I am thinking of getting a CAI (either AEM, etc) but I don't own the car, I am leasing. Now, if I plan on buying it at the end, it will be no biggy. But if I need to trade it in, cutting up the engine compartment may be a problem. For those that have done the install, is the cutting minimal enough not to notice when I return the car? I guess I could install the CAI without opening the area up around it, but from previously owning a race car, I understand that without getting additional air in there that the CAI basically won't do much over the stock setup.

Any thoughts/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

There is almost no way they would notice if you do a decent job cutting. I have the AEM CAI and I did not cut out the fake break inlet, but you do have to do some cutting in order to get the piping into the fender. Although I purchased mine, I would do it if I had a leased car. The worst thing that would happen if they noticed would be that you would have to replace the pieces. Just my .02cents

 

Thanks for the advice. Is there a pdf file or web page for the instructions? I just want to see how much needs to be trimmed out. And I could always play dumb when I trade it in.

 

I had to cut and trim a lot when I did the install.

 

Just get a Comptech CAI, no cutting at all. Sounds great, looks great, and again NO cutting.

 

Yeah, I saw that the Comptech added like 5 HP at around 8200 rpms. I guess in order to not remove plastic I will have to give up the additional HP and torque the AEM or others would give me over the Comptech.

Thx for the help guys

 

On the 2002's you have to cut off the 2nd horn bracket.

 

As far as AEM goes... even if you do a very nice cutting job, it is still noticeable from underneath the car... maybe even from turning the wheels all the way to one side.

Comptech is probably your best bet.

Another benefit with the Comptech is you don't get the AEM "whistle" at low RPM's.

 

But some of us like that whistle.

 

Please post pics of the cutting involve or where the tube run on the S....plez...plez.
I am very interrest in getting the AEM as well.