How restrictive is the stock intake?

[SixBanger]

On the 1996 3.8L? Right now I have just a K&N filter, but I'm thinking of putting a SLP CAI in. I mean I'm on a tight budget right now, but will I really notice that much of a difference with it? If so, what sort of gains will I feel while driving? If anyone could just describe all driving conditions with the SLP to me I'd really appreciate it!


Also, how restrictive is the exhaust?

[ June 04, 2003: Message edited by: SixBanger ]</p>

[IcemanZO6]

just look at it ...where the filter is its big then it has to sqeeze between the brake junction block thing and the radiator in other words VERY restrictive and yes my friend dropped .2 off his 1/4 mile time 15.68-15.45 and at rolling speeds it gains the most better air flow = better passing power as most like to say it......but if you noticed at speeds 35-50mph theres a lack of power and its cuz of the gear its in(has to go threw the gear to get to the powerband again)but it also has to do with its breathing capibilties too if it can breath better it can get to high r's faster and shift quicker making more power sooner...when i put my exhaust on i noticed a difference in power 35-50mph not much but some if/when i get a SLP CAI it will be fully effective because it will have even better "volumeteric effeciency" (breathing)now if you take the cat out or put in a high flow cat in it breaths even better and if you put headers on even better and port and polish the heads and manifolds(very expensive) now i went in to alot of detail but basically the more air the engine can breath in and use effectively then breath out the better....try to breath threw a straw and sprint as far as possible and getting the same feeling that your engine does ...i have no idea if this helped i kinda just rambled on about random stuff

[SixBanger]

wow, thank you that was very helpful. how different are our intakes then the v8's intake? also, how often do you have to clean the filters and how hard is it?

[speedy-v6-camaro]

I saw a basically free way to do almost the same thing just using a few zip ties and a razor blade. Obviously not as good...but better than stock. It was in Super Chevy or GMHTP.

[Blizzard96]

Trust me, when you go to install the SLP CAI and take out the stock intake system, you'll see how restrictive it is. I thought to myself "How the heck could this car breathe with this?".

The intake made a big difference, especially when I got my exhaust and bigger I-pipe...much stronger.

[SixBanger]

How restrictive is the exhaust?? I was just wondering if it as necessary to upgrade the exhaust as it is the intake? Can anyone tell me?

[IcemanZO6]

it will make the CAI more effective cuz it will have better breathing all around in and out instead of just in because you can have teh best breathing intake but have a very restrictive exhaust and the intake will almost be ineffective


edit: the engine can only "suck in" as much as it can push out

[ June 05, 2003: Message edited by: IcemanZO6 ]</p>

[SixBanger]

But is it as essential to upgrade the exhaust as it is the intake? Remember, I am on a limited budget.

[camaro_speedemon]

I had more 'seat of the pants' gains with exhaust mods that I did with my CAI. However my gas milage went up about an average of 3 points with mild-moderate city/highway driving with my intake, exhaust and high-flow cat. I was averaging 18/25 before. I get average of 21/29 now.