Okay, so this isn't rocket science or even a new discovery, but hopefully its helpful to guys like me in CA.
In CA they are super strict about vehicle modifications. According to CA law, a police officer can pull you over if he believes you may have illegal performance mods. Furthermore, he can fine you steeply and/or have your vehicle towed to the crusher (depending on the infraction).
The solution to this, while staying legal, is to only buy parts that are 50 state legal. In this context it would be a 50 state legal cai. The problem with this solution is cost. A quality, 49 state cai can be had at AM for about $79, but if you want a 50 state cai it will cost $199 (BBK), or $169 (MAC). Ouch! The law is the law and we want to abide by it. So, what's a guy w/limited funds to do?
I'm glad you asked. First, read the CA (or any other state laws governing performance mods), then find a legal way to accomplish the task at hand, for less money. That's what I did. In reading the law I saw no prohibition against retaining your factory air induction, and bringing the cold air to the filter in a more effective manner.
In order to accomplish this I bought a K&N filter because my old one was dirty anyhow, took out the factory snorkel that goes from the factory air filter housing into the fender (aka factory cai), bought a clamp and some 3inch inside diameter tubing about 3 feet long (adjustable length), attached the tubing to the snorkel via the clamp, ran the tubing down inside the fender well, and bingo, I have a cheap, legal, effective, cai.
I cannot see much difference between moving the filter to the fender well 6 inches away, or moving the fender well air to the filter in the stock location. Seems like the same thing to me. Furthermore, I do not have metal tubing in the engine bay that loves to attract heat.
I have some coupons for pep-boys so the project cost me $8 + filter. However, you can accomplish the same thing with aluminum, non corrugated dryer/furnace ducting from Home Depot for about $6 + filter. I hope this is a help to someone who is funds challenged and wants to stay legal.
In CA they are super strict about vehicle modifications. According to CA law, a police officer can pull you over if he believes you may have illegal performance mods. Furthermore, he can fine you steeply and/or have your vehicle towed to the crusher (depending on the infraction).
The solution to this, while staying legal, is to only buy parts that are 50 state legal. In this context it would be a 50 state legal cai. The problem with this solution is cost. A quality, 49 state cai can be had at AM for about $79, but if you want a 50 state cai it will cost $199 (BBK), or $169 (MAC). Ouch! The law is the law and we want to abide by it. So, what's a guy w/limited funds to do?
I'm glad you asked. First, read the CA (or any other state laws governing performance mods), then find a legal way to accomplish the task at hand, for less money. That's what I did. In reading the law I saw no prohibition against retaining your factory air induction, and bringing the cold air to the filter in a more effective manner.
In order to accomplish this I bought a K&N filter because my old one was dirty anyhow, took out the factory snorkel that goes from the factory air filter housing into the fender (aka factory cai), bought a clamp and some 3inch inside diameter tubing about 3 feet long (adjustable length), attached the tubing to the snorkel via the clamp, ran the tubing down inside the fender well, and bingo, I have a cheap, legal, effective, cai.
I cannot see much difference between moving the filter to the fender well 6 inches away, or moving the fender well air to the filter in the stock location. Seems like the same thing to me. Furthermore, I do not have metal tubing in the engine bay that loves to attract heat.
I have some coupons for pep-boys so the project cost me $8 + filter. However, you can accomplish the same thing with aluminum, non corrugated dryer/furnace ducting from Home Depot for about $6 + filter. I hope this is a help to someone who is funds challenged and wants to stay legal.