CAI way too big

[TheHybrid]

So, now I'm trying to install my second CAI (first one was for a v6, even though I specifically ordered for a 4 cylinder) and the tubing is WAY too big. I'm contemplating cutting the metal that leads the stock box from upper to lower fender, but it's gonna need to be a big cut.

Think I should just pitch this one (ANOTHER 40 bucks down the drain) or try to cut thru the metal? What would you suggest? A dremmel?

[o2coolchris]

When I first installed one of my CAI, it was a 3" intake, so I dremmeled (sp?) that hole a bit to fit the piping, then sprayed it with some primer to make sure it didn't rust, than taped in some split tubing to protect the piping from the metal edges. It wasn't really a problem cutting the hole a bit bigger, unless you have piping that is larger than 3", you shouldn't have to cut too much metal out

[TheHybrid]

Yeah I think I might just wait for my friend to get home so we can use his dremmel... It's probably 3", just some metal will need to be cut. I really want this thing on like yesterday... and now I have to sit here and wait. The primer/tape is a good idea :)

How does it fit past the battery? Looks like there's not enough space! (checkin this out while waiting for my friends dremmel)

[02_Elantra]

When I changed my battery it was a little longer so when I wanted to put my CAI back on, it was in the way. All that I had to do was to take off the battery tray and cut one side so that I could slide the battery half an inch, while still being able to use the clamp that holds the battery down and so that the pipe would fit to the fender. If your pipe is too big, then I suggest doing the same.

[TheHybrid]

I finally got it on. We had to also shorten the tube (along with making the hole from the engine bay down to the fenderwall bigger) because it was touching the fender (w/o the filter on).

It sounds like it's sucking in more air at idle. I'd assume this is good, but I just wanted to make sure. Also when I tap the gas it almost makes a metallic kinda noise (for the first initial opening of the throttle). After that it is MUCH more throaty, and sounds VERY good (almost sounds american muscle).

All the sounds I'm describing I'm hoping are GOOD sounds (like everything is going fine - the inital sound when the throttle is hit disturbs me a bit, when when the throttle is wide open it sounds great)... Is this correct?

EDIT: And the idle is about ~100rpm higher. But I'd imagine this SHOULD happen, as it's getting in more air and pushing the cylinders faster, correct?

[SilverElantra]

why cut it take a damn screw driver and bend the metal it bends VERY easily...just watch the pinching of ur fingers

[evan938]

i did this w/ my old XD, and the kid cutting used a sawzall and cut a big triangle right on the side of the oval...worked, but it looked like ****

when i do mine this week, i will first cut off a piece of the intake, since i know it wont be needed, then take the small piece left, trace a hole on the fender, and grind down just past that. should be fairly close then.

[TheHybrid]

i did this w/ my old XD, and the kid cutting used a sawzall and cut a big triangle right on the side of the oval...worked, but it looked like ****

when i do mine this week, i will first cut off a piece of the intake, since i know it wont be needed, then take the small piece left, trace a hole on the fender, and grind down just past that. should be fairly close then.
Yeah,that would be a good idea. I think it'd have to be a bit bigger than just the tube tho, because it's at an agle.

[SuperGLS]

Like mentioned, you definitely want to have some of the tubing around the hole to avoid rubbing.

[Silentwolf]

Vice grips and rubber camper/weather stripping
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k177/ryesherm2/cushion.jpg

[Grayishhues]

Not to Hijack the thread but I am also curious about the new noises from a CAI. I had SRI on my datsun but I'm assuming the sounds would be different.

[TheHybrid]

Not to Hijack the thread but I am also curious about the new noises from a CAI. I had SRI on my datsun but I'm assuming the sounds would be different.
Yeah I'm getting some weird sucking noises. Ahaha sucking noises. Sounds great at WOT tho :)

Also getting a kinda metallicy pitched ssssssssssssss sound at a specific point when I'm pushing in the gas. I'm gonna check it out tonight to make sure everythings good.

[danofthejungle]

I get that ssssss sound when I first start up the car, and it is quite loud. It quiets down after the engine warms up and is sitting at idle.
My idle RPM is the same, however

[TheHybrid]

I get that ssssss sound when I first start up the car, and it is quite loud. It quiets down after the engine warms up and is sitting at idle.
My idle RPM is the same, however
I can hear mine all the time.... never louder or quieter for me...

The weird more metallic noise at like 1/5th throttle is wat disturbs me. It's right at an EXACT place, cuz I can hold it there and then lay off or push more and it will go away.

[Grayishhues]

i get the same sound as danofthejungle is describing, mine is only audible at idle.

[xdforme22]

I get that ssssss sound when I first start up the car, and it is quite loud. It quiets down after the engine warms up and is sitting at idle.
My idle RPM is the same, however

That sound is most likely the tb. When I was doing work on my car and had the intake hoses off, I started it up for a minute (to check something), and was surprised by how loud that valve in the tb was. I have an SRI on now and can still hear it at start up (although it is quieter than when the intake was off). It would not surprise me if you hear the same sound with a cai.

[TheHybrid]

Talked to my coach about the sound who's real into american muscle drag racing (has an 11 second mustang... he's looking to go into 10s this summer) and he said it's just cuz the stock filters a POS. Said once we swap out a good one (I'm gonna get a K&N dryflow) the sound won't be nearly as loud.

[SWortham]

Talked to my coach about the sound who's real into american muscle drag racing (has an 11 second mustang... he's looking to go into 10s this summer) and he said it's just cuz the stock filters a POS. Said once we swap out a good one (I'm gonna get a K&N dryflow) the sound won't be nearly as loud.
Everyone says something about the loudness at idle when they first install a CAI. But the CAI's are all going to be quite loud at idle and at WOT on the Elantra and that's normal.

However, if the filter you have has an open top, it can be especially loud. I'd suggest a K&N filter with a flat rubber top to help block a little noise and produce a slightly less raspy sound if that's what you're going for.

[Silentwolf]

Mines open on the end as well and barely noticeable UNLESS under throttle esp WOT.