How noisy is CAI?
 

I'm considering either the Mazdaspeed or RB CAI for my 2009 R3. But I've read on other posts that CAI is quite loud. Can anyone advise if either of these intakes can be heard in the cabin?

Better yet, are one of you (that has CAI installed) in the Edmonton area and able to meet at a Tim's. I'll buy you a double-double for a sample of the CAI emitted noise.

Thx. D

Lol...yeah ur gonna hear it in the cabin when u get on it. Thats really the only time u do hear it. And so do all the people 3 blocks down the street that turn around to see wtf is making that noise haha

Definitely makes some noise but it sounds so nice it never gets annoying. hardly noticeable when cruisin. i usually cant hear it with the windows up and the radio on. hope that helps

Honestly u dnt hear the intake unless you hit the throttle prob 80% and up... otherwise it pretty much sound like ur stock im refering to the AEM CAI.. I jus put one in 4 days ago

Hi guys,

Thanks for the replies. Sounds like under 'normal' driving conditions there is not a real noise impact. Cool.

Ok, one more question. Is there a noticable difference in performance. Like right now all the snap is >5k rpm in gears 3-5. After you installed the CAI did you note better acceleration, smoother, whatever?

Thx again.
D

CAI is for sound on our cars. You won't gain any performance. Stock intake is good. You will gain 2-3 HP.

Only the K&N is too loud.

No power difference, whatsoever

Again, all good info. Thanks for the replies.
Dwayne

My car sounds close to stock unless I go 50% or more throttle, then the noise really opens up. I'd assume the 5th/6th ports play a role in that.

I have the K&N and love the sound. The car sounds pissed off. Had it for years now. It was my first mod. Also have Revi duct to force more air to the engine bay. Installing Greddy SE exhaust on Friday.

I should mention that you only hear a real difference when you are heavy on the throttle. This is pretty much the general consensus amongst all the intakes.

Your car already has a cold air intake. Look where the stock airbox inlet is -- inside the bumper, right behind the grille. You can't beat that. Don't waste money on a metal tube with an air filter that requires removing the bumper to clean it.

I don't really notice any difference in the sound with the racing beat intake.

ditto, expect at full throttle you really hear this sucker. I'm very happy with the RB intake/duct.
At cruising speed almost no different from stock. And you can't beat the quality of manufacture.

I know people with the RB and it is a great intake. The only downside, as mentioned, is having to remove the front bumper to clean the air filter. I went with a combination of the K&N Typhoon and the Revi duct for convenience in regards to maintenance. Alot of people will hate on the K&N saying it is a "hot air" intake. That is why I added the Revi duct to ensure plenty of outside air is being forced into the intake area.Trust me when at cruising speed their is going to be no hot air being drawn into my intake. This system has worked great for me for years and cleaning my filter is as easy as can be.

You DO NOT have to remove the front bumper to clean the RB filter.

BULLSHIT information

So which is better, the MazdaSpeed or the RB? And is there much difference in sound between the two? Also, how doe sit sound with the stock exhaust?

AEM/MS sure, unless you jack it up and go under.

+1 for demo in Edmonton area

I've had my AEM for a couple years and its great. Its red to match my car, sounds great but doesn't drone, and you'll pick up a few horsepower. Nothing crazy but for $300 its arguably one of the best mods you can do. Cat-back only gives you a few horsepower too but costs twice as much.

funny i dont take off my front bumper for the ms/aem filter, i loosen the plastic under tray and yank it out