Mech Mods Completed - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

PalmerGA · 06-11-2012, 10:40 AM

Hey y'all. Just wanted to update my CAI mod - it is done. That completes my planned mechanical mods: MRT-V2 axlebacks, RX Catch Can, and now CAI Cold Air Induction. Now... to consider some asthetic improvements (very little needed).

I've attached a couple of photos and some comments about theCAI installation that those who will be DIY-ing may want to take note of.

Overall it's a pretty simple install, but if you are like me you want clear instructions before you start disassembling your $30K (or more) car. The instructions provided with the CAI, Inc. kit are pretty good but fall short in a couple of places.

1. Terminology was a bit unclear with the use of "wire loom" and "MAF" (Mass Air Flow), if you're not a mechanic (as I am not). Familiarize yourself with the terms before you begin your DIY.

2. Some of the photos in the instructions are not of a 2012 LFX Camaro. I think CAI needs to create separate instructions specifically for LFX and LLT engines.

3. Tools required. Add to the list a 5/16" Nutdriver and a medium sized flat tip screwdriver.

Things to Note:

MAF Sensor. When installing the MAF onto the new intake tube, be sure to notice the arrow on the MAF which (I assume) indicates the direction of ariflow. Again, something a DIYer may not notice and something that should be mentioned in the instructions.

Battery Ground. Once the CAI box is installed, you will no longer have access to the grounding stud used to jump the battery unless you remove the filter box cover. Even then I don't think you can get a clean clamp on the stud. You'll want to make other arrangements for jump starting.

Other than that, installation went smoothly. Took about an hour including taking pictures and making notes. Sounds good, runs good, looks good. Haven't given it a hard test yet for get up and go. Raining today.
Attached Images

Henry G. · 06-11-2012, 06:44 PM

Looks good, thanks for the pics too. So any seat of the pants impressions on performance?

PalmerGA · 06-11-2012, 08:42 PM

Added final picture (above).

Thanks. Been having lots of rain here lately (expecting more tomorrow). I'll give it a workout when the roads dry off good. Initial sound impressions are a little more depth (throaty) and perhaps a bit louder in the cabin - still not overly loud though.

NoSyT · 06-13-2012, 02:24 PM

Looks good Palmer! I love the sound of the CAI and MRT V2.

PalmerGA · 06-13-2012, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoSyT

Looks good Palmer! I love the sound of the CAI and MRT V2.

Me too. Awesome. Can't imagine a better sounding combo - especially when you jump on it a little (doesn't take much to sound off).

theragtopguy · 06-13-2012, 06:12 PM

Looks fantastic man!! Nice job!! I believe the first mod I will make is the CAI as well. When I can afford it, that is. Trying to save some dinaro for vacation right now.

2Fr3shKicks · 06-13-2012, 09:37 PM

Nice still figuring out what intake I should go with

06-11-2012, 10:40 AM	#1
PalmerGA Drives: 2013 SIM 1SS/RS L99 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Southwest GA Posts: 2,728 View My Garage	Mech Mods Completed Hey y'all. Just wanted to update my CAI mod - it is done. That completes my planned mechanical mods: MRT-V2 axlebacks, RX Catch Can, and now CAI Cold Air Induction. Now... to consider some asthetic improvements (very little needed). I've attached a couple of photos and some comments about theCAI installation that those who will be DIY-ing may want to take note of. Overall it's a pretty simple install, but if you are like me you want clear instructions before you start disassembling your $30K (or more) car. The instructions provided with the CAI, Inc. kit are pretty good but fall short in a couple of places. 1. Terminology was a bit unclear with the use of "wire loom" and "MAF" (Mass Air Flow), if you're not a mechanic (as I am not). Familiarize yourself with the terms before you begin your DIY. 2. Some of the photos in the instructions are not of a 2012 LFX Camaro. I think CAI needs to create separate instructions specifically for LFX and LLT engines. 3. Tools required. Add to the list a 5/16" Nutdriver and a medium sized flat tip screwdriver. Things to Note: MAF Sensor. When installing the MAF onto the new intake tube, be sure to notice the arrow on the MAF which (I assume) indicates the direction of ariflow. Again, something a DIYer may not notice and something that should be mentioned in the instructions. Battery Ground. Once the CAI box is installed, you will no longer have access to the grounding stud used to jump the battery unless you remove the filter box cover. Even then I don't think you can get a clean clamp on the stud. You'll want to make other arrangements for jump starting. Other than that, installation went smoothly. Took about an hour including taking pictures and making notes. Sounds good, runs good, looks good. Haven't given it a hard test yet for get up and go. Raining today. Attached Images Attached Images __________________ Last edited by PalmerGA; 06-11-2012 at 08:36 PM.

06-11-2012, 08:42 PM	#3
PalmerGA Drives: 2013 SIM 1SS/RS L99 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Southwest GA Posts: 2,728 View My Garage	Added final picture (above). Thanks. Been having lots of rain here lately (expecting more tomorrow). I'll give it a workout when the roads dry off good. Initial sound impressions are a little more depth (throaty) and perhaps a bit louder in the cabin - still not overly loud though. __________________

06-13-2012, 02:24 PM	#4
NoSyT It's a Three Six, Vee Six Drives: 2012 Ashen Gray Metallic 2LT/RS Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Copperas Cove, TX (currently Afghanistan) Posts: 928 View My Garage	Looks good Palmer! I love the sound of the CAI and MRT V2. __________________

06-13-2012, 06:12 PM	#6
theragtopguy Lifetime Phillies Fan Drives: Silver/Black '12 2LT 'Vert 6-speed Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Eastern Penns Woods Posts: 569	Looks fantastic man!! Nice job!! I believe the first mod I will make is the CAI as well. When I can afford it, that is. Trying to save some dinaro for vacation right now. __________________ Phillies Baseball, Hot Dogs, Apple Pie and Chevrolet!!!!

06-11-2012, 06:44 PM	#2
Henry G. Drives: 2012 Camaro LFX,CAI,DynomaxVT,RX CC Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: So Cal Mtns Posts: 504	Looks good, thanks for the pics too. So any seat of the pants impressions on performance?

06-13-2012, 09:37 PM	#7
2Fr3shKicks Drives: 2012 Chevy Camaro RS Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Washington DC Posts: 67	Nice still figuring out what intake I should go with