Threads galore about the placement and risks of air filters in induction systems; but has anyone here ever actually experienced hydrolock on their car running, say, the AEM V2 with the low intake placement? Especially in South Florida with our yearly monsoon season and insta-pond roads?

 

YES.

Not on my S2000 but on my GSR. I hydrolocked at the entrance to my apartment complex. Very heavy rain, probably 6-8" of water. The motor didn't blow, but I had to crank the water out through the plug holes with my brother's blazer providing the power. Still, the damage was done and the motor broke a rod 2 months later.

So, I will not be using a CAI on my S2000. Maybe a K&N or Comptech as those are safe.

Many here say hydrolock is impossible. They are full of crap. In south FL, I would not put on on my S2000. There's no good reason as there is no power to be made. If you want sound, get the Comptech or K&N FIPK.

 

That answers that question, thanks Steve. I only needed to see one real life scenario. This I suppose is another thread, but looking at the dyno comparison of the CAIs that claim the biggest performance increases, the actual increase they claim is just a small bump at around 6500 rpms. Other than the under-hood chic and the sound, do these CAI's really make any sense over the OEMs?

 

YEP, one of my sales guys did it as well.... boom. get a k&n filter and a spoon/muz snokel or comptech cia IMO if you want to keep it safe.

 

The K&N fuel injection performance kit is a good choice, too. Very similar to Comptech in the layout.

I'd still get a Comptech first. Their stuff is well researched and their machining top-notch.

 

I would like to share my experience....and I have had a positive one.

I installed an INJEN RS CAI on my s2k in may. Went through an entire hurricane season without a problem (including 2 near direct hits). Have driven through a Tropical Storm, and through out North Florida rain (probably worse than south Florida). We got about 1" of rain on a daily basis. I took a LOT of steps to avoid hydrolocking. I have not cut out the ducts in the bumper. I fabricated an umbrella just in case. I plugged the drain holes in the hood channel. I also installed an AEM bypass valve (I know these basically negate HP gains, but I really wanted the sound, not the power, out of this intake). I will also be getting an INJEN microfiber bonnet in a few weeks (Gore-Tex type sock that fits over the filter element). I chose the INJEN, because it does not have that nasty up angle leading to the element (it is flat / slightly down hill), so trapped water is no problem. I have also installed weatherstripping to the under-body where it connects to the bumper for extra waterproofing.

All in all, you should consider that there is the risk of hydrolocking with any "true" CAI. I have taken / will be taking measures that will basically ensure that I will not hydrolock (unless I drive through 8-10" of water).

John

 

I have CAI, live in Florida, and I am not worried about hydrolock. Why would you be driving in such heavy rain anyways? Id be more worried about hydroplanning. It's not hard to dodge wet spots and puddles. And if it is raining so hard that all this is impossible to be dodging, dont drive in it. Don't go out/pull over...

 

You're right, of course when it comes to driving in the rain. S2K's will never be used as amphibious assault vehicles by the marines. But I've seen roads flood here unbelievably quick. Or you turn into a parking lot at publix at night and BAM! you've plowed into a foot of water at a dark bend. Just wanted to hear some first hand experiences of people that have CAI's installed, positive or negative. So from what I'm hearing, it seems to come down to weighing if a better engine note is worth the risk that some on the thread have experienced. Just planning out my mod game plan. (Seems to be a more passionate question than i expected!)

 

Just to add my $0.02. I actually blew my engine due to hydrolock w/ the stock intake. It was one of those flash storms that come out of nowhere. Stuck in stop and go traffic w/ nowhere to go and the water just kept rising. Made for a very bad day.