Literally Flooded Engine
 

Okay so my 2004 manual sport was hit by a flash flood under a bridge. I was in the car and engine running, the water that rushed through was about 12-15" at most deep. The engine died and would not turn over. I had cranking amps, gauges, radio, lights, everything worked but it wouldn't start.

I do have an AEM cold Air Intake in the front bumper dam and I believe the water got into the intake and therefore the engine. My limited knowledge would be to drain the spark plugs and crank the engine to get the water out but I couldn't do that as it was late at night and I was far from home and tools. I made the decision to have it towed to an import repair shop the tow company recommended. The mechanic there is telling me there's an electrical problem because there's water in the wires and he's testing and drying them out. I've never dealt with a small independent shop before, only dealerships, so my skepticism level is kinda high (not that dealerships cant be sketchy but the odds are better they aren't).

My question is, does this sound strange that 12" of water got into the air intake but there's an electrical problem am I getting a load of crap? Any input is well appreciated.

You could have both. The plugs are down low. I'd expect them to have gotten submerged before the intake. I'm not standing at my car with a tape measure, but isn't the air intake higher than 15 inches?

Indepedent shops can be OK. Depends if the tow company recommended that place based on its reputation, or because it's run by a buddy who needs the business. The one time I had a tow driver recommend a shop, the place was good and the mechanic who fixed me up was the guy's buddy. Win-win.

Ken