CAI Confusion - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

farm rat · 05-07-2018, 09:47 AM

As the title says, I am confused about this. I have a bone stock 2011 1LS I am wanting to start doing a few mods to and this seems a likely start but these things are all over the map in price and to extent configuration.

Is a box necessary or is a heat shield sufficient? I see more without a box than do.

Dry or oiled filter?

Anyone tried the Spectre?

Is there a significant difference between the low end (~$70.00) and the upper end (~$375.00) to spend the money?

I guess the real question is the best bang for the buck?

Thanks
FR

jc615 · 05-07-2018, 09:50 AM

Check v6 forum and see what those guys are using. I'm guessing CAI inc will be suggested

pyroguy · 05-07-2018, 10:16 AM

Here's an original Spectre intake design, you tell me the reason to spend more on a higher end intake:

I have been very happy with Roto-fab for my Camaro and I've had it for a G8 I had in the past too. I've also considered Cold Air Inductions (CAI) as well. Both companies make great quality intakes, you can't go wrong with either one.

farm rat · 05-07-2018, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pyroguy

Here's an original Spectre intake design, you tell me the reason to spend more on a higher end intake:

I have been very happy with Roto-fab for my Camaro and I've had it for a G8 I had in the past too. I've also considered Cold Air Inductions (CAI) as well. Both companies make great quality intakes, you can't go wrong with either one.

Thanks for the link although it didn't show up in your reply, but did when I quoted it.

farm rat · 05-07-2018, 10:23 AM

Anyone use the Vararam?

SSEssence · 05-07-2018, 10:33 AM

Box is better, but a heat shield is better than nothing as long as it seals to the hood so you're not drawing in hot engine air. Dry filter is always better in my opinion so its easy to clean and no over oiling the filter which can cause MAF issues.

Dizzy82 · 05-07-2018, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by farm rat

Anyone use the Vararam?

Loved my Vararam when I had it.

HDRDTD · 05-07-2018, 11:50 AM

I believe the Vararam may require a tune?

If you look at the two most popular (CAI and Rotofab) you may notice that the CAI has a top and the Rotofab doesn't.

They are BOTH the 'box' type that partitions the intake from the engine compartment so they don't draw hot air in.

The difference is that the CAI has it's own box with a lid (comes in handy when cleaning the engine compartment) and the Rotofab doesn't.

The Rotofab doesn't use a lid because the hood itself is the lid when the hood is closed. The Rotofab has a rubber seal around it's lip that seals to the bottom of the hood.

Talladega · 05-07-2018, 08:32 PM

Here is the honest answer. There is no real difference as long as you get a quality brand. CAI, Rotofab, K&N, Vararam they are all great. If you ask this question on here everyone will chime in on how the one they are running is the best but it really doesn't matter.

That being said, when I had my LS I was running a K&N and had absolutely nothing to complain about. It was louder than I expected but that was a good thing. I run the Vararam on my V8 now and it's great too.

backbaconrules · 05-07-2018, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HDRDTD

I believe the Vararam may require a tune?

If you look at the two most popular (CAI and Rotofab) you may notice that the CAI has a top and the Rotofab doesn't.

They are BOTH the 'box' type that partitions the intake from the engine compartment so they don't draw hot air in.

The difference is that the CAI has it's own box with a lid (comes in handy when cleaning the engine compartment) and the Rotofab doesn't.

The Rotofab doesn't use a lid because the hood itself is the lid when the hood is closed. The Rotofab has a rubber seal around it's lip that seals to the bottom of the hood.

No tune necessary for the V6. I love mine.

Avenging Orange · 05-08-2018, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Talladega

Here is the honest answer. There is no real difference as long as you get a quality brand. CAI, Rotofab, K&N, Vararam they are all great. If you ask this question on here everyone will chime in on how the one they are running is the best but it really doesn't matter.

That being said, when I had my LS I was running a K&N and had absolutely nothing to complain about. It was louder than I expected but that was a good thing. I run the Vararam on my V8 now and it's great too.

Agreed. They're all pretty much the same. All depends on how much you want to spend. You can buy quality at a good price....or pay for a name.....or spend a shit ton and show off to all your friends.

frankwjr · 05-08-2018, 09:26 AM

[QUOTE=pyroguy;10175974]Here's an original Spectre intake design, you tell me the reason to spend more on a higher end intake:

FYI...saw this vid before...made me question mine since it came with the car when I got it...have tried MULTIPLE times to get mine to do the above...no beuno...I think the vid is fake and they are plugging the intake(why can't you see that part in the vid?

while I agree the flex elbow is (cheap lookin) I don't believe it's causin ANY restriction...I just keep it clean with my old K&N cleaner/oil....

peace...

