Air Intake Information for GM's 3.6L V6

[Airaid Filters]

The new Camaro direct injection system is advanced. The PCM is capable of identifying sensor readings that are outside of acceptable parameters and will compensate. The ability to compensate for sensor readings will allow the PCM to function with what is assumed to be degrading components. Sensor readings such as Mass Air Sensor frequency are expected to be within a particular range when sampled along with other engine sensors readings to include engine RPM, throttle position, etc. A component or group of components that cause sensor reading to be outside of acceptable range will lead to compensation settings from the PCM. The malfunction indicator lamp can illuminate if sensor readings (or combination of readings) are beyond these acceptable limits.

The PCMs ability to compensate results in restored functionality (or loss of temporary performance gains). Vehicle modifications can result in temporary “improvements” that are later adjusted back to original performance if those modifications result in sensor readings that are outside of the expected parameters. For example, installing an intake system with less restriction (more air flow) and mass air sensor mounting location that does not allow for proper sampling of the additional air flow. This will force the PCM to make necessary adjustments until it receives acceptable readings or combination of sensor readings. These “adjustments” result in original performance levels or an illuminated MIL if requirements are met.

An intake system that is properly designed to provide less restriction (more air flow) while allowing the mass air sensor to sample the incoming air flow accurately (as it did in the original intake) should not result in the PCM re-learning or compensating. The additional air flow resulting from less restriction should be measured from the mass air sensor accurately as the correct frequency reading per volume of air. Additional air flow should continue to be sampled accurately from the mass air sensor until the additional amount of air flow exceeds the functional limits of the mass air sensor or the allowable parameters of the PCM.

An unmodified Camaro will perform better at sea level than it will at 7000 feet elevation. This is due to the more dense air that is available at sea level. The mass air sensor will accurately read the difference in air density and the PCM will process accordingly (not relearn the performance back out) because the other PCM readings and functionality are within allowable limits. A properly modified Camaro will respond the same with additional air flow being measured accurately while maintaining sensor readings that are accurate and within allowable spec of the PCM.

The challenge for aftermarket manufacturers is to develop performance systems that provide added air flow while retaining sensor functionality within their design limits. Our staff of engineers and ASE certified techs utilize our in-house chassis dyno, flow bench, mass air sensor flow bench, rapid prototype equipment and much more to insure our products function and fit as intended. Our success has resulted in the consultation of performance intake systems to OEM manufacturers.

[Xanthos]

Thanks for clearing this up!
- X

[esperman]

exactly what I suspected all along.
Thats why I went and bought the Airaid.

AND I LOVE the sound & extra torque.

[kga10734]

Question about the MAF?

Which way is the proper way to install the MAF in the Airaid system? Does it really matter? After reading the above info by David, it just might make a difference.

I installed the MAF the way it showed in the directions, which is opposite of the way the factory had it.

[esperman]

Originally Posted by kga10734

Question about the MAF?

Which way is the proper way to install the MAF in the Airaid system? Does it really matter? After reading the above info by David, it just might make a difference.

I installed the MAF the way it showed in the directions, which is opposite of the way the factory had it.

Good question. I didn't pay much attention to that part of the instructions. I just seated it the way it felt the best fit.

No CEL and it's performing very well....so I'm not worried.

[faninc]

Airaid, well done and hopefully this dispells some of the fiction that it cannot be accomplished with the V6 PCM! Cannot wait to install mine when it arrives.

best
J

[Airaid Filters]

Originally Posted by kga10734

Question about the MAF?

Which way is the proper way to install the MAF in the Airaid system? Does it really matter? After reading the above info by David, it just might make a difference.

I installed the MAF the way it showed in the directions, which is opposite of the way the factory had it.

Hello kga10734,

The MAF sensor will only mount in the tube 1 way. If you put it in backwards, the holes do not line up.

any other questions, please let me know.

Thanks,
David

[TJ91]

thanks for the info David!

[TIE FIGHTR]

So your saying a Houston Camaro performs better than a Denver Camaro?

[trudawg660]

Originally Posted by TIE FIGHTR

So your saying a Houston Camaro performs better than a Denver Camaro?

