While awaiting my order of Doug Thorley Catbacks to arrive I decided to try out an aFe (Advanced Flow Engineering) Stage 2 Cold Air Intake.
Construction seems a step above the rest with a nice powdercoated black wrinkle finish heat shield and oversized cotton filter. This is the "non-oiled/Pro-Dry 5" version as there is just too much dust here in New Mexico to try and do the "oiled/Pro-5R" version.
I'd be cleaning that thing every Sunday.
Not cool!
aFe Claims a 10HP/12ftlbs of Torque. As with most all CAI's, there is probably no way to really "feel" the increase as I really didn't. But then again, it's 2:14 in the AM and maybe it's just because I'm always impressed with the Camaro's power so..?? I'll report again tomorrow after some more shakedown rides. I'm sure on a Dyno it probably does get at least 10hp as there is a different note on idle and a slightly improved response in throttle.
Installation is very simple. Instructions are superb. First class all the way. Along with the fantastic pictures of all the steps come detailed verbage to accompany them.
I would highly reccommend this as a DIY to the most novice of garage mechanics.
Start to finish was 34 minutes and that was a good 3-5 minutes looking for the one damn 8mm 1/4 drive deep socket that I have.
How can I have so many tools and be missing the 8mm socket in almost every single box?
Design is well thought out, using the OE (air intake) piece on the front of the heat shield. It is removed from the old air box and simply snapped into the metal aFe piece. Easy day.
The only piece of information that might be helpful in the instructions is that when you remove the small piping on the passenger side of the intake tube going into the TB, you must be diligent and careful as the plastic is firm and not very forgiving.
A firm consistant tug solves the issue.
Overall I'd totally recommend this to anyone looking into a new Cold Air Intake system. This unit is very well constructed with quality parts and sturdy materials. Detailed instructions, more than enough packaging, every part (right down to a torx bit for the factory MAF sensor) is included with aFe's kit.
Seeing the retail on it for around $350 and on sale here and there for much less, this is a sound and smart buy in my opinion.
In an ocean of Cold Air Intakes, this unit set's itself aside from the rest.
Enjoy!,
Ivan
