So, I just got an AEM CAI not too long ago, and recently had a guyfriend of mine install it. Took him about 3 hours of labor. A little flirting and whining could do wonders when it comes to asking guys to do something for free.

Anyhoo, everything went perfectly and it looked pretty good but the engine bay seems to be "naked" now. Afterwards, he suggested that we remove the plastic panel (the passenger-side only) underneath the airfilter to totally let air in. So what the hell, I agreed. He removed it in a way that I could easily put it back on securely. Anyhoo, the airfilter is well hidden behind the bumper so rain/water could not touch it, but no doubt it's getting lots and lots of air. I figure it'll get a little dirtier than with the panel, but I can easily remove the filter each month to wash it.

Well, what do you guys think--ingenious or stupid idea from him? If it's ingenious, then I'll give him a kiss. If stupid, then I'll bitch-slap his ass. The car seems to drive stronger and gets better gas mileage at the same time. Will it affect the drag of the car at high speeds? I rarely drive at high speeds anyway. I can easily put the panel back anytime.

Gimme inputs please! Thanx!

 

How about a pic...that might help.

 

A pic is too much trouble. I gotta get under the car to snap a pic. It's pretty clear and simple; just picture the passenger-side panel removed under the air filter.

 

Is it the inner fender liner that you have removed or the black piece that sits under it?
I would put it back on to prevent road debris kicking up into your engine bay.
If anything you could cut out your faux vents to improve air flow.

 

i don't know what exactly he took off, but as long as it is not the wheelwell cover that was removed, then you should be okay. i don't know how often or how bad it rains in your neck of the woods, but as long as you avoid big puddles, you should not have problems with hydrolocking your engine. as for kissing your friend, you should reserve that for me!! (you kiss me instead of him, that is...)

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by CutieBonny
A pic is too much trouble.

 

if i recall, someone here once tested this by dyno'ing their car with and w/out that piece (with a large fan in front of the car simulating road wind) and found no difference. that said, i'd stick it back on to limit rain intake and debris.

as for you whining and flirting don't be that girl! (hopefully you were kidding)

epi

 

I think you should bitchslap his ass either way.

 

It's the black piece that sits underneath the filter. I don't see how anything could get into the engine bay from there. As for cutting out the faux vent, that's permanent and there'll be a huge hole on the bumper. You're talking about the black vents on each side of the radiator, right?

 

LMAO