Miata Mailing List: December 1998, Message #341

Once upon a time Jeff Holbrook wrote
> 
> Has anyone on the list upgraded from a K&N Filtercharger to a JR CAI?  What 
> has been your experience with it?

Yes, I did. 

I had a K&N filtercharger for a year or two and then switched to the
CAI, which I've had for about 3 years now I guess.

In retrospective, I wish I had used the $400 for something else and
kept the K&N. I don't notice any difference in power. There may be
some, but if there is, its under the threshold of what I can feel.

The CAI sounds nice at full throttle, but so does the K&N, so not much
difference there.  The CAI allows removing the airbox and a lot of
intake tubing. This is very nice, the engine bay looks much cleaner. I
like this aspect, but its not worth $400 to me just for this.

Your driving circumstances make a big difference. The CAI does provide
very nice extra power at high speeds. If you spend a lot of time full
throttle above 100mph like some extremely lucky autobahn-frequenting
listers (hi Werner), it reportedly makes a huge difference. If you do,
buy one right now.

I judge it based on my driving, which is either city or crowded
california/NJ highways. I very rarely see more than 80mph, too may
cops and too many dumb laws by braindead politicians seeking favors
instead of common sense. At these low speeds, the CAI gives me no
perceivable extra power whatsoever.

Others will tell you it is the most wonderful aftermarket accessory
for the Miata and gives nearly as much power as a supercharger. I
can't explain this. Maybe they are deluded. Maybe I am the deluded
one. Maybe my Miata is just allergic to the CAI. Can't explain it. I
just report my experience.



-- 
Jyri J. Virkki - Santa Cruz, CA - Linux: The Choice of a GNU Generation