Whats up guys, I recently installed a k&n cold air intake in my S and I'm afraid of hydro lock. My intake sits low next to my radiator, I have a splash guard but I'm still worried about it. Any recommendations or hints?

 

Sell it and get an FIPK? I don't think theres much you can do since you're the one that feels unsafe with it. Personally, I wouldn't risk it but I know a lot of people do and most have not had a problem. It is an expensive one if you do hydrolock though. FIPK ftw on sounds and non-hydrolocking properties

 

If it rains too much where you live I wouldn't recommend it since its too high risk for low hp gain. My brothers car had a AEM CAI in his RSX and it hydro-locked from a small puddle. Complete new engine and a whole lot of time wasted.

 

There is a bypass valve that you can purchase to advert the entire mess of an hydrolocked engine. Also, have you considered using the cover that k&n uses for their filters?

 

Yeah I have that cover on but I'm still worried a bit. What's up with that bypass valve??

 

Bypass valves are sort of useless and give you a false sense of security imo.. Not to mention if you have one you have to use it on AEM intakes only for them to cover any sort of a warranty due to damage. I'm almost sure they don't stand by your side in the event either..

Sell the CAI and get a shortram, even if its not an FIPK. No since in shitting a brick when you drive the car when you have nothing to really gain by it over any other intake on the market. just my 02.

 

True that.

 

Do not:

Drive through standing water (no matter how shallow you may think it is)

Drive though puddles if they can be avoided

Drive the car in heavy rain if you don't need to

Go wot in heavy heavy rain

Do:

Plug the drain hole under the hood on the passenger side by the headlight (drains right ontop of the filter)

Check the drain valve on the intake before starting or driving (if there is one) to make sure there's no water coming out of it after you've washed the car or let it sit in rain..

 

Take whatever precautions you feel are necessary. If you're really worried about hydrolock then you probably should have considered the FIPK as suggested above or stuck with the stock intake. I run a Fujita down here in Houston (as do others here) and we certainly get planty of rain. In my experience as long as you drive with some sense (i.e. don't charge through puddles or standing water) in even heavy downpours it isn't an issue. That said, anecdotal evidence doesn't really mean much.

If you haven't plugged the fender hole and/or aren't using an umbrella on the filter then you might want to think about those if you stick with the CAI as you can hydrolock just from rain dripping on the filter while parked.

All this is discussed in the countless former threads on CAI's and hydrolock and there are even first hand accounts you can refer to. Try reading up as well if you want more opinions.

 

No gains on this system. Only more noise.

If you are doing this for performance don't waste your time.