hmmmm 1st time I`ve seen that.

 

a radiator mat!!!

SHA ZAM!!

where can we find this?

 

Modding just for the sake of modding? or is there a goal - ie - cosmetically, performance, weight reduction etc etc. Depending on your goal for doing mods, there will be some things that fit the bill better or worse.

I kind of like the tradeoffs and optimizations that the factory engineers made when they designed the car.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Tanqueray
[B]The RM intake hasn't been shown to create any power.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by speedyclip
[B]I'm interested on hearing CAI data from those who have them installed ...
what is good and not so good?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Pixsurguy
[B]I made the mistake of buying an RM Racing CAI.

 

Hmm, I agreed with RM's comments right up until the last. The situation is not exactly like an oven in that the incoming air at idle is a different temperature (hotter) than when moving (colder). If the incoming air temp varies then thermal conductivity and thermal capacity of the intake walls WILL make a difference.

I can't tell you if aluminum or plastic is better but... if you are running slow-and-fast (traffic, auto-x?) then you do not get "oven" equilibrium conditions. Fast running will cool the intake walls while slow running warms them.

I agree that if you idle for, what, five or ten minutes, then both plastic and metal intakes are likely at the same temperature. But then as soon as you take off the cool incomming air begins to cool the walls (and the walls warm the air). Seems to me a low thermal capacity plastic material will cool off faster than a metal mass.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Penforhire
[B]Hmm, I agreed with RM's comments right up until the last.

 

THis is not true - even though plastic may have lower thermal capacity, it radiates heat off slower - as RM pointed out.

 

Metal vs. plastic matter: Of course aluminum tubing ought to radiate heat faster than a plastic one. However, the problem is NOT heat going away from the aluminum tubing. It is the reverse. The engine compartment in non-highway driving situations IS like an oven and that is particularly a problem where, as with the RM Racing CAI, the filter is located smack in front of the block. True, IF YOU GOT THE COLD AIR OPTION, it takes in air from the outside in front of the radiator, but it is also sucking in air from the engine compartment. The piping is still absorbing heat from the block, since the air inside the tube should be cooler than the engine bay temp.

I proved the accuracy of the above observation when I carefully insulated the lovely alum. tubing. I immediately felt the diff. in traffic driving. I doubt that there is a problem at fifty or above though, insulated or not and aluminum or not.