Oh Mighty ScionLife experts
I need help...I've used the 'Search', read some posts, read some other forums...read random articles and I am more confused about Intakes and increasing power than ever.... Everyone seems to think different things about them...

Let me lay out my position and then ask some questions...
I don't know much about cars...I'm the type of guy who opens up the hood and 'fake nods' and goes 'mmhmm' when people talk about whats under there....
I don't race my xA...., I just drive it everywhere (probably at least 100 miles a day) and would really like to improve the power of the car. I asked an acquaintance about improving my overall acceleration/power and he said to look into buying an Intake and a Sports Muffler....I shrugged and said 'OK" and started looking out for reading material on them...

Now after searching, I am more confused than ever...
Is a Short Ram Intake (SRI) better for non-racing peeps like me than a Cold-Air Intake (CAI)? I have heard people argue both sides...any one have an opinion/evidence about this....

Which brand of SRI or CAI is the best bang for your buck? I have heard that the TRD one just gives 1 HP gain and is just for sound...I have heard that Injen gives you the most HP/power gain, I have heard that the K and N Typhoon can give check engine light problems...what is everyone happy with...

Are Intakes loud? Will my wife roll her eyes at me if I install one because the noise is a lot louder....

Is there a better way to increase my power than with an Intake?

I would love some advice if I could get some...post here if you can...
I understand that there might already be information on these questions somewhere...so if you could either post links to this information or send me a PM that would be great.
Oh and don't worry..I would be getting some of my more mechanically-inclined friends to help me install anything....Thanks in advance!

 

intakes do make noise. as to how loud it is IMAO depends on the type of intake/fillter. when you stomp on the gas it will make a wosh/deep sucking noise. and when you are stoped you may or may not hear a slite sucking noise.

as to what intake to get: I myself will be picking up the Injen SRI.
it really is the best bang for the buck IMAO in fact the guy at my dealership said that Injen is the best way to go if i wanted a SRI because they(im guessing SCION or that delership) has had no problams wth it. as well as it not blowing any of the check light or anything like that.

sure there are cheaper and more high priced CAI and SRI out there but my money is going to Injen.

 

i would honestly go with the k&n typhoon intake, it is an option from the scion dealer, has the sensor mount, and is totally carb legal. you dont sound like the type of guy who wants raw power and loud exhaust noises and racing people. id get the trd exhaust and the k&n typhoon intake. and if your still not satisfied pick up some dc sports headers. if you were local id install it all for you, and i get employee discount . if you have more questions just respond or PM....the only sound your intake will make is after you shut it down itll make a quiet whooshing sigh sound. the exhaust and headers arewhat will make it sound a lil "sportier". but not ridiculously over the top loud. ive never had a problem with the k&n, and scion sells it so they can fix it, ya know. good luck and keep on modding! haha

 

Thank you very much for the opinions/advice so far....would love some more input as well.

Sciontuner - Funny that you suggested that combo (Typhoon and TRD exhaust), when I explained what I wanted to a Scion parts guy he said the same combo...Help with the performance but not too loud

Xbguy1 - Seems to be a good suggestion as well..most of what I hear people say is go Injen SRI IS2100 series for Short RAM too...Why would you go with an SRI instead of a CAI, just price difference?

 

i hated my AEM CAI btw, it was ridiculously long *like 5 feet straighrened out* and didnt help performance at all inmho. i didnt like it at all, i ran the aem dc headers and dc exhaust for awhile, i like sound tho so it sounded good....but if you want some pep without too much noise...i still stick to my combo

 

performance??? from an intake and axle back? spend that 500 elsewhere man. Those wont help your performance, theyll help it sound faster.

 

you drive a tc, you dont understand the need for 3 hp in an xb.....lol. or would you suggest he get a turbo or supercharger? the guy is looking for a little gain, dont burst his bubble.

 

Haha...yah I know that with an Intake and an axle back I'm not going to all of a sudden beat everyone off the line at a stop light...I'm just looking for a bit more performance and a better feel from the car...and yes, 4 hp means a bit more for an xb/xa when you are running 103 hp than the tc hehe...

and I already have money budgeted out for other parts for the car...so it isn't like the $500 is getting wasted...this is just for intake/exhaust suggestions for my car

Another ScionLifer PM'ed me and said he has a Typhoon and loves it too...so there is another person who says I should go that route...

Sciontuner - thanks for the continuing innput
Anyone feel free to drop off some more advice when you get the chance! Thanks!

 

I understand! good luck!

 

Intakes: There is basically 2 theories on intakes SRI and CAI, Get cold air (heat = lost power) (CAI) or Get air in the engine quicker (SRI). The fewer bends/length of tubing the less restrictive.

Header: I got the monster motorworks header and didnt notice much on the low end but it pulls a bit longer on the top end.

Exhaust:I've got the TRD Axelback, not to fond of it, its very quiet till you start revvin it up a bit, doesnt sound too powerful.
Axelback, not much can be expected since its just a short run of pipe and a muffler, small gains if anything no matter which brand can be expected.
Catback full(er) exhaust. Probably lose some bottom end in a trade for more mid-top end.

Hope this helps

 

Thanks all for the advice so far....

Ely, that post did help out...good stuff..
Kdog, thanks for the wishing of good luck

So I guess the K & N Typhoon CAI, with the TRD exhaust and a DC sports header would create some gain, more breathable engine and a nice, but not too loud/ricey sound? Maybe that is the route I'll take then....Thanks again!

 

thats my setup! well almost. i like it. give it a try, cars are a sort of "trial and error" kinda deal. dont like it, sell the mod n try again.

 

I recomend the Fujita Short Ram intake. I just put one on my xB and there is a difference in power. Not at low RPM but at the higher RPM a noticeable change. As far as noise if you have an after market exhaust then your wife will not notice it as much as without an after market exhaust. If she does notice just turn the radio up.