Temp factors also, denver is colder than houston

[calflan]

Originally Posted by David@Airaid

An intake system that is properly designed to provide less restriction (more air flow) while allowing the mass air sensor to sample the incoming air flow accurately (as it did in the original intake) should not result in the PCM re-learning or compensating.
The additional air flow resulting from less restriction should be measured from the mass air sensor accurately as the correct frequency reading per volume of air. Additional air flow should continue to be sampled accurately from the mass air sensor until the additional amount of air flow exceeds the functional limits of the mass air sensor or the allowable parameters of the PCM.

Dave, so pulling fuses 5 and 20 (reset of power to the ECM) are NOT required it would seem. If there is not an engine light illuminated, the system recognized proper sensing requirments and performance gains are immediately available, would'nt that seem the case ?

An unmodified Camaro will perform better at sea level than it will at 7000 feet elevation. This is due to the more dense air that is available at sea level. The mass air sensor will accurately read the difference in air density and the PCM will process accordingly (not relearn the performance back out) because the other PCM readings and functionality are within allowable limits. A properly modified Camaro will respond the same with additional air flow being measured accurately while maintaining sensor readings that are accurate and within allowable spec of the PCM.

This supports Scrming's quiry about mounting the temp sensor outside of the flow tube. If the sensor notes a colder - more dense - ambient temp, the ECU / car performs better.
'Within an allowable spec' does not mean a predetermined power level does it ? In other words, the ECU has a set target torque / power rating and therefore based on sensor inputs, compensations or adjustments will be made to maintain a set performance level ?

The challenge for aftermarket manufacturers is to develop performance systems that provide added air flow while retaining sensor functionality within their design limits. Our staff of engineers and ASE certified techs utilize our in-house chassis dyno, flow bench, mass air sensor flow bench, rapid prototype equipment and much more to insure our products function and fit as intended. Our success has resulted in the consultation of performance intake systems to OEM manufacturers.

I agree completely that Airaid's system provides increased air flow, function and fit very well - first hand testimonial, have had the system installed approx. 2 weeks now. Additionally, based on Airaids testing, the system also satisfies required parameters for the ECU sensors, since the ENGINE light does not remain on after installation. But again, is the ECU returning performance to a set level, to maintain a burn level the ECU 'wants' ? May be more a Chevy question than Airaid I suppose.

Dave, thank you for posting. Your attention to customer detail and inquiries only make me more satisfied that I purchased an Airaid system.

[scrming]

Good info!

From the Jannetty CAI shootout (http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48202)

Here are the results:

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

In regards to fuel trims... Stock was -3%. My understanding is that the ECU is saying "Ok, I calculated the amount of fuel I need based on the MAF, temp, etc. and I am running a bit to rich based on the o2 sensor so I had to subtract some fuel (-3%) to bring my Air Fuel Ratio back to where i want it"

After installing the Airaid the fuel trim goes to +7%, (10% swing). Now the the ECU is saying "Ok... I calculated the amount of fuel I need based on the MAF, temp, etc. and now I'm running to lean. I had to add more fuel (+7%) to bring my A/F back where I want it"

Now my understanding is +7% is not a big deal (some say less than +/- 10% to +/- 20%... So this is some of the part of the ECU that corrects things... There are also long term and short term fuel trims... and my understanding is if the fuel trims get to far apart then you can trigger a CEL.. Say the long term is -5% and all of a sudden the short term fuel trim goes to +25% you probably have a problem! LOL

[curtis0407]

Hello everyone... I've been cruising around the sight for about a month now, reading and researching all that is being written about the V6 Camaro in hopes of eventually making a well formed decision when it comes time to lay down some money for one.

That said, I was struck by the following:

An unmodified Camaro will perform better at sea level than it will at 7000 feet elevation. This is due to the more dense air that is available at sea level. The mass air sensor will accurately read the difference in air density and the PCM will process accordingly (not relearn the performance back out) because the other PCM readings and functionality are within allowable limits. A properly modified Camaro will respond the same with additional air flow being measured accurately while maintaining sensor readings that are accurate and within allowable spec of the PCM.

Does this mean that an Airaid modified Camaro V6 will perform as well @ 7000 feet as it would at sea level? As you may have guessed - Santa Fe is up at 7000 feet...

[HokieERVet]

So will relocating the IAT sensor outside of the MAF sensor, as some are doing to get a colder air read, cause any issues with the PCM calculations making it "reset" and prevent gains?

