Question that's probably been asked tons of times.

[Rebels1]

Sorry for asking about this as it's probably been discussed many times before but I couldn't find anything doing a search. I've got 2012 and have been thinking about installing the K&N 63 Series AirCharger® Air Intake System. Some sites say air intakes do nothing other say they work wonders and some will even say they cause engine failure if water gets sucked in. So since I know squat about mechanics I'll ask you guys. Is it worth the $500 , will it increase performance and fuel efficiency as claimed and how does it effect the sound form the exhaust and what about the water claims..Thanks

[NYJets77]

billions of times.

did you search for "water" + "intake"?

[skibik]

I can't say $500 is worth it. Most that make CAI for the V6 claim about 15HP gain. Unless you dyno it before and after it is hard to tell by the seat of your pants. I bought the Injen CAI short ram (way cheaper at around $280) and don't think it really change the sound of the exhaust either. The biggest reason I changed it was to get a K&N style filter on it to help it breath better and hopefully notice the added HP. I believe it did help gas mileage because as hard as I was on the gas most of last summer after I installed it I was averaging 28 MPG. Plus it looks nicer under the hood now. I haven't had a water problem that I know of and think the water problem comes from the ones run down to the lower part of the car and draw air from lower end of the front end but not sure on that.

Dean.

[Rebels1]

Originally Posted by NYJets77

billions of times.

did you search for "water" + "intake"?

Thanks, did what yo suggested and found mucho stuff.

[Rebels1]

Originally Posted by skibik

I can't say $500 is worth it. Most that make CAI for the V6 claim about 15HP gain. Unless you dyno it before and after it is hard to tell by the seat of your pants. I bought the Injen CAI short ram (way cheaper at around $280) and don't think it really change the sound of the exhaust either. The biggest reason I changed it was to get a K&N style filter on it to help it breath better and hopefully notice the added HP. I believe it did help gas mileage because as hard as I was on the gas most of last summer after I installed it I was averaging 28 MPG. Plus it looks nicer under the hood now. I haven't had a water problem that I know of and think the water problem comes from the ones run down to the lower part of the car and draw air from lower end of the front end but not sure on that.

Dean.

Thanks for the reply. The K&N goes for $350 where I live in Ontario, the rest is taxes and install. I think you're right about the water being a problem to the systems mounted lower, I remember a mechanic saying something to that effect.

[Angrybird 12]

Have you thought about getting a Green Filter and keeping the stock air box? I have heard good things about them.
http://www.greenfilterusa.com/
You could try that first and see how you like it before spending $300 to $500 on a CAI.

[skibik]

If you have any mechanical ability do it yourself and save that money for something else. The CAI install is really simple, if you can follow directions it is an easy install. But that is your choice though.

Dean.

[Airmaster]

A K&N should NOT cost 500 bucks. Look carefully online and you'll find one for around $250 or less.

As to whether it helps, I've yet to install mine on my Camaro, but I had one on my previous truck and it helped with throttle feel and responsiveness. As to power, who knows, my butt says it helped...

There are proven results on the forum with dyno tests for our Camaro's, so it's just up to you!

[rocknRllr]

I owned a 2011 2LT RS and installed a K & N intake and yes it made a difference and sounded great when I'd get on it. Now I own a 2013 2LT RS and installed the CAI brand on this Camaro. It sounds even a little better (to me) and installed looks much nicer.

[CyberPunk223]

Originally Posted by skibik

I can't say $500 is worth it. Most that make CAI for the V6 claim about 15HP gain. Unless you dyno it before and after it is hard to tell by the seat of your pants. I bought the Injen CAI short ram (way cheaper at around $280) and don't think it really change the sound of the exhaust either. The biggest reason I changed it was to get a K&N style filter on it to help it breath better and hopefully notice the added HP. I believe it did help gas mileage because as hard as I was on the gas most of last summer after I installed it I was averaging 28 MPG. Plus it looks nicer under the hood now. I haven't had a water problem that I know of and think the water problem comes from the ones run down to the lower part of the car and draw air from lower end of the front end but not sure on that.

Dean.

Is this ?? Hard on the gas and you still get 28mpg? I'm moderate with the gas and i get around 24, is an intake really going to make that big of a difference?

[skibik]

Originally Posted by CyberPunk223

Is this ?? Hard on the gas and you still get 28mpg? I'm moderate with the gas and i get around 24, is an intake really going to make that big of a difference?

Not BS. I am not sure how much the intake helps but I believe it does, but would only have to say maybe a couple MPG tops. I calculate every tank when I fill and even had one tank at 29.1 last summer. It all depends on where you live. I didn't baby a tank last summer but you have to realize I live in a rural area of NW MN and my driving is mostly highway and not city, I do about 80% highway and 20% city. I have a 13 mile commute one way to work and all highway. I do a lot of hard take offs, get on it hard when passing all this to hear the exhaust and yes last summer I was getting around 28 average. I am paying for it now though at tanks averaging 19 MPG now but it is cold I start it up with the auto start a few minutes before leaving work. But those tanks were when we had -20F for highs for about 2 weeks or more. We are warming up here and averaging 20F for highs and filled up this past Thursday and 363.2 miles/15.402gls = 23.584MPG and I am very happy with that. I expect to be back up to 28 MPG when the temps get into the 60 and 70 degree temps. These tanks through the winter I have been a little easier on the gas but not by much. I think if you have the stock air box I think it would even help MPG to go buy a K&N filter and throw in there. They have always claimed better MPG with there filters. Bad thing is the Injen CAI has a Amsoil brand K&N style filter in it but still think it is an improvement over stock. I am going to try and baby just one tank this summer because I figured if I did that I could break the 30 MPG barrier. The V6 in my 2004 Monte Carlo I traded off I was getting 31MPG with that but only slightly more than half the HP in that.

Dean.