Unfortunately this is what I have also deduced. Basically to add power to my car within the constraints of California emissions... It's all about top end intake and cat back exhaust.
Yeah you can go forced induction here whether it be root/twinscrew or centrifugal. You can only open your motor up as much as is California compliant, but you can still make pretty decent power in California.
The CAI and tune work hand in hand and make a big difference IMHO. Really woke up my 2012 GT and it's a good bang for the buck investment.
I haven't completely dismissed it as something to do. I have pretty much finished my suspension and want to start adding power. Is a CAI and tune a good place to start?
Assuming you have a 5.0, how else are you going to add 30-35 HP to your car for around $600? I went with a JLT CAI and a Bama X4 tuner. Worth every penny!
Yeah, I have a 5.0 ('14 GT) that is an exceptional gain with just a CAI and tune. That almost what you'd gain with a new manifold.
Yes I get a catalog from them, and I go online and check their stuff out. I was looking at a K&N and CAI kit that they sell with the Bama tuner. That will probably be my next purchase. My goal is to gain as much horsepower as I can, while staying naturally aspirated. I was talking to the guys at Galpin auto sports and they said installing a blower would cost me in the ballpark of 10,000 and that would yield a gain of 140 hp. 140 hp sounds good, but if I could hit 100 while doing it myself, staying naturally aspirated, and for a fraction of that price that is much more worth it to me. I think that 420 horse engine is a great starting point. I just think that $10,000 for 140 hp doesn't really add up.
After the CAI / tune the next step would be headers and mid pipe. Now we're talking some money and maybe 25-30 HP gain. Those pipes will improve the gain on any other performance mods you make though. I've considered a super charger or blower myself but then you'll have to replace many supporting components along with it. Drive shaft, clutch....the list goes on.
From what I experience the CAI mainly just adds noise. I notice some extra power on hills but on straighaways the factory airbox seemed quicker. I like the noise so have a modified Airaid CAI currently installed. I get most of my speed from the SCT tuner I purchased. I use the Steeda CAI tune option which helps out with the CAI I have. I've compared and when I don't have the Steeda CAI selected, the car is a bit slower. If I knew this I wouldn't have forked out the $300 I spent on it but is what it is. The noise is nice.
Hey guys. I just posted in the Welcome Wagon, as I'm brand new to this site.. but I was interested in reading what you all posted because my Airaid intake arrives today and I'm super excited, but I know I'm not going to feel much of a difference until I get that tuner (Bama is what hubs and I think we want to get.. any suggestions?). I already have a magnaflow axle back exhaust that i put on last year this time, so I love the sound but seeing as it's an S197 it still doesn't exactly have the kick that I know it can
(I have a 2014 charcoal grey v6)
