100 cheaper. Just something else to consider. __________________ 2010 Black 2SS/RS A6 Halltech Yellowjacket fed Kooks LT's/ Dynomax VT Pfadted (springs/sways) JRE tuned Aint nobody got time for that

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