BTW - also looks like a very early design...I think the new ones are all one piece...

farm rat · 05-08-2018, 09:53 AM

How about the Airaid Junior which retains the stock box?

If Frank is above is right I might end up with the Spectre. They are supposed to have good CS.

There is a lot I want to do to this car but I am not made of money.

pyroguy · 05-08-2018, 10:32 AM

[QUOTE=frankwjr;10177189]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pyroguy

Here's an original Spectre intake design, you tell me the reason to spend more on a higher end intake:

FYI...saw this vid before...made me question mine since it came with the car when I got it...have tried MULTIPLE times to get mine to do the above...no beuno...I think the vid is fake and they are plugging the intake(why can't you see that part in the vid?

while I agree the flex elbow is (cheap lookin) I don't believe it's causin ANY restriction...I just keep it clean with my old K&N cleaner/oil....

peace...

BTW - also looks like a very early design...I think the new ones are all one piece...

Not my video so I can't say that they did or didn't plug the intake side. I still can't believe they made the elbow rubber. You are correct that the new style is all one piece metal. I'm guessing because this video surfaced and/or others had similar issues. I'm not saying you have to spend $600 for a painted heat shield carbon fiber hydro-dipped Roto-fab intake, but a standard Roto-fab intake costs about $350 and will last for many years without question.

05-07-2018, 09:47 AM	#1
farm rat Drives: 2011 Vistory Red 1LS Join Date: May 2018 Location: Missouri Posts: 487	CAI Confusion As the title says, I am confused about this. I have a bone stock 2011 1LS I am wanting to start doing a few mods to and this seems a likely start but these things are all over the map in price and to extent configuration. Is a box necessary or is a heat shield sufficient? I see more without a box than do. Dry or oiled filter? Anyone tried the Spectre? Is there a significant difference between the low end (~$70.00) and the upper end (~$375.00) to spend the money? I guess the real question is the best bang for the buck? Thanks FR

05-07-2018, 10:33 AM	#6
SSEssence Instagram: Sangstah Drives: 2019 Camaro 1LE Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Buena Park, CA. Posts: 2,802 View My Garage	Box is better, but a heat shield is better than nothing as long as it seals to the hood so you're not drawing in hot engine air. Dry filter is always better in my opinion so its easy to clean and no over oiling the filter which can cause MAF issues. __________________ 2019 SS 1LE - "CaSSandra" 2014 SS - "AleSSandra - Sold" 94 Z28 - Sold Follow the build https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=612717

05-07-2018, 09:50 AM	#2
jc615 Account Suspended Drives: Camaro and Sierra Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Virginia Posts: 795	Check v6 forum and see what those guys are using. I'm guessing CAI inc will be suggested

05-07-2018, 10:23 AM	#5
farm rat Drives: 2011 Vistory Red 1LS Join Date: May 2018 Location: Missouri Posts: 487	Anyone use the Vararam?

05-07-2018, 11:50 AM	#8
HDRDTD Drives: 2013 Triple Black ZL1 Vert M6 ECF Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Trenton, Michigan Posts: 7,047	I believe the Vararam may require a tune? If you look at the two most popular (CAI and Rotofab) you may notice that the CAI has a top and the Rotofab doesn't. They are BOTH the 'box' type that partitions the intake from the engine compartment so they don't draw hot air in. The difference is that the CAI has it's own box with a lid (comes in handy when cleaning the engine compartment) and the Rotofab doesn't. The Rotofab doesn't use a lid because the hood itself is the lid when the hood is closed. The Rotofab has a rubber seal around it's lip that seals to the bottom of the hood.

05-07-2018, 08:32 PM	#9
Talladega Drives: 2013 Camaro SS Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Arvada, CO Posts: 686	Here is the honest answer. There is no real difference as long as you get a quality brand. CAI, Rotofab, K&N, Vararam they are all great. If you ask this question on here everyone will chime in on how the one they are running is the best but it really doesn't matter. That being said, when I had my LS I was running a K&N and had absolutely nothing to complain about. It was louder than I expected but that was a good thing. I run the Vararam on my V8 now and it's great too.

05-08-2018, 09:53 AM	#13
farm rat Drives: 2011 Vistory Red 1LS Join Date: May 2018 Location: Missouri Posts: 487	How about the Airaid Junior which retains the stock box? If Frank is above is right I might end up with the Spectre. They are supposed to have good CS. There is a lot I want to do to this car but I am not made of money.