AEM CAI Cover?
 

Hello to all! I've been prowling these forums since June or so last year when I bought my RX-8. I've learned an immense amount from what I have read, now it's my time to contribute!

Quick intro:
Name: Travis
Mazda: 2005 RX-8 Nordic Green Mica w/ Sports options (or so I am told).
Mileage: about to clock 35,000, got it at 24,600.

Here's my idea: create a cover for the AEM CAI. I live in Arizona (not that we ever get rain) but I do enjoy taking my 8 through the wash (do not have a house till later this year and my apartments frown upon washing my car with their water).

I love my CAI to death, but after taking it through the car wash and feeling the cone, I was amazed how much water got in there. It seemed to be drenched (never thought about it before hand). K&N make "protector" things like http://www.knfilters.com/images/l/57-3021-1.jpg

When I get a house in the near future, and have a garage to be.... destructive in, I plan on implementing something like K&N has for other vehicles. The link above shows an 02 Silverado CAI just for an example. It would be either fiberglass or a modified K&N one.

Anyone ever try this before? I've searched Google and the Forums here a few times, maybe my keywords are the problem. Anywho, I'm open to thoughts or suggestions. It would for sure cover between the front bumper and the cone with an opening on the bottom to protect from drowning itself. I don't really have to worry about being submerged in a puddle, AZ puddles get to a high of 2" at most. I might draw something up in some 3D software kind of like a "Prototype". I will update as I start making progress.

Check out a foam pre-filter. That may help a little.

i have researched hours upon hours upon hours prior to getting my AEM CAI. My main concern was the whole filter getting wet thing etc etc/ I was going to make something similar to yours. I wanted to put a secondary grill behind the bumper and infront of the filter so it does not get soaked. However i have concluded that anything similar will obstruct air flow and therefore defeat the purpose of the CAI. I have also concluded that if you have a sock (should have came with your intake) that it will be fine. I have the sock over it and have had no problems during heavy rain or during car washes. Unless youre going to drive you car in 3 feet of water than i wouldnt bother. Just get the sock and youll be fine.

The AEM CAI SHOULD come with a hydro-shield; while it can't COMPLETELY shield water from the filter, it definitely limits how much water is absorbed in the filter.

@rotary-rx8: I don't think you'll have to worry about restricted airflow, because the filter is still exposed to air.

It did, I just checked out AEM's site, they only sale one "Dry PreFilter", is this true? I could have sworn that mine was a dust type pre-filter. Maybe the "Dry" part confused me.. I was quiet tired while I did the install.

it will somewhat restrict it i believe. Cause the holes on the grill would have to be small enough to limit water going through which means it will also limit air flow. The filter will still probably get air flow but not as much and as fast as if the secondary grill wasnt there.

^^I was talking about the K&N style shield when I was talking to you, not the hydro-shield....are we on different frequencies or have I just confused myself?