So many different brands have some pretty expensive CAI. I want the benefits of the CAI without the cost. So what makes building your own intake with let's say a 3inch pipe and a nice filter that much worse that you have to go out and pay for a $200+ price tag?

 

Not sure if you read about the GFI here on SL, but check this out. It's Dr. Isotope's GFI.
http://www.yoursciontc.com/forums/in...showtopic=7096
I'm pretty sure you can apply his idea into creating your own CAI.

 

your best bet would be to construct one like Doc isotope, or buy an eBay one and hope it doesnt throw a CEL

 

I'm new to the tuning of cars, so what exactly is a CEL? Also on the OEM intake, there is an odd shaped box after the filter. What exactly does that do?

 

CEL = bad... Check Engine Light.

the box is a resonator.

 

I know it's possible for a CEL to turn on, but why exactly would it do that if it is sucking in colder air? Is the resonator really needed?

I was also thinking would it be a good idea to run a CAI toward the front of the engine bay and have it go down behind the radiator and into that big open space underneath the engine? It seems like it would work well with the engine above it and heat traveling up. Also there is a semi splash guard there so it shouldn't be getting water all over it. I drive mostly highways with about only 15 minute lengths in city driving which is most of the time moving.

 

that big open space underneath the engine, if i understand u corectly, is where the headers run through and that would heat up the intake so much it would be useless, the driver side pocket in the fender is the best place for a CAI

if a CAI throws a CEL, its usually because of a bad MAF (thats the sensor sitting on top of the stock intake next to the airbox) adaptor, or bad MAF placement, i say u save up and buy an injen CAI, which dynos show is the best CAI u can get

read this https://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=92108

 

i bought a cheap "short ram" on ebay for about 50 shipped.

It works well and no cehck engine light