Saab9-3

Does it just take in air from a different location in the engine bay where air is cooler or what? I understand the benefits of having cold air induction, but where does this cold air come from? Also, what is the best CAI and do they void the warranty?

nwk00

What is the difference between CAI and ram air intake?

yu888

If you notice on our S2000's, the intake above the filter box draws air towards the top of the engine compartment, right above the radiator... Hmmmm, can you say "HOT air intake"?

Most of the CAI's available for the S2000 draw air from another part of the front of the car. The AEM uses a long tube to draw from the right front corner of of the car; the Import Development and Spoon intakes draw from the FRONT of the radiator and then bring the air back in through an insulated tube; and I think the Comptech draws froom the right front corner too.

In any case, just a few degrees difference in temp can work wonders for the engine's performance.

xviper

You've already heard the explanation for a CAI. A ram air intake would have the intake in such a position that with the car moving at speed (usually over 60 mph) will be forced into a sealed airbox. This produces a "higher" pressure inside the airbox and thus forces the air into the engine rather than having the engine suck it in. This is kinda like a low boost forced induction. Remember the "hood scoops" of the 60's and 70's cars? If you were to take the AEM CAI for our cars, completely sealed off the compartment that the filter sits in, cut out the fake air duct, you'd have a bit of a ram air CAI.