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Question for those who installed a CAI

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10K views 37 replies 15 participants last post by  mrdale14424 
#1 ·
I've been considering a MoPar CAI, for my '15 GC Limited, with the 5.7 Hemi engine. I realize that most of the gain, if any, would be at WOT, but I would imagine that some mid-range performance/fuel mileage gains might also be possible. However, my question is how well these air intakes work in winter weather. Obviously, in 20* weather, ANY air the engine draws in will be cold, so the "benefits" of a CAI would be negligible, possibly even detrimental.

Any experiences??
 
#2 ·
The gains from a CAI system comes from less restriction when compared to the stk. OEM setup. So it doesn't really matter if it's 80 or 30 degrees F outside, the gains at WOT is due to less restriction.
 
#3 ·
I have had my Mopar intake installed for a little over 2 years. I live in Central Pa and we've had some pretty damn cold winters the past couple years. I haven't had any issues. Make sure to clean the filter every so often and you're good to go. I honestly could care less if it really gives you any "performance" gains. It dresses up the engine and makes a nice sound. But I honestly feel a difference with it on....especially when I get on the gas. Plus I think it helps with fuel mileage.


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#7 ·
I have had my Mopar intake installed for a little over 2 years. I live in Central Pa and we've had some pretty damn cold winters the past couple years. I haven't had any issues. Make sure to clean the filter every so often and you're good to go. I honestly could care less if it really gives you any "performance" gains. It dresses up the engine and makes a nice sound. But I honestly feel a difference with it on....especially when I get on the gas. Plus I think it helps with fuel mileage.


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That's the kind of information I was looking for. Thanks!
 
#4 ·
I have the K&N w/silver pipe, about 4K miles on it. 2014 Limited with 5.7 Hemi.

Smoother acceleration
Noticeable power increase
Sounds awesome when your on the gas
Looks cool when you pop the hood

No negatives i can think of and and i don't pay attention to gas milage. Its one of my favorite upgrades, well worth the $250.
 
#5 · (Edited)
I went with the Volant CAI with the Donaldson filter.

description
By using Donaldsons PowerCore Filtration technology submicron contaminants load on the surface rather than collecting in the depth of the filter. This boosts efficiency and increases performance on your aftermarket air intake system. The filter media wont deteriorate as easily as traditional cotton/gauze filters. Plus its water resistant so getting wet wont ruin your air flow or cause a decrease in performance. This is why we warranty our replacement air filters for 4 years or 100000 miles in urban conditions whichever comes firs Volant CAI with the Donaldson filter is the one I went with.

 
#8 ·
I'm about ready to "pull the trigger" on a MoPar cold air intake. I have the Maxcare warranty on my GC, and I don't want to create any possible issues with warranty claims in the future.

Having said that, I, of course, did some price shopping, and find that prices are "all over the place". The lowest price I found, was from a supplier that I haven't heard of, 'My Jeep Accessories'. Has anyone heard of them and/or done business with them? If so, are they good to deal with?
 
#11 ·
Lightninrod: How do you like the Volant CAI with the Donaldson filter? Is it loud? Do you think the stock inlet pipe with all the resonance chambers contributes to the system being relatively quiet but does it interfere with the air intake being responsive do the large volume?
 
#15 ·
Well, I "bit the bullet" and ordered a MoPar CAI a few days ago, from one of the MoPar dealers that does business on E-Bay. It arrived this afternoon, and I hope to have it installed within the next couple of days.

Will report on my impressions, later on.
 
#17 · (Edited)
My initial impression, going by the onboard computer, is that the fuel mileage seems a little better. The downside, is the added noise, when you really lean on it........




EDIT...........one thing I forgot. The installation instructions say to remove the 'o-ring' from the IAT sensor, before installing the sensor into the grommet that comes with the cold air kit, BUT you're instructed to retain the 'o-ring'. However, there's never another mention of why that 'o-ring' is retained. HUH???
 
#22 ·
I'm not looking to start any arguments, but I just want to toss out a little "food for thought".

