SonicBlue2v03GT said:
I did not know about the MAF rotation. and this stuff quickly gets out of my understanding. I know car basics, but Im not about to declare myself an expert on A/F ratios, etc.
Don't worry about the MAF rotation. The small difference it may make to the overall A/F ratio is minimal at best, plus if you plan on getting a custom tune down the road it will get factored in with any other mods installed at the time.
SonicBlue2v03GT said:
Edit - I did want to add, that i have heard of people having problems with the CAI, that is the one with the 90 bend into the fenderwell. The RAI is the one like the K&N, just with bigger tubing basically and longer filter?? I think thats correct
Let me clarify something before Tucker thrashes me!
The CAI with the 90 degree bend that so many people seem to have issues with is the DC (Densecharger) and
NOT to JLT unit. The JLT system moves the MAF into the fender at the very front of the intake tract thereby negating the potential problems with laminar airflow.
And yes, the RAI is similar to the K&N in that it's an under hood setup and not located n the fender.
SonicBlue2v03GT said:
My thoughts are, Get the K&N FIPK II/JLT RAI or CAI (my mind is about made up on K&N), then go cat-back. At that point I was thinking about getting the Predator with custom tune from James @ RWTD.
That plan is sound. You shouldn't need to tune the car just for the FIPK and a C/B. Once you get the Predator you'll be able to tweek the tune as required and you'll be equipped to handle future mods.
SonicBlue2v03GT said:
I have heard great things about him/his custom tunes. And i think you get free re-tunes, so when its pulley time, have him e-mail another custom tune. Those are my thoughts anyways
All the great things you heard about James are true, but you may want to go read up on his "Free Tunes for Life" policy. That program worked well for the first couple years, but now he has so many customers it's almost impossible for him to stay on top of it. He had to make some changes to his program and I suggest you read up on what he offers for a specific price before you order. It's still a great deal!
http://www.runninwiththedevil.com &
http://www.diablosporttuning.com/forums/ for more info.
spree said:
Personally I'm not a big fan of the JLT CAI. It looks good, but it's more expensive and it's more difficult to install. It won't really give you that much more hp/tq (if any) over the RAI.
You forgot how much of a PITA an in-fender CAI is to inspect & service too!
spree said:
The RAI on the other hand...can't complain. It looks awesome, it's cheap, and it gave me great power. It's similar to the FIPK, but it's from the throttle body all the way back. The FIPK is basically just a new filter.
The JLT RAI is a great item and performs well, but the FIPK is more than just a filter! The FIPK comes with a heat shield that seals it off from the rest of the engine compartment when the hood is closed. The RAI does not. The FIPK also comes with the MVD! (Magical Velocity Donut)
This velocity bell is mounted to the heatsheild/MAF and helps channel the air straight into the MAF.
spree said:
As for the tune...yeah, James knows his stuff. I don't really recommend going the mail order route though. It could take a while to get the A/F down properly (the dyno rental costs will bite you in the a**), and James is known to be kinda slow (since he has so many customers). So if the tune isn't dead on after the 1st or 2nd try, you'll be spending a lot more than you thought you would've. I would definitely recommend going to a reputable local tuner, like Shawn Ellis. Yeah, he's a bit pricey, but at least you'll know it's done right...and it'll be done right in front of you to boot.
Spree speaks the truth here. I guess I was one of the lucky ones because James got my mail order tune spot on the first try. Usually if you are running the standard mods and nothing unusual or whacky, James mail order tunes come very, very close the first time. I can see though where someone with a finicky Terminator may end up requiring 2 or 3 re-tunes to get things perfect.
As for Shawn Ellis... I let you Cali boys argue that one out! I've seen posts that run from "Shawn Ellis is a tuning God!" to "I wouldn't let Shawn Ellis tune my lawnmower". Your choice guys...
U.M.