Thread: Dyno Science: "CAI" Box vs Open Cone Intake

Location: Carlisle Fairgrounds, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, USA
Elevation: ~450 ft
Dyno: Axcelerated Motorsports Dynojet 248H High Inertia Chassis Dynamometer
Vehicle: 2004 Grand Prix GTP Competition Group, 93 Octane Gas
Modifications:

• ZZP 3" Stainless Catted Downpipe
• ZZP Stainless Powerlog
• 9" Oiled Intake Cone Filter
• 3.4" Supercharger Pulley
• 180* Thermostat
• Autolite 104 Spark Plugs
• 10.4mm Taylor 409 Pro Race Spiro-Wound Spark Plug Wires
• Overkill Tune

Test #1:

• Thrasher "Cold Air Intake" Box
• 2 "Runs"
• 10:04 AM
• 83.56* F
• 29.66 inHg
• 25% Humidity
• HP: 222.50 @ 5,000 rpm
• Max HP: 223.81
• Torque: 260.60 @ 3,400 rpm
• Max Torque: 261.18

Test #2:

• "Open Cone" / "Hot Air Intake" (Box Removed)
• 2 "Runs"
• 2:23 PM
• 92.48* F
• 29.61 inHg
• 9% Humidity
• HP: 223.98 @ 4,900 rpm
• Max HP: 224.66
• Torque: 263.44 @ 3,500 rpm
• Max Torque: 264.46

Side-By-Side Comparison:


Close-up of HP/Tq Intersection:


This was by no means a perfect test, mostly given the changes in ambient air temperature (a difference of 8.92* F), but it's better than nothing. I am led to believe that given the same ambient air temperature, the difference in power would have been slightly greater, as the open cone test was run under hotter ambient temperature. I think it is also worth pointing out that the open cone also allowed more supercharger "whine" to escape and seemed to draw the attention of more fairgoers.

Nice work, open cone wins.

there was only one run made each? just wondering since given that you'd have left the trasher box on, would the numbers have still come out differently? who knows..

but at least this shows an open cone wont LOSE any power over a 'cold' air intake.

nice...finally some numbers for the open cone/CAI debate

ill mark an intake off my list. : )

thanks!

YES...good thing we've been preaching it Nick...goes to show it finally made beter numbers even if it is small...now we just gotta get Brian to go open cone...and keep his filter clean from all the crap in his fenderwell.

this should be done on a 97-03 car as well since we dont have an external MAF to lengthen the intake. the cone being directly on the throttle body i would assume would give an even greater margin of gain as well as being significantly louder than stock.

I'd dyno mine...except the mod list would kinda kill it...I'd like to see the gains on a stock or barely modded car

Great info! Thanks for taking the time to do this and share it with us.

Originally Posted by Reptile

Whatever.

YAAAAY! He used his favorite comeback...that means he'll DO IT!

Good for you Bertha

Originally Posted by Reptile

Will you see the HP differences on the track? I'll probably stick with what I've got, just for the simple fact I already have it, no other reason not to I suppose.

This exactly. I've had several intakes and have yet to feel the 1 hp difference.

The Thrasher setup I have now is a lot quieter at idle...which I appreciate.

nice test thank you. I agree that this test does not accurately compare the two.

1. Look at the a/f ratio between the two, huge difference.
2. The HAI will have significant heat soak compared to the air box. A/F ratio and spark timing aside, the cooler air will make more power.