Any MAFS worries -w- AEM CAI install?

479 Views 7 Replies 4 Participants Last post by LightningRod, Nov 2, 2006

action jackson

Discussion Starter · Oct 31, 2006

Hi. Have seen a bit in some threads the mention of trouble when moving/relocating the MAFS thing? with CAI install. Does anyone with one know if this is case with an AEM CAI install? Can't get a reply from AEM website. From the threads I've read, it seems messing with location is not a good thing. The thought of more, or any, low end grunt from a CAI and all sounds tantalizing, but installing it will be trying enough, I'm not capable of figuring out a better location for the MAFS if it needs to be moved, or how to deal with CEL other than taking it to a dealer. I don't want to gain a problem just to gain a little in performance.
And, is a filter "sock" needed for the CAI? And definite cutting of splash guard plastic?
I've got a K&B drop in now, have a TRD exhaust on order, and thought about the whole Butterfly Effect thing. I think I got it in me to go one more, but want to make sure I'm not screwing some other aspect of crucial engine requirements.
Thanks for any enlightenment.

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sleepy_celi

· #2 · Oct 31, 2006

dont worry bout the relocation if u get gen2; no sock needed; definite cutting (didnt know that was a splash guard); oh and for the install u dont need to jack or take off the front tire, just the front bumper; also its gonna be a bitch to connect that bottom coolant line to the radiator (the instructions say dont break it, but we hammered that sonofabitch and it didnt break XD)

hope this helps

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GTsRasta

· #3 · Oct 31, 2006

There's a hole for the MAF sensor to screw right onto in the AEM cold air intake. The 1st generation one that you may be able to find new or used has the opening for the sensor right in front, but they gave people CEL's for a few people that had them. AEM fixed this with the AEM Gen 2 Cold air intake where the MAF sensor goes closer to intake throttle body, but it would be a pain to take it in and out for cleaning without bendy things and a phillip head socket for a socket wrench. The gen 2 cold air intakes were less prone to CEL's.

I got my gen 1 AEM cold air intake used and cheap. The key to not getting CEL's is to unplug the negative terminal for the battery for at least an hour so the ECU resets while you're installing the CAI. Mine was unplugged for like 4 hours since I was installing it with my buddies :chuckles:. And yea, you'd have to cut a little hole in the driver side wheel well plastic for the intake tube. It's tedious, but you'll be happy with the results once its all over.

Here's a tip. Instead of taking off the whole front bumper for the install, just take off the driver's side wheel and jack up the drivers side. Once you cut the hole, have somebody suspend the CAI 1/2 way while you put on the filter. THEN bolt the CAI in. If you bolt the CAI in first without putting on the filter, you're gunna have to stretch the front bumper a bit by taking 1/2 the screws out to get the CAI in. Good luck!

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sleepy_celi

· #4 · Oct 31, 2006

GTsRasta said:
There's a hole for the MAF sensor to screw right onto in the AEM cold air intake. The 1st generation one that you may be able to find new or used has the opening for the sensor right in front, but they gave people CEL's for a few people that had them. AEM fixed this with the AEM Gen 2 Cold air intake where the MAF sensor goes closer to intake throttle body, but it would be a pain to take it in and out for cleaning without bendy things and a phillip head socket for a socket wrench. The gen 2 cold air intakes were less prone to CEL's.

I got my gen 1 AEM cold air intake used and cheap. The key to not getting CEL's is to unplug the negative terminal for the battery for at least an hour so the ECU resets while you're installing the CAI. Mine was unplugged for like 4 hours since I was installing it with my buddies :chuckles:. And yea, you'd have to cut a little hole in the driver side wheel well plastic for the intake tube. It's tedious, but you'll be happy with the results once its all over.

Here's a tip. Instead of taking off the whole front bumper for the install, just take off the driver's side wheel and jack up the drivers side. Once you cut the hole, have somebody suspend the CAI 1/2 way while you put on the filter. THEN bolt the CAI in. If you bolt the CAI in first without putting on the filter, you're gunna have to stretch the front bumper a bit by taking 1/2 the screws out to get the CAI in. Good luck!

holy **** we posted at the same time :chuckles:

EDIT: and we have different methods too

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action jackson

Discussion Starter · #5 · Oct 31, 2006

Hey, thanks for the quick info and install tips. Very much appreciated!

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sleepy_celi

· #6 · Nov 1, 2006

ooooh crap i forgot to mention, i dont know if its just cause i have a 03 or what, but i remember that the ballast wouldnt go where they had it in the instructions, so we ended up mountiong it somewhere in the front

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action jackson

Discussion Starter · #7 · Nov 2, 2006

Okey doke. Thanks guys.

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LightningRod

· #8 · Nov 2, 2006

I like taking the bumper off. It only takes about 5 minutes, and it gives you LOTS of room to work with.

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