Are CAIs and UDP's really worth it?

birdman96 · October 29th, 2009, 03:32 AM

Recently I traded a 96 tbird with a swapped 4.6 for a 96 2.4L sunfire(I'm really not proud of that. Its just a good car for work) and a wrecked 94 3.8 mustang.

I've heard people say they were pointless but others have also said it was a good way to go. I was just hoping for some clarification. These weren't the only mods I planned on or things that have been done, but I wanted to know if they would make that much of a difference in the long run.

I read the sticky on them and the possible gain, but I'd rather hear some opinions on how realistic the boost is from other people who've done it too.

6er_w/a_Vengance · October 29th, 2009, 03:48 AM

they aren't high on the mod list for performance...the CAI will let the engine get some extra air yes...but it is more for looks in a stock or nearly stock car....hell, i know heavily modded GTs that run just a drop in filter...

LAStang1234 · October 29th, 2009, 07:11 AM

Yea CIA don't do too much other than letting the engine breathe better, little better exhaust sound, and of course you get rid of that ho ro bo looking stock intake!!

I would def suggest getting a good UDP, they would normally add somewhere to 5-11HP to the car, plus reduces drag some!!!

birdman96 · October 29th, 2009, 12:03 PM

It sounds like I don't really need to the spend money on a CAI.

i checked out one of the earlier threads and it looks easy and pretty cheap to build one so I'll probably go that path instead.

2000stallion · October 29th, 2009, 12:20 PM

I put a cold air intake on my v6. It gave my exhaust a little deeper sound...And i swear up and down that i got a tiny bit of horsepower.

NorCalWhtHrse · October 29th, 2009, 01:40 PM

i wish the UDP's for my car werent so damn expensive

6er_w/a_Vengance · October 29th, 2009, 06:18 PM

Originally Posted by 2000stallion

I put a cold air intake on my v6. It gave my exhaust a little deeper sound...And i swear up and down that i got a tiny bit of horsepower.

it's in your head...

...but as long as your happy with it

Codeman · October 29th, 2009, 10:51 PM

i think the udps are def worth it they make a pretty big difference. and as far as the cai goes, they sound way better! i think. And idk i believe you gain some power. It sure felt like i had better throttle response when i put mine on.

itschristorres8 · October 29th, 2009, 11:13 PM

10psi also makes a big difference

birdman96 · October 30th, 2009, 11:51 AM

Idk I also put on the fiberglass intake hood and the engine's run a little cooler from the stock steel one.
Even if a CAI doesn't do much for horsepower, a cool engine is a happy engine. I've had the 3.8 heads pop in the past and that's hell to fix.

JASonic · October 30th, 2009, 07:59 PM

Think this through....

Where does the air in a stock V-6 enter the car?

Where does the air from a "tricked out cool ass $$ costin CAI" enter the car?

Now that you answered that, I think where it may help a little is a CAI usually provides a straighter, smoother and shorter path for the air from the "wheel well" to get to the TB. Also, depending on material, the CAI tubing may be more resistant to under the hood engine heat...but only slightly.

Where it really helps is when you take the K&N sticker and put it on the bumper for 10 extra horsepower.

xXsmokinaceXx · October 31st, 2009, 12:43 PM

o for sure the sticker is the best part haha

Wataru · October 31st, 2009, 12:49 PM

I tried changing my CAI when I first got my sixer but the Spectre one sold for "Universal" fit, wasnt that. Rattled.

If you happen to put any CAI next to the stock, the real different is in the section from over the wheel to the MAF. The opening for the stock is heavily constructed, roughtly 2'' then into the airbox. Some swear by CAIs...claiming they get 5 more HP and a marker difference in MPG. Some say they change the sound, some say its a myth. I say make up your own mind.

00redgt has a Spectra CAI filter and showed me pictures and Im gunning mine towards that. I dont think itll be a HUGE boost in performance, but itll help in the long run.

....looks cooler the the stock CAI too.

NorCalWhtHrse · October 31st, 2009, 01:07 PM

I cant say that adding a CAI to my sixxer improved any HP... but i WILL say it sounds nicer. It is kinda like a high pitched turbo-esque sound when you are in the mid range rpms, but It really doesn't affect the sound of your exhaust IMO.

