Customizing my CAI

Zatrekaz · September 27th, 2009, 04:51 PM

So... I decided to do a little project today. I have noticed my CAI tube has lost it's luster lately and I just could not seem to revive it. Therefore, I decided to paint it red to match the car, and give it a boost in visual candy. I also decided to cut the CAI tube and make it a Ram Air type CAI insted of the Fenderwell design. Yes, more heat... but my car is not built for performence (yet) so I am not worried about it. I am also adding a larger, more noticeable filter to make it pop even more.

Like an idiot I have not been taking pics along the way. Currently the two pieces are sitting in the sun baking the first color coat. I am heading out to take pics now...

white03v6 · September 27th, 2009, 05:04 PM

subscribing for pics!

97S281 · September 27th, 2009, 05:09 PM

It's a nice, easy and cheap way to add a little luster to the engine bay. Here is what I did with mine:

Zatrekaz · September 27th, 2009, 08:15 PM

Here we go... this thing turned out GREAT. Much better than I expected for a one day project. I painted one of my old adapters so it would be black, not blue. The paint only chipped in one spot when being installed, and you cant even see it since its hidden... I love the new look:

Color coat before clear:

All I did was drill a hole in the tubing where the bend started, grabbed a jigsaw and cut a straight line. Then I primed the tubes, sanded, color coated, clear coated, and installed. Im gonna give it a day or two to cure and then im gonna wax it. I know the wax will not stand long in the engine enviroment, but it will help.

What do you think?

F8L GT · September 27th, 2009, 08:18 PM

Looks good. I like it

white03v6 · September 27th, 2009, 08:19 PM

That looks amazing man! Nice job!

Zatrekaz · September 27th, 2009, 08:22 PM

Before for comparison:

white03v6 · September 27th, 2009, 08:23 PM

MUCH better

Zatrekaz · September 27th, 2009, 08:26 PM

Thanks for the compliments... I amazed myself at how good it turned out. The sound from the intake now is not as loud, but much deeper. Which tells me... more air. Bigger (and cleaner) filter, plus its a shorter pipe range for the air to travel.

Will see how different the throttle feels tomorrow heading to class.

F8L GT · September 27th, 2009, 08:33 PM

Z, did you paint your radiator cover?

Zatrekaz · September 27th, 2009, 09:29 PM

Yes, Engine Enamel black. Its got some water spots... I need to redo it one of these days. I also painted the front frame above/behind the headlights flat black.

F8L GT · September 27th, 2009, 09:31 PM

Thing looks awesome!!! might have to do that this winter.

Zatrekaz · September 27th, 2009, 09:35 PM

It really did help the overall look. The cover was a faded gray. I sanded it down, primed it, sanded, painted the enamel (figured it was good because of the heat there), then cleared. It looked alot better a few months ago. I am really bad about drying the car and forgetting to dry under the hood and trunk after washing. Therefore water spots formed and bein spraypaint its hard to get them out.

Garrett · September 27th, 2009, 09:42 PM

wow dude, that looks freaking awesome! what kinda paint did you use? Im going to do this to mine on my day off Wednesday!!!

willis6er · September 27th, 2009, 09:44 PM

that looks sick! but i couldnt help noticing that in your picture you didnt put the rubber piece back where the sensor hole is... that may be why it is louder... just thought i would point that out because you dont want sumthin falling in there and getting in your engine. it looks amazing though great job!

Safi · September 27th, 2009, 10:20 PM

Looks great man

One of the greatest sixxers on this site bro

goren813 · September 27th, 2009, 10:50 PM

Nice work, looks good Z.

Zatrekaz · September 27th, 2009, 11:27 PM

Originally Posted by Garrett

wow dude, that looks freaking awesome! what kinda paint did you use? Im going to do this to mine on my day off Wednesday!!!

Was a basic black primer... can't think of the brand. Dupli-Color Engine Enamel Red, and a Lacquer Clear coat... can't think of the brand. It would of been better with a Dupli-Color clear coat since the spots that did not get a direct hit of the clear became hazy and rough. I just used what I had left over from other projects.

400, 600, 800, 1000 grit sand paper. Would be better if I went all the way to 2000.

If you need any help let me know!

Originally Posted by willis6er

that looks sick! but i couldnt help noticing that in your picture you didnt put the rubber piece back where the sensor hole is... that may be why it is louder... just thought i would point that out because you dont want sumthin falling in there and getting in your engine. it looks amazing though great job!