For DECADES, it's been well documented that reductions of restriction(s) in the flow path, both intake and exhaust, will allow an engine to breathe better, therefore generate more power. Yes, most of the gains will be noted in the higher RPM range, when maximum airflow is trying to be achieved, in order to generate maximum horsepower. Therefore, some of the modifications that are made, don't necessarily manifest themselves at lower RPM.

Having said that, by implying that a flow enhancing cold air intake does little for performance, may not be all that true. If it was true, then exhaust headers, and/or "porting and polishing" the cylinder heads would also be of little value. It is generally known, however, that these modifications do indeed provide performance gains. Whether or not they'd be worth the effort, when done to the engine of a 5000 pound vehicle, however, is another story. Jeep Grand Cherokees are not generally known as "performance vehicles"........
 
#24 ·
For DECADES, it's been well documented that reductions of restriction(s) in the flow path, both intake and exhaust, will allow an engine to breathe better, therefore generate more power.
Agree

Yes, most of the gains will be noted in the higher RPM range, when maximum airflow is trying to be achieved, in order to generate maximum horsepower. Therefore, some of the modifications that are made, don't necessarily manifest themselves at lower RPM.
Agree but let me clarify. Not higher rpm range but at WOT. WOT gains will show themselves at lower rpms too.

Having said that, by implying that a flow enhancing cold air intake does little for performance, may not be all that true.
On larger engines with a restrictive air inlet like the Jeep 5.7L, adding a CAI will improve HP, this is true.

If it was true, then exhaust headers, and/or "porting and polishing" the cylinder heads would also be of little value.
Not sure where I said these things wouldn't reflect more HP because they do.

It is generally known, however, that these modifications do indeed provide performance gains.
Agree

Whether or not they'd be worth the effort, when done to the engine of a 5000 pound vehicle, however, is another story. Jeep Grand Cherokees are not generally known as "performance vehicles"........
Not going to debate the performance vehicle because performance has more to do with HP, handling and braking but you can improve HP without doing the others and there is nothing wrong with that.

My point was a CAI is not going to improve gas mileage that is all.

Thanks
Michael Plummer
 
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#23 ·
Ditto. I have done these mods (Simple Cold Air Intake and Less Restrictive Mufflers or Cat Back Exhaust) and they work better together. I dynoed before and after using the same dyno. Maybe the Jeep GC already has a good intake and exhaust but based on how quiet they are I believe gains can be made.
 
#25 ·
Like I've said before it us up to the owner ito do their own testing. On my old 2014 Jeep 5.7L I did my testing on a dyno and I stand behind those results. Nice to see others verifying results on a dyno, congrats to you.

Thanks
Michael Plummer
 
#26 ·
Why not just get an AEM dryflow drop in filter for the factory air box? I mean that seems to be the best route considering the prices of aftermarket intakes that don't do much of anything for power.

The drop in filter accomplishes the same thing without the added sound that an open filter would right?


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#27 ·
Just swapping in a replacement filter will yield a similar result - to a degree.


A complete "Cold Air Kit" will usually include a new pipe from the filter or filter box to the throttle body. This decreases the air volume between the two compared to stock which increases the throttle response. A large air volume design driven by sound chambers, baffles, etc. will not pull air in as fast as direct path to the filter when the throttle is opened quickly.
Secondly, the cross sectional area of a large round conical filter (sometimes with another small inverted conical filter in the tip) compared to the stock rectangular filter is often greater, dropping the flow resistance.
 
#28 ·
What I might do is use a low restriction quality air filter and then also cut another opening in the stick air box near the front so the total opening is larger. This would be a low cost way to make a similar gain. Just try to add an opening that will not suck in hot air.
 
#35 ·
Generally over oiling the filter when it is cleaned is usually the problem. The PCV system vents crankcase vapor back into the intake tract so if that's not destroying everything I don't think a properly oiled filter would either.

I've run drop in K&N filters and also full intakes on many of mine and my fathers vehicles and I haven't had any problems.

I know many people hate them but I like the sound and minor performance gain I've gotten from them.
 
#36 ·
My Volant is a little louder and it's a sweet sound. The pipe has no restrictions other than the OEM sensor. Coupled with my Sprint Booster ( best 300.00 I've ever spent on a mod),my JGC leaps off the line.
 
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