[scrming]

Originally Posted by curtis0407

Hello everyone... I've been cruising around the sight for about a month now, reading and researching all that is being written about the V6 Camaro in hopes of eventually making a well formed decision when it comes time to lay down some money for one.

That said, I was struck by the following:



Does this mean that an Airaid modified Camaro V6 will perform as well @ 7000 feet as it would at sea level? As you may have guessed - Santa Fe is up at 7000 feet...

Nope... you will still have "thin" air... a CAI doesn't change the air density....

[scrming]

Originally Posted by HokieERVet

So will relocating the IAT sensor outside of the MAF sensor, as some are doing to get a colder air read, cause any issues with the PCM calculations making it "reset" and prevent gains?

Does not appear to... My long term fuel trims are +/- 1.6% and it appears that the car is running about 4 or 5 more degrees of timing...

[calflan]

Originally Posted by scrming

Nope... you will still have "thin" air... a CAI doesn't change the air density....

True, but you'll have more airflow, ultimately providing the same affect as more dense air from the stock system. So I'd bet the Airaid system at 7000 would be comparable (or better) to a Sea level stock system.

[scrming]

Originally Posted by calflan

True, but you'll have more airflow, ultimately providing the same affect as more dense air from the stock system. So I'd bet the Airaid system at 7000 would be comparable (or better) to a Sea level stock system.

Nope... Not even close... Yes you are moving more air but it still has less oxygen! You are just moving more "thin" air! It has to do with the composition of the air, not the volume...

Ok... The Jannetty test showed the Airaid added 9RWHP to a stock SS... so let say we give Airaid the benefit of the doubt and say you pick up 11RWHP. Now using a DA calculator looking at 7000 feet, if you run say a 15.00 in the 1/4, the DA calc says that if you run that same car at sea level you are looking at upper 13's. So clearly a full second faster. It takes a LOT more than 11 RWHP to make up a second! Rough number is about 10HP = 1/10th second...

So adding an Airaid my give you gain you .1 or .2 in the 1/4 mile... it certainly won't make up the difference between 7000 feet and sea level...

[Xanthos]

Originally Posted by scrming

Nope... Not even close... Yes you are moving more air but it still has less oxygen! You are just moving more "thin" air! It has to do with the composition of the air, not the volume...

Ok... The Jannetty test showed the Airaid added 9RWHP to a stock SS... so let say we give Airaid the benefit of the doubt and say you pick up 11RWHP. Now using a DA calculator looking at 7000 feet, if you run say a 15.00 in the 1/4, the DA calc says that if you run that same car at sea level you are looking at upper 13's. So clearly a full second faster. It takes a LOT more than 11 RWHP to make up a second! Rough number is about 10HP = 1/10th second...

So adding an Airaid my give you gain you .1 or .2 in the 1/4 mile... it certainly won't make up the difference between 7000 feet and sea level...

I was going to say something along these lines, but you beat me too it and worded it better than I probably would have anyway.

Heh.
- X

[fastal]

Originally Posted by scrming

Nope... Not even close... Yes you are moving more air but it still has less oxygen! You are just moving more "thin" air! It has to do with the composition of the air, not the volume...

Ok... The Jannetty test showed the Airaid added 9RWHP to a stock SS... so let say we give Airaid the benefit of the doubt and say you pick up 11RWHP. Now using a DA calculator looking at 7000 feet, if you run say a 15.00 in the 1/4, the DA calc says that if you run that same car at sea level you are looking at upper 13's. So clearly a full second faster. It takes a LOT more than 11 RWHP to make up a second! Rough number is about 10HP = 1/10th second...

So adding an Airaid my give you gain you .1 or .2 in the 1/4 mile... it certainly won't make up the difference between 7000 feet and sea level...

Sadly this is very true. I live near Denver and our local track is at 5800'. I haven't gotten my 2010 to a dyno yet but my 2000 Z28 has seen quite a bit of dyno time. Typically the correction factor on the dyno is between 1.2 and 1.25. So while my 2000 Z28 dynos at 405 with correction factor, the actual rear wheel is around 335hp.

I've decided with my 2010 my goal is to modify it to stock sea level performance. Since I'm at a lower altitude then 7000' I figure I need to add an actual 30-40HP. I figure I'll need a CAI, cat-back, and headers. On the headers I'm waiting until spring to see results people get from the various short and long tube. I'm guessing now that I'll have to go with longtubes to meet my goal. The only other thing that might help is tuning.

