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As I read this discussion I was curious as to when the gains are noticeable with a CAI. For instance the K&N CAI graphs gains when RPM's hit 3K+. To tell you the truth I really try to keep the KJ under 3K. With that in mind I do like the sound of the CAI though. Nice and throaty with a little Ka-Chow!
Both of my VW's gained more top-end power. The Stealth seemed to breathe better all over the rpm range. One thing people dont think about is how cold air intakes can alter your power delivery. The general size and shape of intake system determine this I think. That one that splits and has a filter on each side of the throttle body would behave much differently than, for example, the AEM style which tends to be long, and stick the filter in a corner of your engine bay.
I think you would generally see more low end power with a short intake path, and more high end power with a long one. One of my VWs was naturally aspirated (VR6 GTI) and the other was turbo (1.8t). Both had AEM style CAI's, which in both instances seemed to shift their powerband up the RPM range. Especially on the 1.8t, I actually seemed to
lose some low end torque. The factory design, I believe, is optimal in many ways. I probably gained more power overall, but it was in a place that I didnt go as much, i.e. more toward redline. The 1.8t had a bunch of torque low in the RPM's, not unlike a KJ...
I DO like a lot of intake noise, though. I love that throaty sound. I am considering a CAI, if just to hear more of my engine. If anyone with a CAI wants to post a sound clip or video I'd be incredibly grateful!