K20A3 Fuel Map Optimized with what type of intake?

Batty · Post by **Batty** » Mon Feb 19, 2007 2:19 pm

Hello,
I just reflashed my ECU 3 weeks ago.
I have had my SI for 4 years so I have allot of driving Exp with it.
I also changed the header to a DC short ceramic, with your IMG.
First drive was incredible. I had to readjust my torque damper due to wheel hop with new torque increase.
Very impressed with the tuning. This was with 87octane still in the tank.
Also outside air temp has been below 40 and very dry.....
I do have a couple of questions. I read most posts but could not definitive answer them myself.
In the K-series SI it states "This program was tuned specifically for a CAI (cold air intake) as they give the best power gains. All future tuning will be done with either the stock or CAI intake."
I have modified my stock air box, and added a drop in filter. It seems the car is less responsive below 4K, but very good up to 7.7K. Did you tune with the modified setup? Can I benefit from adding a CAI? I was going to pipe cold air into the stock box, because I am not too fond of the extra induction noise. I don't believe however that with the added length of tubing/bends, would benefit too much. Also these cars heat the intake inlets both at the small inlet pipe and throttle body pipe due to the Radiator hose. I insulated this as well.
Sorry for the book, please let me know if you saw tuning benefits of CAI, over the modified air box. And did you heat wrap the CAI due to its location behind the radiator and cooling Fan?

Thank you for any insight.

Post by **Spunkster** » Mon Feb 19, 2007 2:34 pm

A cold air intke will always be better than a modified air box.

Batty · Post by **Batty** » Tue Feb 20, 2007 7:25 am

Thanks,
I understand the benefits of the CAI, what I am trying to find out is how can the Re flash be optimised for both CAI or Stock Air Box?
I notice what seems to be signs of a more Rich A/F since installing, either flash or Headers, I can smell more unspent fuel after driving.
Will adding a CAI help with a better mixture or efficient burn?
Have you seen in dyno tuning the rumored loss in low to mid range torque when adding the CAI?

Thanks again.

Post by **Spunkster** » Tue Feb 20, 2007 10:36 am

It's not optimized for both. It was tuned for a CAI, this is why we recommend the CAI. There are really no drawbacks to using a CAI.

Batty · Post by **Batty** » Wed Feb 28, 2007 11:45 am

Thanks for the info.
I am installing AEM CAI, with a Fiberglass insulation sleeve, due to the proximity of the intake pipe to the radiator/cooling fans etc.
Is there a benefit to be made by bypassing the throttle body coolant lines?
I wasn't sure if being in VA where it can be below 20F if the butterfly valve can stick...

One last question, have you seen good results with increasing the midpipe size to 2" on the stock exhaust? I know the muffler is 2". I just don't want to loose any low end torque by doing so, or running lean.

Thanks for any input.