[Mikey335]

So lately i've been reading a lot about differences between CAI and DCI. While reading and looking up prices, I saw aFe has a pair of air scoops that are a pickup behind the grill.

Since the 335 doesn't have air that directly goes into the intake(it has to take a 90degree turn up). Would the air scoops help with airflow? I would assume that it would be more volume of air since it's being forced in rather than sucked in.

Also, would it help with using a DCI? Everyone talks about how the DCI isn't as good as CAI because it's sucking in hot engine air. Would the scoops help direct outside air straight to the intake rather than pass by the intercooler and everything else that's hot, and directly into the intake?


Sorry if this has been talked about, I just haven't found it while looking. I don't have much experience with the car yet, it's only been a month since purchase and i'm trying to learn.

[Zebra99]

Hey dude,

Lots of info. On this type of set-up and this exact question has been addressed. The scoops are a sales gimmick IMO because weather they are forcing air or the intake is sucking air it can only pull/suck at so much volume per second. I know there were results but it was soooo minimal that in real world anything could skew them to look like that. Ie colder temps or vehicle moving in lower temp all that nonsense.

As for CAI vs. DCI there are proven tests that a true CAI (Dinan, Stett & UR) perform much better than the DCI's. Under WOT and a few
Runs DCI's will quickly heat soak where as CAI's keep AIT's much lower.

Again, all this info. will in the end be subjective because it really depends what purpose your intake is for.

Performance > Sound
CAI > DCI
And vice versa

[skim7x]

Since you're new to the forum, I would recommend you get acquainted with the "Search" menu... there is SOOOO much information on this board for the N54 it will be more than you will need for at least the next year =P

General consensus for intakes... Dinan CAI or Mr.5 intake are best. Helix hybrid is next best. BMS DCI's are the best bang for the buck and both the JB camp and Vishnu camp use similar DCI setups and are making big power.

DCI's tend to make more power until they get heat soaked, after which a CAI will be more beneficial... some members here even like to run the stock airbox with a drop-in filter (if they are too lazy to build their own Mr.5 intake) as it seems to give more consistent performance and resist heat soak that the DCI's are susceptible to.

I personally have a aFe stg 2... I got it used at a great price, I like how it looks, and it has a nice heat shield that also connects to the stock intake pipe for a little fresh air.

Honestly, though, after reading so many of these arguments... CAI (Mr.5 and Dinan) are the best way to go... everything else is pretty much the same... maybe a few degrees here and there in very specific situations... otherwise, they're the same.

STETT is also a CAI that has been around, but I personally don't like it... it looks obnoxious, the filter is way down and blocks the brake vent, and I'd be afraid of sucking in water... I know it's unlikely, but I'd be paranoid... especially when there are no other routes for air, unlike the Dinan or Mr.5 intakes. Just my 2cents on the STETT.

[Mikey335]

Thanks a lot for the input.

Mostly I was trying to get away with a cheap CAI by using DCI+Making my own scoops.

[skim7x]

^ That's fine... go for it =P

[TunedM2C]

After seeing this video I dropped a measly $49 on some Cyba scoops.

[vasillalov]

Might want to take a look at this:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=663807

[skim7x]

I have Cyba scoops that go with my aFe stg2... just makes sense to me to help cool air go to the intake cones.