What is the effect on the performance gained from a AEM CAI, if you install an Air Bypass Valve? If I read AEM's web-site I don't think their should be any because air flows through the Valve free as long as the filter isn't blocked, or have I missed something?

Enlighten me please.

 

From my understanding the by pass valve is there to catch any moisture in the air before it reaches the throttle body. In all my cars with a CAI i put one in. Im not to sure the HP gain from a CAI but it sure sounds good =]

 

If I read the AEM web-site the Air Bypass Valve does not catch the water or anything the like. What is does is let air in through a 'side' entrance if a big enough vacuum is produced in the intake system, i.e. when the air filter is full of water.

But I did read some thread not so long again where somebody write that the Air Bypass Valve has a negative effect on the power increase om the AEM CAI, and I was hoping that person or some other people would be able to enlighten me.

 

I don't have one on my S but I had one on my Prelude. AEM says that it doesn't effect performance but don't they also sell a rubber piece that goes in place of the by pass vale during race use. It's safer to have one if your just driving on the street. This one time during heavy rain, I drove through a puddle with my Prelude that came up to the headlights. The intake had to of sucked up some water. I was really worried that the car got water in the engine, but when I got home and popped the hood, the bypass valve was a little damp but the car started fine the next day. I definitley recomend it.

 

I had one installed on my S, i lost power from it. The sound wasn't the same--kinda like stock. I think it's crap so it had to go. It sucks that i had to cut my intake for nothing.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by swtazn97
[B]I had one installed on my S, i lost power from it.