CAI for LLT V6: Quick Review - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

TastyBake · 05-24-2018, 03:42 PM

Wanted to give a review of the CAI in my LLT.
My previous vehicle was a Grand Prix and it had a CAI so I knew what to expect. In the Camaro, I have a ported tb but no other real engine mods.

Here are my notes:

Installation: Installation was straight-forward. Because of fitment questions I had, it took 1.25 hrs. Now I know how to install it, it would take me <30 minutes. It does look really good in the engine bay. Here was my installer thread regarding it.
https://www.camaro5.com/forums/showt...7#post10193977

Intake Sound: In my Grand Prix, the CAI had a strong vacuum sound. For the Camaro, there was little difference. Not a big deal either way.

Exhaust Note: This is where the most difference occurred. Its definitely has a deeper, throatier sound, especially on high gear/heavy load.

Testing conditions: I made sure I remembered how the car responded under specific conditions (not going to list these conditions to prevent boredom). After the install, I drove it for 2 days/50 miles to ensure the PCM adjusted and repeated the same conditions as best as possible.

Results - Power: A stock LLT supposed to get 246RWHP | 220lbs-ft. I would believe CAI's claim of 16 rwhp as it felt exactly like a +5-7% difference.
There was a very slight feel of better throttle response and it is slightly quicker at 1/2 throttle and WOT.

Results - MPG: After 7 years of owning the car, I always averaged 19 MPG even after trip resets. With the CAI, its very close to 20 MPG. I drove it the exact same way to ensure there was no placebo effect; however, I believe I may have gotten better MPG as I needed less throttle to get to certain speeds.

Overall: In reality, the ROI isn't high. But in comparison to other power mods, the power/cost ratio is good. After installing it, don't expect it to run like a V8 or a s/c as its not designed to give you that. You're going to get an exhaust difference more-so that a power difference. I highly recommend it if you're doing more power mods. In the end, I'm happy with it and I have no regrets. It wasn't a let down.

The engine bay is not up to my standard of clean but I'll take care if it over the weekend. Just wanted to post the install pics

TastyBake · 05-30-2018, 10:12 PM

Update:

The MPG is still at 20.
I can definitely feel a slight difference and I still agree its approx 5-6% increase. Overall, the exhaust difference makes it more fun to drive.
So, I'm pleased.

rdanzel · 06-01-2018, 12:38 AM

I noticed an improvement in throttle response with my new CAI, but hp/mpg gain is not noticeable.

TooCool5 · 06-02-2018, 09:56 AM

I got 2-3 more MPG with my Airraid CAI.
Can consistently do 32-34 MPG all Hwy.
Performance and sound is like night and day. Best Mod I ever did.
Did you re-set the ECU, after the install?

SpanishFalcon · 06-02-2018, 10:06 PM

My K&N CAI makes my camaro sound so much better than it did to begin with. has a light growl when pressing the gas. as far as MPG goes it has done a bit better for me as well. Definitely the best mod i've done so far.

TastyBake · 07-03-2018, 02:53 PM

Update:

MPG: Varies as I've been romping it more. 17 or 20 when I drive normally. I used to get 19 mpg while driving normally so it is better.
Power: Still very slight
Sound: Exhaust sound still very noticeable when I give it more throttle.
Cost: The MPG vs cost won't be recovered for probably 10 years but that isn't the purpose.

05-24-2018, 03:42 PM	#1
TastyBake Drives: 2011 Camaro 2LT/RS Black Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Ohio Posts: 973	CAI for LLT V6: Quick Review Wanted to give a review of the CAI in my LLT. My previous vehicle was a Grand Prix and it had a CAI so I knew what to expect. In the Camaro, I have a ported tb but no other real engine mods. Here are my notes: Installation: Installation was straight-forward. Because of fitment questions I had, it took 1.25 hrs. Now I know how to install it, it would take me <30 minutes. It does look really good in the engine bay. Here was my installer thread regarding it. https://www.camaro5.com/forums/showt...7#post10193977 *Intake Sound:* In my Grand Prix, the CAI had a strong vacuum sound. For the Camaro, there was little difference. Not a big deal either way. Exhaust Note: This is where the most difference occurred. Its definitely has a deeper, throatier sound, especially on high gear/heavy load. Testing conditions: I made sure I remembered how the car responded under specific conditions (not going to list these conditions to prevent boredom). After the install, I drove it for 2 days/50 miles to ensure the PCM adjusted and repeated the same conditions as best as possible. Results - Power: A stock LLT supposed to get 246RWHP \| 220lbs-ft. I would believe CAI's claim of 16 rwhp as it felt exactly like a +5-7% difference. There was a very slight feel of better throttle response and it is slightly quicker at 1/2 throttle and WOT. Results - MPG: After 7 years of owning the car, I always averaged 19 MPG even after trip resets. With the CAI, its very close to 20 MPG. I drove it the exact same way to ensure there was no placebo effect; however, I believe I may have gotten better MPG as I needed less throttle to get to certain speeds. Overall: In reality, the ROI isn't high. But in comparison to other power mods, the power/cost ratio is good. After installing it, don't expect it to run like a V8 or a s/c as its not designed to give you that. You're going to get an exhaust difference more-so that a power difference. I highly recommend it if you're doing more power mods. In the end, I'm happy with it and I have no regrets. It wasn't a let down. The engine bay is not up to my standard of clean but I'll take care if it over the weekend. Just wanted to post the install pics

06-02-2018, 09:56 AM	#4
TooCool5 Drives: 2010 Camaro 1LS 3.6 LLT V6 325 HP Join Date: May 2009 Location: LS Posts: 4,242 View My Garage	I got 2-3 more MPG with my Airraid CAI. Can consistently do 32-34 MPG all Hwy. Performance and sound is like night and day. Best Mod I ever did. Did you re-set the ECU, after the install? __________________ 2010 Camaro Auto, Inferno Orange, Titanium Interior, Gearhead Wheels AIRAID CAI

05-30-2018, 10:12 PM	#2
TastyBake Drives: 2011 Camaro 2LT/RS Black Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Ohio Posts: 973	Update: The MPG is still at 20. I can definitely feel a slight difference and I still agree its approx 5-6% increase. Overall, the exhaust difference makes it more fun to drive. So, I'm pleased.

06-01-2018, 12:38 AM	#3
rdanzel Drives: 2010 Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Ga Posts: 249	I noticed an improvement in throttle response with my new CAI, but hp/mpg gain is not noticeable.

06-02-2018, 10:06 PM	#5
SpanishFalcon Drives: 2014 Chevy Camaro RS Join Date: May 2018 Location: Texas Posts: 7	My K&N CAI makes my camaro sound so much better than it did to begin with. has a light growl when pressing the gas. as far as MPG goes it has done a bit better for me as well. Definitely the best mod i've done so far.

07-03-2018, 02:53 PM	#6
TastyBake Drives: 2011 Camaro 2LT/RS Black Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Ohio Posts: 973	Update: MPG: Varies as I've been romping it more. 17 or 20 when I drive normally. I used to get 19 mpg while driving normally so it is better. Power: Still very slight Sound: Exhaust sound still very noticeable when I give it more throttle. Cost: The MPG vs cost won't be recovered for probably 10 years but that isn't the purpose.