JASonic · October 31st, 2009, 03:44 PM

I agree with the sound statements. In combination with a true dual setup and a tune, it adds to the sound.

Codeman · October 31st, 2009, 04:30 PM

it does add some exhaust sound. it makes ur exhaust sound fuller. and as far as the performance increase if you look at it your stock one has that little rubber opening for air to go into the filter and then you have that ribbed tube that is bendy and the ribs slow the air down. I think it adds some throttle response and some hp not tons but some. if you think about it you are taking away the little restrictive rubber boot and adding a filter that can get as much air as it wants, and then you remove that ribbed intake and add a straight smooth one.

October 29th, 2009, 03:32 AM	#1
birdman96 Newbie 1994 Mustang V6 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Detroit, MI Posts: 3	Are CAIs and UDP's really worth it? Recently I traded a 96 tbird with a swapped 4.6 for a 96 2.4L sunfire(I'm really not proud of that. Its just a good car for work) and a wrecked 94 3.8 mustang. I've heard people say they were pointless but others have also said it was a good way to go. I was just hoping for some clarification. These weren't the only mods I planned on or things that have been done, but I wanted to know if they would make that much of a difference in the long run. I read the sticky on them and the possible gain, but I'd rather hear some opinions on how realistic the boost is from other people who've done it too.

October 29th, 2009, 03:48 AM	#2
6er_w/a_Vengance Sonic Blue FTGDMFW!!! 2004 Mustang v6 10.73 1/8th mile Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Portland, TN Posts: 3,560	they aren't high on the mod list for performance...the CAI will let the engine get some extra air yes...but it is more for looks in a stock or nearly stock car....hell, i know heavily modded GTs that run just a drop in filter... __________________ 2004 Mustang 3.9 v6 K&N - True Dual Thrush Welded Exhaust - 5k HIDs - Show car shine 24/7 Fuckers

October 29th, 2009, 12:20 PM	#5
2000stallion Newbie 2000 Mustang slow@slow Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Kansas Posts: 15	cai I put a cold air intake on my v6. It gave my exhaust a little deeper sound...And i swear up and down that i got a tiny bit of horsepower.

October 29th, 2009, 01:40 PM	#6
NorCalWhtHrse Regular 2001 Mustang V6 Coupe Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Napa, CA Posts: 441	i wish the UDP's for my car werent so damn expensive __________________

October 29th, 2009, 10:51 PM	#8
Codeman Regular Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: North Dakota Posts: 420	i think the udps are def worth it they make a pretty big difference. and as far as the cai goes, they sound way better! i think. And idk i believe you gain some power. It sure felt like i had better throttle response when i put mine on. __________________ UDP, CAI, True Duals, Sct Xcal III Visit this automotive blog http://tooldesk.com/blog/

Sponsored Links	Remove Advertisements
Forums at Modded Mustangs Advertisement

October 29th, 2009, 07:11 AM	#3
LAStang1234 Newbie 2001 Mustang V6 sitting@start line Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Shreveport, LA Posts: 28	Yea CIA don't do too much other than letting the engine breathe better, little better exhaust sound, and of course you get rid of that ho ro bo looking stock intake!! I would def suggest getting a good UDP, they would normally add somewhere to 5-11HP to the car, plus reduces drag some!!!

October 29th, 2009, 12:03 PM	#4
birdman96 Newbie 1994 Mustang V6 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Detroit, MI Posts: 3	It sounds like I don't really need to the spend money on a CAI. i checked out one of the earlier threads and it looks easy and pretty cheap to build one so I'll probably go that path instead.

October 29th, 2009, 11:13 PM	#9
itschristorres8 V-SICKS 00 V6 & 09 GT 13.37@104.4mph--BONE stock GT Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: south florida Posts: 15,657	10psi also makes a big difference __________________ The Devil & The Daily Daily-13.37@104.4mph V6- Stock bottom-439rwhp & 402rwtq 12psi 100oct built motor-497rwhp & 508rwtq 15psi pump

October 30th, 2009, 11:51 AM	#10
birdman96 Newbie 1994 Mustang V6 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Detroit, MI Posts: 3	Idk I also put on the fiberglass intake hood and the engine's run a little cooler from the stock steel one. Even if a CAI doesn't do much for horsepower, a cool engine is a happy engine. I've had the 3.8 heads pop in the past and that's hell to fix.

