k and n air filter

EddieF said:
The cai will make you're engine louder and there might not be any hp gains. Increase your boost and retune the computer, that will open the car up.
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If you are going to go to the expense of buying a canned tune or getting a custom tune on a dyno, it makes no sense not to add the CAI. It adds about 15 rwhp when the engine computer is tuned for it. The tune can add about 30 RWHP by itself giving you about 45 extra RWHP. I run a Steeda CAI and Bama performance tune. The CAI does not make any noticeable noise. At least not compared to my Roush axlebacks. :)
 
Filter will not give you noise. With some foreign cars you have to be very careful with oiled filters as the fresh oil will mess with the MAF sensor. Also with an oiled filter you will want to make sure you clean your MAF sensor often (I usually do mine every oil change). The MAF sensor is the easiest thing to clean an can really mess up your engine and will be very expensive to fix. A CAI will give you a bad ass sound when your engine hits it's sweet spot (it'll just scream when you get on it). You don't need a tune with the addition of a filter or a CAI. Anything that is put before the MAF sensor doesn't need any adjustments. Your MAF sensor will adjust for it (that's what it's there for). So to answer the OP's question, the best gain for your Audi would be a CAI if you want the sound and gain. The filter alone will give you a small gain, but mainly in the way of MPG.
 
JAF06SE said:
Filter will not give you noise. With some foreign cars you have to be very careful with oiled filters as the fresh oil will mess with the MAF sensor. Also with an oiled filter you will want to make sure you clean your MAF sensor often (I usually do mine every oil change). The MAF sensor is the easiest thing to clean an can really mess up your engine and will be very expensive to fix. A CAI will give you a bad ass sound when your engine hits it's sweet spot (it'll just scream when you get on it). You don't need a tune with the addition of a filter or a CAI. Anything that is put before the MAF sensor doesn't need any adjustments. Your MAF sensor will adjust for it (that's what it's there for). So to answer the OP's question, the best gain for your Audi would be a CAI if you want the sound and gain. The filter alone will give you a small gain, but mainly in the way of MPG.
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That's just wrong. Any CAI that is worth using specifically states on the installation instructions that the car requires a new tune to use it. If you install a CAI from Steeda or Airaid and don't add the new tune, the car will not start.

Steeda Cold Air Intake - Manual (2011-2013 Mustang GT) 555-3155 - Free Shipping!

"Technical note. Installation of this Steeda CAI requires the use of a custom-tuned SCT SF3/X3 PowerFlash or SCT LiveWire tuner to reprogram the cars computer for the Cold Air Intake. "

How to Install a Steeda Cold Air Intake for a 2011-2012 Mustang GT - Free Shipping!

"11.Do Not Start Engine Without Tuning Engine Computer for the New Intake."


If the CAI documentation says it doesn't need a tune, it isn't increasing airflow enough to make a difference in power.
 
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I've used those and it seems that they give a little extra power. They make the engine easier to tach up in my experience.
 
I think a K&N drop in filter is a waste of money. If your going to spend 50-60 bucks for a filter, you may as well get a CAI. If none are available like you say, then just get paper filters imo.

Anyways, I have an AEM CAI for my 3.5 Altima and the car screams at 5-6rpm. Sounds amazing flooring it under bridges. :drool: I only bought it for the sound though, I never dyno'd my car before or after, so I have no idea if there were any HP gains, but it sure sounds nice. I never had my car tuned after the install and it runs just the same as it did with the factory airbox.
 
You said you wanted it to sound better, why not change the exhaust? Or do you want to change the intake sound?

Honestly, if it was me, I wouldn't touch it, unless you plan to do some serious mods down the track. One or two small mods won't make a big difference to the power/driving experience and will just add hassle when trying to see it later. Ie why does your nice shinny Audi have a terrible rumble/drone at 2000rpm? Oh, that's the cai and exhaust that I did a DIY job of. See ya later buddy ;)
 
truckbutt said:
That's just wrong. If you install a CAI from and don't add the new tune, the car will not start.


The Airaid that I've had on my truck for the past 5 1/2 years begs to differ. Had no tune on it for another year and a half unroll Superchips came out with a programmer. Nothing with a CAI does anything with electronics, so a tune is not required. Now, if you want MAXIMUM performance gains, that is why they "reccomend" a tune. Like I said, anything you install to increase air flow is automatically compensated for via the MAF sensor. That's why it is there. A tune is not required unless you want to get every ounce of power out of your vehicle. CAI's are the least expensive bolt on that you can do and actually get and feel a gain.
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If you want better sound and power, upgrade to larger downpipes and the piping in the exhaust system. That will give you at least 25 HP. But if you want big power, turn up the boost. Only thing is that doesn't sound as simple as you think.
 