Ya, I am letting the paint cure overnight before I put it back in since I have to push it in. I dont want it to mess up the paint. All though it prolly will mess it up a bit since it is spray paint.

Originally Posted by Safi

Looks great man

One of the greatest sixxers on this site bro

Wow, thanks !!

Originally Posted by goren420

Nice work, looks good Z.

Thanks man.

Originally Posted by 6er_w/a_Vengance

looks good...a painted CAI is always sweet...

We see eye to eye... thanks for the compliment

Seabee · September 27th, 2009, 11:32 PM

Looks awesome man. Youre defineltey a creative guy. I see you workin at some hotshot body shop soon

Redux · September 27th, 2009, 11:33 PM

Never cease to amaze me man...

September 27th, 2009, 04:51 PM	#1
Zatrekaz Wax on, Wax off 2003 Mustang V6 16.8@83.3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 6,954 iTrader: 15 reviews	Customizing my CAI So... I decided to do a little project today. I have noticed my CAI tube has lost it's luster lately and I just could not seem to revive it. Therefore, I decided to paint it red to match the car, and give it a boost in visual candy. I also decided to cut the CAI tube and make it a Ram Air type CAI insted of the Fenderwell design. Yes, more heat... but my car is not built for performence (yet) so I am not worried about it. I am also adding a larger, more noticeable filter to make it pop even more. Like an idiot I have not been taking pics along the way. Currently the two pieces are sitting in the sun baking the first color coat. I am heading out to take pics now... __________________ Black Bullitt Rims FT/FS Looking to Sell or Trade for Silver FR500s Looking to buy a lot of 99-04 Interior Pieces If you have any for sale, PM me

September 27th, 2009, 05:04 PM	#2
white03v6 Hardcore Enthusiast 2003 V6 Mustang Too long@Too slow Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: NC Posts: 2,649 iTrader: 1 reviews	subscribing for pics! __________________ NCMM Co-Founder NCMM Website NCMM Forums

September 27th, 2009, 05:09 PM	#3
97S281 Rollin' 18/ pushin' 2 1997 Saleen S281 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: The lost highway Posts: 6,673 iTrader: 13 reviews	It's a nice, easy and cheap way to add a little luster to the engine bay. Here is what I did with mine: Attached Thumbnails __________________ MODS IN GARAGE NCMM ORIGINAL BLOWN 96-98 CREW MEMBER # 1

September 27th, 2009, 08:15 PM	#4
Zatrekaz Wax on, Wax off 2003 Mustang V6 16.8@83.3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 6,954 iTrader: 15 reviews	Here we go... this thing turned out GREAT. Much better than I expected for a one day project. I painted one of my old adapters so it would be black, not blue. The paint only chipped in one spot when being installed, and you cant even see it since its hidden... I love the new look: Color coat before clear: All I did was drill a hole in the tubing where the bend started, grabbed a jigsaw and cut a straight line. Then I primed the tubes, sanded, color coated, clear coated, and installed. Im gonna give it a day or two to cure and then im gonna wax it. I know the wax will not stand long in the engine enviroment, but it will help. What do you think? __________________ Black Bullitt Rims FT/FS Looking to Sell or Trade for Silver FR500s Looking to buy a lot of 99-04 Interior Pieces If you have any for sale, PM me

September 27th, 2009, 08:18 PM	#5
F8L GT !FACEPLATED! 2002 Mustang GT 7.84 @ 86.01 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Upper Michigan Posts: 12,917 iTrader: 13 reviews	Looks good. I like it __________________ MM Bracket Racing Crew Co-Founder ~Its a Drag Car, Not a Show Car~ LINK-->Custom Race Transmission Build<--LINK

September 27th, 2009, 08:19 PM	#6
white03v6 Hardcore Enthusiast 2003 V6 Mustang Too long@Too slow Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: NC Posts: 2,649 iTrader: 1 reviews	That looks amazing man! Nice job! __________________ NCMM Co-Founder NCMM Website NCMM Forums

September 27th, 2009, 08:22 PM	#7
Zatrekaz Wax on, Wax off 2003 Mustang V6 16.8@83.3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 6,954 iTrader: 15 reviews	Before for comparison: __________________ Black Bullitt Rims FT/FS Looking to Sell or Trade for Silver FR500s Looking to buy a lot of 99-04 Interior Pieces If you have any for sale, PM me

September 27th, 2009, 08:23 PM	#8
white03v6 Hardcore Enthusiast 2003 V6 Mustang Too long@Too slow Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: NC Posts: 2,649 iTrader: 1 reviews	MUCH better __________________ NCMM Co-Founder NCMM Website NCMM Forums

