I'm putting a cold air intake on a '03 V-6. The instructions say to disconnect the battery for five minutes then reconnect it after the install. This will reset the computer to recognize the new air flow. Does that make sense? Did anyone ever do that after a cold air intake install? Also, I want to install dual exhausts (magnaflow). Will I have to do the same thing for them? Any ideas out there would be appreciated!
Magnaflow recommends you do this while you install the kit. This is to avoid any possible electrical problem while installing the exhaust. It's also for resetting the computer since it will have been disconnected the entire time during install. Just hook the battery back up when you're done and fire it up ... computer will reset.
Will I have to use a tuner on the car after the installs or will the computer resetting (after I reconnect the battery) be enough? Do you think I will feel a performance improvement with no idling problems?
A tuner will help to get the most out of your mods but its not required. I installed a K&N and a TB on my 3.8 and felt the difference right away, and no idling problems should occur unless you accidentally break the throttle position sensor (like I did) and leave it unplugged but that is an easy temporary fix. You should be good to go with just the install.
Make sure you integrate the original MAF sensors' screen into the new system in the same location for consistant air flow readings. GT
Thanks GD. Tried out the new Cold air intake. Haven't done the exhaust yet. Everything working fine. Just wondering though. When I shut off the car I can hear a distinctive whooshing air sound. almost like an air baffle noise. My new intake is the brushed aluminum type. Not the plastic. I am assuming it is normal because of the increased air intake. Anyone else ever hear those sounds?
Wait a minute GD. Do you mean that round 3" metal screen that looks like something you put over a kitchen drain? Because I left that out. It looked to me like something that would restrict air flow. The Cold Air Intake installation video for the 3.8 from American Muscle http://www.americanmuscle.com/muv6coairins.html shows the round 3" screen being left in the original stock air intake and not transferred to the new one. So I did the same. Are you saying I should I go back and put it in. I'm not sure there is an easy way to hold it in place and it would have to be placed before the MAF sensor. I also read on some other posts that others have intentionally left it out without any problems. I Haven't noticed any problems with the cars performance. Just a whooshing air sound when I shut the car off.
