hey guys, i noticed people are complaining about not enough activity in the NA forums, so heres my contribution.

Ok so, I have always loved Cold Air Intakes. I had a fujita CAI on my rsx-s with no problems, but it seems that alot of people are worried about hydrolocking.

I had my DC5 go through a car wash with the motor running, and nothing happened. I was a little worried too, but when I took the leap and installed one, I LOVED IT!! Throttle response improved and it sounded sick!!!! I love the whistle vacuum sound and I decided I was done with Short rams.

On my s2k, I was a little more scared because everyone here is convinced that the motor would lock, so I bought a k&n FIPK, which was ok... (flame suit on) but I hated the sound!! I also felt that the car was running sluggish when the weather started to get hot, so I uninstalled it and sold it.

Now after lots of research on intakes, I still want a Cold air on my s2k, cuz i know it would sound friggin sweet and wouldnt bog down when the weather gets above 90 degrees.

I just wanted to hear from you NA guys, with experience, or opinions on cold air intakes... Is it really something to worry about??? I mean it rains alot in VA during spring, but summers coming, and I am not goin with another short ram..

btw plz dont recommend me to get a J's type intake with a snorkel, because I see no benefit in those JDM intakes at all, just my opinion.

Thanks!

 

I'm planning on getting the AEM V2, but i'm a little concerned with hydrolocking after it's been sitting in the rain. They say to put an umbrella around it, but it I would still be paranoid every time I started my engine.

 

i honestly dont think you can suck water up unless the fliter is completely submerged in water, and you're reving the motor.

i am also considering the aem v2

 

Lot's of people run a CAI with no problem. AFAIK, the problem with some of the intakes are that they tilt upwards and so if water gets in, it would sit inside the intake instead of roll out. I never looked into a CAI before so I'm not sure if they all do this though. Just make sure any water can roll out and I think you should be okay.

 

Hydrolocking, ask the people who have had this happen to them what their IQ is, this should clear things up for you.

AEM V2 FTW

 

If you're worried about hydrolocking you can get a bypass valve that will stay closed when the filter's bringing in fresh air, and will open if the filter gets submerged. They're not very expensive if my memory serves me right.

 

lol

 

yea i have heard about the bypass valve, just never seen what it looks like and what it does... are they universal?

 

I had the early version of the AEM V2 before they put the duck bill drain in the low point of the intake and I had a water issue with it. The fender drain is right above the filter so the pipe filled up with water and when it got full enough the car didn't get enough air and it died. I don't know if that's "hydro lock" but its what happened. Note: I did not have to drive through a puddle.

I ended up with water in the intake manifold and I'm sure a little got in the engine. I changed the oil and the plugs and it was fine.

Remedy, if you get the V2 make sure its the new model with the drain and put an umbrella on it and you'll be fine. Do not put a bypass valve on the AEM V2 it has a dual chamber system.

I haven't heard of any other "hydro lock" issues with other CAI's like the fujita.

To the OP VA, or atleast Hampton Roads, can get some nasty puddles so just be careful.

 

I've ran a Bypass valve with my CAI on my last car for years in the North West with lots and lots of rain, and some deep water puddles and never once had hydro locking issues. Here is what it looks like for those who never seen one.





Like the previous posters mentioned, this valve never really suck in any air if the Air filter is bring in fresh air. I've tested this when I was installing. I took the filter off and close the hole at the end of the piping, and then I could feel air flow through the by pass valve while the engine was turned on.

If you think you're in an area that rains/floods a lot, this is a good add-on to have an extra peace of mind.