[JOSBRO]

Qustion for all whose first mod was a C.A.I.

I just installed my first mod after having my car for 2 years. It was Eurosport's C.A.I., and I love it. Biggest differences are sound and low-mid throttle response. My question is this...

Do the R cars have some sort of diverter valve or something, or am I leaking boost?.... I have always been able to hear the "squeek" whenever I gave it some gas b/t 2 and 4k and then let off without depressing the clutch, but now with the increased air density and volume, it sounds a lot like a diverter valve, even it the really low revs. I am unaware of any blow-off or diverter valve or similar system in the car, so I just want to make sure that my seals aren't leaking the excess boost, and that is what I am hearing. It sounds very cool, and I am pretty sure everything is good. Just want to make sure I am supposed to be hearing what I am hearing. Thanks all!

 

[Turbo Chad]

Re: Qustion for all whose first mod was a C.A.I. (JOSBRO)

The KKK turbo had a built in diverter/BOV valve. It is essentially the same as a BOV but it is built in to the turbo like an integral wastegate and recirculates the pressurized air back to the turbo intake side. I don't have a picture but this is what creates the pop sound that many R owners report. I imagine that the CAI amplifies the sound making it more noticable.

 

[JRL]

Re: Qustion for all whose first mod was a C.A.I. (JOSBRO)

I would guess that your sound is normal.,
I just sold a 2000 V70 R with a Eurosport CAI and I have to tell you it had the strangest sound including a whirring, squeaking, grinding type of a noise at low and partial throttle right off idle.
It was constant, did it every time
Full throttle it sounded like a normal CAI but anything under that it had some really odd noises
The kid that drove it back thought it had a BOV!

 

[JOSBRO]

Re: Qustion for all whose first mod was a C.A.I. (Turbo Chad)

Quote, originally posted by Turbo Chad »

The KKK turbo had a built in diverter/BOV valve.

Oh, wow, I did not realize that. That must be it then. Thanks!

 

[zigger]

Can u describe this sound please? I just orderd a eurosport Cai I hope it won't screw anything up or sound anoying?
Do you feel power gains btw?

 

[JOSBRO]

Re: (zigger)

Quote, originally posted by zigger »

Can u describe this sound please? I just orderd a eurosport Cai I hope it won't screw anything up or sound anoying? Do you feel power gains btw?

Sound is slightly more throaty in the low end, and there is a nice "thhhhhhhhhh" air movement noise when you put the car under 1/2 throttle or more. As far as the blow-off noise, it occurs very slightly (with the radio on you would not notice it) under normal driving. Under slightly aggressive driving, the turbo become a lot more noticeable, and when shifting, there is a very prominent "tshhhhh" blow-off noise. It is a tell-tale sign of a modified, turbo car, and gains the attention of ALL car guys and gals.

Power gains are supposed to be 8-12. I would be surprised if it was more than 10, it feels like around maybe 8, but peak hp gain is really not the best performance increase provided by a CAI, especially in a forced induction motor. More importantly, throttle response is MUCH better. Sport mode produces throttle sensitivity previously seen only in Advanced, which, for me, is ideal. Also, though peak HP gains may be minimal, low to mid range power and torque benefit significantly. It take less throttle in the 1500 to 3000 range to accellerate than previously, and accelleration seems smoother to me.

Screw anything up... no chance. It is such a simple mod, and you will be allowing the car to breathe the way it wants to anyway. Your stock mass airflow sensor is still used in the same way, so the car recognizes and adapts to the increased air volume, and the increased air density just makes the engine more efficient. Unless you are ultra picky about your car sounding very very quiet, you will be happy with this mod. Everything is a plus, including slight improvements in gas mileage by the way!

Sorry if I over-answered your question and for the onomatopoeias, but i figured I'd cover it all. Have fun, and you are going to need a set of small hands unscrew some things during the install.