CAI recommendation for 2.0TFSI

[nickydobreanu]

Guys,
Could you please advise me what type of CAI should I use for my 2.0 TFSI?
I want to find out from the ones that already have or from the ones that know how these CAI systems work. Please let me know both the advantages (price, power gains etc.) and the disadvantages / limitations (the plastic cover on the engine must be removed or not? more dust and insects in the exposed air filter etc.)
Now, I am ready to go with the CAI from Injen, but still want to make sure that this is the best one for my car.
Thanks,

 

[Al]

One of the most common questions on here

http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/showthread.php?t=208863&highlight=intake

http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/showthread.php?t=206111&highlight=intake

http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/showthread.php?t=204113&highlight=intake

http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/showthread.php?t=203646&highlight=intake

http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/showthread.php?t=203098&highlight=intake

http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/showthread.php?t=181346&highlight=intake

Hope this helps

 

[ares]

From my experience, power gains are roughly the same with any branded CAI. The noise is a differentiation factor - some are loud some are quiet - its up to you to decide. The engine cover must be removed no matter what CAI you use - while it makes the engine bay uglier (for some) is keeps temperatures lower. Have in mind that since the tube of the CAI passes just above the exhaust/turbo, temperatures are high so a heat shield or a heat shielded tube is a must. Regarding the dust/insects etc as long as you keep your filter properly cleaned and oiled there is almost zero chance for your car sucking dust. Although suggesting a CAI as the best may sound biased, I would say that since I like it discreet and if I was given a second chance to choose I would go for a dbilas intake. No I don't have a dbilas intake but I tried three CAIs so far vflow, ATP and Forge.

 

[nickydobreanu]

Cheers, guys! Thank you very much for the answers, I will look at those topics now.
I already ordered the non-resonated Milltek with oval end (similar to stock) and I want to combine it with something good, a good CAI. I heard that Carbonio produces the only CAI that does allow you not to get rid of the plastic cover. Good point with the turbo temperatures, that is really hot. I will check this into detail. Good week-end to you and thanks once again.

 

[ares]

I wouldn't consider Carbonio as a CAI. Carbonio is a pretty and expensive replacement 'funnel' for the original.

 

[nickydobreanu]

Thanks for this, also, I thought it's more than that, just like a CAI.
I've checked some posts with dbilas and it seems ok. I do not want my car to be louder by the intake than by the exhaust, if you get my point. I want a sporty, beautiful sound intake.
The car doesn't look worse without the plastic cover, for me it seems nicer, more fun than with a "black-box". Cheers!
PS You have some nice Tuning shops in GR, one in Thessaloniki street and circuit and one in B....somewhere near the sea, performance 99 or smth like that. My brother works in Athens, he likes the way greeks drive.

 

[ares]

PS You have some nice Tuning shops in GR, one in Thessaloniki street and circuit and one in B....somewhere near the sea, performance 99 or smth like that.

Yes I know Richard from Street and Circuit - true professional, nice service

My brother works in Athens, he likes the way greeks drive.

yes dangerously and irresponsibly we have perfect roads too (for ice skating)

 

[nickydobreanu]

Richard is a pro, indeed. My brother enjoys every moment of his stay in Athens,he drives (like a lunatic) a Skoda Superb Diesel.
I am going through your messages in the other similar threads. Until now, I already changed my mind...twice! I'm in love with Dbilas now (whoc cares about noise, I want performance). It's funny that Injen CAI is not so popular over here. In Romania, if you don't have Injen, you have nothing

 

[ares]

Although it may sound weird to you, dbilas is the quietest of all. According to my ears vflow is the loudest and injen must follow behind, possibly due to their design and filter cone. What other mods do you have on your car? What software are you running? The more the aggressiveness of your software the more the noise you get from the intake. If you don't plan to push the car a lot, installing an intake may steal some power from your car - unless you like the placebo effects So plan your tuning options wisely.

 

[nickydobreanu]

I have decided to stop the mods at this stage (last item - intake). Blow Off Valve Forge, Milltek Full and the intake. I will not change anything in the ECU because it's still under warranty and I want to preserve it, at least until it will be out of it.
The other mods are reffering to wheels, anti roll kits and Bilstein B16 coilovers, however not relating to the engine. I think I will go for the Dbilas, after I read through those posts, this seems to be the most appropriate for my wishes. Hope I will still have power gain, not loss.
Thank you very much for your help, Ares!