Does Cold Air Intake really make a difference and is it worth it, if so can you post what you have??
Thanks!

 

I recommend a search, there are a million threads on them and tons of info, this what I did recently before buying mine and it was really helpful.

 

If you decide to buy one, I have an AFE in the "for sale" section....

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/jk-performance-120/afe-cai-26036/

 

Good question, and as was mentioned gets asked alot. And youl get just as many opinions as there are posts. I asked myself the same thing. With a few more variables.

Do I or will I hit deep water? No. I have no desire to flood my rig as it is also my daily driver. Underhood CAI's are really for street or dry wheeling, it'll leave your intake open to sucking water if you hit anything overly deep. So for me it was doable.

Do i want my Jeep louder? Yeah, I kinda like being able to hear the engine. I will be swapping my exhaust and re-routing it in the future. But then, i like my bike a bit louder as well (It also has an opened up intake, and a Supertrapp)

So, I have an Airaid on mine (price was right). I am doing my best to give it a fair, long term evaluation.

I like the sound, some don't. Nice little growl when you put your foot in it. (None of the whistle noted that some report) So far, I have netted about a 2mpg gain in fuel economy, but the weather is cold so I cant give an honest assesment until i can average in some warm weather driving as well.

I am happy with it so far, but i kept my stock airbox in case i change my mind, or decide to do some wetter wheeling.

 

I believe you are still mostly stock, so hopefully you can answer this for me as I've looked at getting one for my mostly stock Sahara. I read that you really see the benefits around 4000 RPM. For street driving, I never go over 3000 rpm as I try to shift between 2000-2500 (I have a manual), so will this really do anything for me or will it all be about the growl? At what RPM do the autos shift?

 

After having my AEM Brute force on for about a year now I can say that I have not noticed and gain in MPG possibly only minor gain in hp in the 2000 - 3000 rpm range. I do however like the growl, but that is not worth 200+ dollars. I most likely would not purchase another one and have considered reinstalling my OEM air box.

 

I had the AIRAID and took it off. There was a change but not worth the 200+ dollars. I also failed to ask myself about river crossings. I slapped in a K&N and I'm just as happy.

 

I don't really watch my tach much, so i am uncertain where the thing shifts. I really do go more on feel. Havent had a tach in anything in a while so got used to not looking at it.

I would say overall it wont do much. ~2mpg isnt alot and it may well level out to nothing in the long haul, in which case it was a waste of money for the added growl. If it stays at 2mpg gain, over time it will pay for itself, but i have a sneaky suspicion it wont.

And i have to go with Robar here, though i do like the sound, I probably wouldnt buy one again based on my observations so far.

 

I have had CAI's on a few vehicle's. The truth of the matter is that you will see the biggest performance gain at high RPM (4000). That does not negate the fact that you still will get a performance gain at lower RPM. Just not the full effect! Yes the engine runs better, yes you will see a MPG increase depending on your style of driving, yes you will get a HP increase 2-9 hp depending on CAI type and RPM.
Is this for everyone? NO, some are the visual type and need knobbies, lifts or bumpers. Some are really heavy footed and probably negate MPG increases.
My wife, being non technical or mechanical noticed a difference. CAI's combined with other performance parts and lubricants are always a good thing! Good Luck with your decision. Its tough because there are alot of great CAI's to choose from.

 

If i had those mods done, i would likely agree with you, but so far i don't, so i am not qualified to comment on those.

I agree that varying mods and driving habits will yield different results. I should have listed what was done to my Jeep in my first post, better late than never though so here goes:

I am on an Auto, 4:10's and the stock 32's. 2" lift, Shrockworks stubby.(hence no factory airdam)