October 30th, 2009, 07:59 PM	#11
JASonic The George Forman of Keepers Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 2,243	Think this through.... Where does the air in a stock V-6 enter the car? Where does the air from a "tricked out cool ass $$ costin CAI" enter the car? Now that you answered that, I think where it may help a little is a CAI usually provides a straighter, smoother and shorter path for the air from the "wheel well" to get to the TB. Also, depending on material, the CAI tubing may be more resistant to under the hood engine heat...but only slightly. Where it really helps is when you take the K&N sticker and put it on the bumper for 10 extra horsepower. __________________ GHOSTANG 2230

October 31st, 2009, 12:43 PM	#12
xXsmokinaceXx Regular 2006 mustang v6 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Granbury, TX Posts: 138	o for sure the sticker is the best part haha

October 31st, 2009, 12:49 PM	#13
Wataru Regular I'm gone. Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 112	I tried changing my CAI when I first got my sixer but the Spectre one sold for "Universal" fit, wasnt that. Rattled. If you happen to put any CAI next to the stock, the real different is in the section from over the wheel to the MAF. The opening for the stock is heavily constructed, roughtly 2'' then into the airbox. Some swear by CAIs...claiming they get 5 more HP and a marker difference in MPG. Some say they change the sound, some say its a myth. I say make up your own mind. 00redgt has a Spectra CAI filter and showed me pictures and Im gunning mine towards that. I dont think itll be a HUGE boost in performance, but itll help in the long run. ....looks cooler the the stock CAI too.

October 31st, 2009, 01:07 PM	#14
NorCalWhtHrse Regular 2001 Mustang V6 Coupe Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Napa, CA Posts: 441	I cant say that adding a CAI to my sixxer improved any HP... but i WILL say it sounds nicer. It is kinda like a high pitched turbo-esque sound when you are in the mid range rpms, but It really doesn't affect the sound of your exhaust IMO. __________________

October 31st, 2009, 03:44 PM	#15
JASonic The George Forman of Keepers Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 2,243	I agree with the sound statements. In combination with a true dual setup and a tune, it adds to the sound. __________________ GHOSTANG 2230

Threads Similar to: Are CAIs and UDP's really worth it?
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
UDP's	thumperer	2005+	5	August 22nd, 2008 09:05 AM
Ebay CAIs.	JSapit	Vendors	8	March 11th, 2008 03:07 AM
UDP's	07 STROKER	2005+	7	November 21st, 2007 04:53 PM
lets see pics of those ghetto rigged cais	The Black Car	V6 Mustangs	1	October 4th, 2007 01:33 PM
Why I hate Fenderwell CAIs	fallstar01	The Clubhouse	7	October 27th, 2005 10:43 PM

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:46 AM.
Contact Us - Modded Mustangs - Privacy Statement - Top
Modded Mustangs is ©2005-2008, All Rights Reserved, And is Not Affiliated with Ford Motor Company. Forum is powered by vBulletin ©2000 - 2009, Jelsoft Ent. Ltd. & SEO by vBSEO 3.1.0 ©2007, Crawlability, Inc.

October 31st, 2009, 04:30 PM	#16
Codeman Regular Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: North Dakota Posts: 420	it does add some exhaust sound. it makes ur exhaust sound fuller. and as far as the performance increase if you look at it your stock one has that little rubber opening for air to go into the filter and then you have that ribbed tube that is bendy and the ribs slow the air down. I think it adds some throttle response and some hp not tons but some. if you think about it you are taking away the little restrictive rubber boot and adding a filter that can get as much air as it wants, and then you remove that ribbed intake and add a straight smooth one. __________________ UDP, CAI, True Duals, Sct Xcal III Visit this automotive blog http://tooldesk.com/blog/