I was wondering if just a CAI would be beneficial without a new exhaust system. I have a 2012 JK and I am pretty happy with the exhaust, sounds ok and its quiet when cruising. Every extra MPG is helpful, just don't want to waste money if there is no benefit to be gained.

 

you will get differing opinions here.

I don't think it is worth it.

On my 2010 camaro ss, an independent company did a test on the available CAI for the vehilce. They came out all under 10 rwhp, most around 5 or less for a 425 hp vehicle.

IF anything you may gain an extra 2rwhp and 5lbs tq.....but the intake in the wrangler is good....and situated very well.

My opinion is don't waste your cash.....

 

Don't expect much from it besides a little noise. Gains will be minimal, and deep water crossings become risky

 

I think I will just drop in a K&N replacement filter and be done with it.

 

That's what I've done with all my vehicles. I've felt an improvement in all of them. Eventually you stop feeling it, but that's cause you are accustomed to it.

Plus, in the long run they pay themselves off fast. I paid $25 for a "used" K&N filter, and clean it during each oil change.

New OEM filters cost $15-$20. K&N costs $40 new. Supposed to change OEM every 15k miles, easy to see how fast they pay off.

Also, "seemed" to give better mpg. I cleaned my TB at same time i initially installed it. Lowered my RPMs by over 200, idled smoother, cruised smoother. So that was probably a helper.

 

This is what I did and recommend. Plus, if you ever add a snorkle, you are good to go

 

There is a VERY good write up some were out there on the internet were a guy had a professional air systems company test a large selection of the CAI on the market, there testing could measure the amount of debris getting through and it proved that any gains were at the cost of letting more debris through the stock factory air filter proved to be the most effective at filtering out particulates. Plus most CAI's are open element and I have seen jeeps with stock air cleaners get hydrolocked and the stock one is a preaty good set up. I am putting my christmas snorkel on as soon as it warms up.