September 27th, 2009, 08:26 PM	#9
Zatrekaz Wax on, Wax off 2003 Mustang V6 16.8@83.3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 6,954 iTrader: 15 reviews	Thanks for the compliments... I amazed myself at how good it turned out. The sound from the intake now is not as loud, but much deeper. Which tells me... more air. Bigger (and cleaner) filter, plus its a shorter pipe range for the air to travel. Will see how different the throttle feels tomorrow heading to class. __________________ Black Bullitt Rims FT/FS Looking to Sell or Trade for Silver FR500s Looking to buy a lot of 99-04 Interior Pieces If you have any for sale, PM me

September 27th, 2009, 08:33 PM	#10
F8L GT !FACEPLATED! 2002 Mustang GT 7.84 @ 86.01 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Upper Michigan Posts: 12,917 iTrader: 13 reviews	Z, did you paint your radiator cover? __________________ MM Bracket Racing Crew Co-Founder ~Its a Drag Car, Not a Show Car~ LINK-->Custom Race Transmission Build<--LINK

September 27th, 2009, 09:29 PM	#11
Zatrekaz Wax on, Wax off 2003 Mustang V6 16.8@83.3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 6,954 iTrader: 15 reviews	Yes, Engine Enamel black. Its got some water spots... I need to redo it one of these days. I also painted the front frame above/behind the headlights flat black. __________________ Black Bullitt Rims FT/FS Looking to Sell or Trade for Silver FR500s Looking to buy a lot of 99-04 Interior Pieces If you have any for sale, PM me

September 27th, 2009, 09:31 PM	#12
F8L GT !FACEPLATED! 2002 Mustang GT 7.84 @ 86.01 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Upper Michigan Posts: 12,917 iTrader: 13 reviews	Thing looks awesome!!! might have to do that this winter. __________________ MM Bracket Racing Crew Co-Founder ~Its a Drag Car, Not a Show Car~ LINK-->Custom Race Transmission Build<--LINK

September 27th, 2009, 09:35 PM	#13
Zatrekaz Wax on, Wax off 2003 Mustang V6 16.8@83.3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 6,954 iTrader: 15 reviews	It really did help the overall look. The cover was a faded gray. I sanded it down, primed it, sanded, painted the enamel (figured it was good because of the heat there), then cleared. It looked alot better a few months ago. I am really bad about drying the car and forgetting to dry under the hood and trunk after washing. Therefore water spots formed and bein spraypaint its hard to get them out. __________________ Black Bullitt Rims FT/FS Looking to Sell or Trade for Silver FR500s Looking to buy a lot of 99-04 Interior Pieces If you have any for sale, PM me

September 27th, 2009, 09:42 PM	#14
Garrett Hardcore Enthusiast 1998 Mustang gt Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Myrtle Beach, sc Posts: 1,390 iTrader: 2 reviews	wow dude, that looks freaking awesome! what kinda paint did you use? Im going to do this to mine on my day off Wednesday!!! __________________ myspace.com/garrettstarnes 2004 4.6 engine. Cold air intake. Stage2 clutch. Spec Flywheel. Intake spacer. Throtle Body spacer. More to come!

September 27th, 2009, 09:44 PM	#15
willis6er Enthusiast 2003 Mustang GT N/A Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: North Carolina Posts: 622 iTrader: 0 reviews	that looks sick! but i couldnt help noticing that in your picture you didnt put the rubber piece back where the sensor hole is... that may be why it is louder... just thought i would point that out because you dont want sumthin falling in there and getting in your engine. it looks amazing though great job! __________________ NCMM Founder NCMM -- Check it out and join us! PM White03v6 or myself if interested in joining NCMM. RIP 04 v6... Hello 03 GT

September 27th, 2009, 10:50 PM	#17
goren813 MM's Official Lucifer '00 3.8L & '05 4.6L Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Odessa, FL Posts: 3,620 iTrader: 0 reviews	Nice work, looks good Z. __________________ "Fast she goes...in the city of Overdose"

September 27th, 2009, 11:32 PM	#19
Seabee Whatever it originally would be 05 Saleen #824 Fast as fuck Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: San Diego Ca/Beach Park IL Posts: 7,477 iTrader: 4 reviews	Looks awesome man. Youre defineltey a creative guy. I see you workin at some hotshot body shop soon __________________ MILITARY CREW ANTI ILLEGALS CREW FOUNDER

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