JAF06SE said:
truckbutt said:
That's just wrong. If you install a CAI from and don't add the new tune, the car will not start.


The Airaid that I've had on my truck for the past 5 1/2 years begs to differ. Had no tune on it for another year and a half unroll Superchips came out with a programmer. Nothing with a CAI does anything with electronics, so a tune is not required. Now, if you want MAXIMUM performance gains, that is why they "reccomend" a tune. Like I said, anything you install to increase air flow is automatically compensated for via the MAF sensor. That's why it is there. A tune is not required unless you want to get every ounce of power out of your vehicle. CAI's are the least expensive bolt on that you can do and actually get and feel a gain.
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Once again your facts are incorrect. Airaid makes two different types of CAI's One that requires a tune and one that does not. The one that doesn't offers no increase in RWHP.
why does a CAI need a tune - Google Search
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Bill1234 said:
I am looking to purchase a new air filter for my 2004 audi a6. I would like to know if these are easy to install if you have no mechanic skills , but are looking to improve preformance and have better sound and would just the filter be enough?
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Bill...

Depending on your driving habits/environmental-conditions,
You might want to factor in K&N's recommended filter
cleaning processes (including the task-specific cleaning-kit).

Some interesting audio-files (link below)...
(Take a listen to #8, as well as other 'facts', if you so desire)

K&N Technical Learning Center - Engine Air Filtration Facts

:)

Bob
 
My thoughts are add the k&n Cold air is the best way to add horsepower. You will hear a slight difference in your motor . More air being sucked in I recommend there filter charger you will feel the difference in the seat of your pants. You may want to consider aftermarket exhaust for more horsepower .And a nice exhaust note from a catback system. Have fun!
 
I added a drop in K&N into my g/f's Mazda 6 and its got over 15k on it and its a little dirty but I haven't taken it out to clean it yet. IMO a drop in K&N is for the person looking to reduce costs and get a very slight gain in performance, also if you happen to be one of those people who forget to replace their air filters, well, the K&N excels there as it can get real dirty and still do its job as its cotton gauze and special oil still breathe:props:

If your lookin' to gain in performance, well, your going to need to check an Audi car forum and see what they have for it if K&N doesn't offer one. I've had the K&N typhoon on my last 2 Honda's and they've been great, no issues and the perf gain is right there! No loss in mileage, infact I'd say I gained a little bit as my mileage is above the sticker.
 
I've read a lot about APR Tuning..... they seem reputable.
 
truckbutt said:
Any CAI that doesn't require a new tune for you car's computer isn't going to improve horsepower. They don't make your engine sound bigger either. They are a waste of money.
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Exactly. I've never seen a single independent dyno sheet that show an HP advantage of a K&N air filter vs a CLEAN stock filter.

I've read countless threads where the oil caused issues with the MAF and other sensors.

That said, save the $60, and another $60 and go do a intro track day.
 
Save your money as a drop in filter will do little or nothing. I've built more than a few Audi 2.7 Bi-Turbos in the past. Nothing with any real HP gains will be cheap for this car.

Some of the more popular mods for the 2.7T with the most bang for the buck are:

ECU Chip or a flash of ECU both are available.

Upgraded By Pass Valves (BPV) do not use vent to air as your asking for trouble.

Upgraded reinforced inlet hose.

Down pipes would be last on the list as it's quite costly and pain to install.

Check out these vendors of Audi performance parts.

AWE
APR
GIAC

Audi World is a also a good forum to start with.
 
TroyScherer said:
Absolutely! A simple filter swap will change the sound slightly and flow better. So a filter will help.

But a kit will increase the sound, hp, and performance.

And I have usually got a little better gas mileage as well.
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Correct, however the differences are so minor its barely noticible. If you want it for sound and or power, dont even bother. If you want it for durability, and ability to wash instead of constantly replacing go for it.

FYI reseach how it works with your car, for example on my Motorcycle aftermarket filters DECREASED power.
 
just do a Colorado outlaw box /Swiss cheese
drop the filter in, the car is already a cold air unit.
you just want more flow, you do not need the new filter
 
Be very careful changing the air filter in Adui or Volkswagen. The stock filter is better than any replacement filter.
If your looking to tune HPA is the best, second Unitronics.
 
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