For a car guy I really hate living at high altitude On the other hand everything else is awesome, especially since I bought my house in a non-emission county so long tubes are easy to justify.

[Xanthos]

Originally Posted by fastal

Sadly this is very true. I live near Denver and our local track is at 5800'. I haven't gotten my 2010 to a dyno yet but my 2000 Z28 has seen quite a bit of dyno time. Typically the correction factor on the dyno is between 1.2 and 1.25. So while my 2000 Z28 dynos at 405 with correction factor, the actual rear wheel is around 335hp.

I've decided with my 2010 my goal is to modify it to stock sea level performance. Since I'm at a lower altitude then 7000' I figure I need to add an actual 30-40HP. I figure I'll need a CAI, cat-back, and headers. On the headers I'm waiting until spring to see results people get from the various short and long tube. I'm guessing now that I'll have to go with longtubes to meet my goal. The only other thing that might help is tuning.

For a car guy I really hate living at high altitude On the other hand everything else is awesome, especially since I bought my house in a non-emission county so long tubes are easy to justify.

You might actually be ok with just intake/exhaust/shorties.

However, I'm also waiting to see how the shorties vs. longtubes turns out.
- X

[MontyCarlo]

There will be some point where a camaro with an Airaid intake will have the same mass airflow as a stock car at sea level, but it's probably in the 1,000-2,000ft range.

Air pressure (and density, assuming temperature's the same) going into the engine depends on outside air pressure minus pressure loss through the intake. The Airaid intake will have a smaller pressure loss, so it'd definitely be able to go to some higher altitude and get the same flow density into the engine as a stock system at sea level, but exactly what altitude? Can't calculate that without some fluid flow modelling. Now, if somebody wants to send me CAD data for both intakes...

[Airaid Filters]

Originally Posted by calflan

Dave, so pulling fuses 5 and 20 (reset of power to the ECM) are NOT required it would seem. If there is not an engine light illuminated, the system recognized proper sensing requirments and performance gains are immediately available, would'nt that seem the case ?


This supports Scrming's quiry about mounting the temp sensor outside of the flow tube. If the sensor notes a colder - more dense - ambient temp, the ECU / car performs better.
'Within an allowable spec' does not mean a predetermined power level does it ? In other words, the ECU has a set target torque / power rating and therefore based on sensor inputs, compensations or adjustments will be made to maintain a set performance level ?




I agree completely that Airaid's system provides increased air flow, function and fit very well - first hand testimonial, have had the system installed approx. 2 weeks now. Additionally, based on Airaids testing, the system also satisfies required parameters for the ECU sensors, since the ENGINE light does not remain on after installation. But again, is the ECU returning performance to a set level, to maintain a burn level the ECU 'wants' ? May be more a Chevy question than Airaid I suppose.

Dave, thank you for posting. Your attention to customer detail and inquiries only make me more satisfied that I purchased an Airaid system.

Hello calflan,

That is correct; you do not need to pull the 5 and 20 fuses. If installed properly, there should not be a CEL.

WE do no recommend relocating the IAT sensor. All that is going to do is “Trick” the computer, which could end up with timing issues and other problems down the road. The Airaid is a true cold air intake system and pulls true cold air and that is what the IAT temp sensor is reading.

Thanks,
David

[Airaid Filters]

Originally Posted by HokieERVet

So will relocating the IAT sensor outside of the MAF sensor, as some are doing to get a colder air read, cause any issues with the PCM calculations making it "reset" and prevent gains?

Hello HokieERVet,

Its possible relocating the IAT could result in a PCM issue. Relocating the IAT sensor is only going to "Trick" the computer into reading a false reading which could cause timing and other issues down the road.

Airaid does not reccomend relocating the IAT sensor.

Thanks,
David

[esperman]

Originally Posted by David@Airaid

Hello HokieERVet,

Its possible relocating the IAT could result in a PCM issue. Relocating the IAT sensor is only going to "Trick" the computer into reading a false reading which could cause timing and other issues down the road.

Airaid does not reccomend relocating the IAT sensor.

Thanks,
David

Thanks for your input on the forum David.
I'm super happy with my Airaid and see no reason to modify any sensors.