CAI installed

"BadMotorScooter" (badmotorscooter)
07/23/2018 at 16:50 • Filed to: Camaro

UPDATE 2: I had the GM tune that comes with the GM intake installed by the dealer today. I was not expecting much, but there is a very noticeable improvement in mid-range power and response. It seems to be stronger through the rev range, and more eager to rev. It is very noticeable, just more lively all around. I floored it on a roll in 1st and it spun the tires easily - it did not do this before. I’d love to get a dyno test, although I don’t have any before numbers. I’m not sure if peak power is improved, but it feels stronger in mid-range. Definitely worth the $375 for the CAI !

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UPDATE 1 : Got a CEL after I drove the car some today with the CAI installed but without the GM tune (will take in in to the dealer this week for that). Code was ‘system too lean’ - which tells me this thing has less resistance than the stock system. The MAF may be reading too low since either pressure or volume is greater than stock. The tune should adjust for this. Positive sign this thing actually does something useful!

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Installed the GM performance air intake on the V6 Camaro today. This is an official GM part and comes with a GM tune. The intake includes a labor code for the GM tech to use to install the tune. Strangely, this intake is only approved for 16-17 V6 cars, not the 18s (at least not yet). Not sure why, maybe emissions standards?

To install the tune, the tech must enter the VIN and a key is generated for the specific car. It is also recorded in the GM system that the car has been flashed. Since this is GM approved, the full warranty is intact.

I’ve not been able to find any evidence of specific performance gain online. I don’t see any before and after dyno results, and there aren’t many 1/4 mile times for the V6. I’d like to know what difference it makes, but I’m not doing any before/after testing either. GM simply calls it a performance intake, and I think the tune must do something. If nothing else, it looks cool!

DISCUSSION (14)

OmerCarrothers333 > BadMotorScooter
07/21/2018 at 23:13

Pretty neat. Some folks think CAIs are worthless, but I don’t care, I want one for my GTI.

BadMotorScooter > OmerCarrothers333
07/21/2018 at 23:24

Yeah, without any evidence it’s just a guess. Some say they can do more harm than good. This is the only one I’d consider for the Camaro, largely because it comes with a GM tune. Why would they tune it if it did nothing?

Danimalk - Drives a Slow Car Fast > BadMotorScooter
07/22/2018 at 01:03

Definitely appreciate GM for offering the performance parts while keeping the warranties. In the Cobalt SS/2.0T days those parts had some real performance gains.

That Chevy looks good in red! Big fan of the Camaro and will be watching for your updates!

Nick Has an Exocet > BadMotorScooter
07/22/2018 at 01:58

Is it California legal?

Jayhawk Jake > OmerCarrothers333
07/22/2018 at 09:29

CAIs on their own can’t do much, unless the factory airbox is just hot garbage. With a tune they should do something, though how much of that is unlocked from the intake is typically unclear.

I know at least on the Ecoboost Mustang the best tuners have actually found the stock airbox to be better than any aftermarket alternatives, even though Ford sells it’s own pr o-cal tune with an intake.

BadMotorScooter > Jayhawk Jake
07/22/2018 at 10:10

I think, based on some of the reports online, that this intake improves mid-range response and power more than peak power. That might explain why GM doesn’t promote any specific power gain. I’m curious how it feels after getting the tune installed.

BadMotorScooter > Danimalk - Drives a Slow Car Fast
07/22/2018 at 10:14

Thanks! It’s good GM included a tune, which tells me they at least spent some engineering time thinking about it.

BadMotorScooter > Nick Has an Exocet
07/22/2018 at 10:16

I don’t think so. Not sure if there is a real reason, or if they just didn’t want to spend the money to get it certified in CA.

Nick Has an Exocet > BadMotorScooter
07/22/2018 at 16:12

I suspect it’s a time and money thing. California is such a dumb place.

His Stigness > BadMotorScooter
07/22/2018 at 16:48

Too lean means there’s unmetered air coming in that the computer didn’t detect through the MAF and add extra fuel to compensate.

Check all the fitting connections on the intake after the MAF to make sure it’s not leaking.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > BadMotorScooter
07/22/2018 at 17:06

weird that a modern engine controller cannot self add more fuel based off a MAF sensor... i guess its to get you to buy their tune too...

BadMotorScooter > His Stigness
07/22/2018 at 21:08

I think it’s good. The GM tune updates the fuel tables, and the MAF is now in a larger diameter section of the intake plenum so probably needs to be recalibrated. The GM tune should resolve this, and others have reported a lean CEL until the tune is installed.

BadMotorScooter > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
07/22/2018 at 21:13

Yeah, I think it is just because the MAF is now in a larger diameter section of tubing and the reading is probably not correct (it is reading less air than is actually going in). The O2 sensors are reading high and triggering the lean CEL. The GM tune is included in the cost of the intake, I just haven’t had a chance to get the car in to have it flashed yet (just installed the intake yesterday). I’ve heard the tune expands the fuel tables and probably adjusts MAF calibration for the larger diame ter plumbing. Should be good to go once flashed.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > BadMotorScooter
07/22/2018 at 23:05

Yea that makes sense. Im just so used to Ford stuff i guess and most stuff you buy can come with an SCT handheld to flash it