I have a 95 GLE, I don't know if all Maximas have the same intake set-up, but my intake has two openings (one on top of the engine, and one infront of the radiator). I need to know if it would be better to get a CAI (I would rather not drill into my wheel well), or if I should just go buy an Airhog of K&N box filter.

 

I would recommend keeping the stock intake box and upgrade it with the K&N replacement air filter. with intake systems they would only give you minor gains or actually sometimes power loss, only thing their good for is the sound. the stock intake is the way to go if your going for performance, and also remove the snorkel thing that lies on the radiator and you'll get some more power.

 

Is the Snorkel suppose to be somewhat of a CAI as well since it sits infront of the radiator and sucks in outside air?

 

well, actually, it restricts a lot of the air, if you look at where it sucks in the air, it rests on the hood, actually blocking air, im not too sure why they designed it like that, but taking it off makes a big difference

 

is there a write up on this?

thanks

 

write up for what exactly?

 

I have the stock intake box with some holes drilled in the side next to the fender,and with a the resonator removed and a 2.5" vacum hose hooked up to it to try to get some outside air.

The write up is in one of the stickys ..

 

CAI is somewhat helpful if you have a y-pipe/headers, exhaust, otherwise no. but if you dont want to drill into the wheel well, you can hack the air box (if you want deeper sound) and get a k&n cone filter.

 

well if you belive what injen says then yes you should get a CAI.
if you ask me it's all a bunch of noise...
but i would buy my injen again. awsome sound, looks great in my engine bay, and i guess i gain a few hp/tq...

 

I purchased one of the really cheap intake kits off of ebay, and replaced the filter that came with it with a 6" K&N filter, I love my setup and it was pretty cheap too ($80 for all of it.)

 

bunch of noise, get a K&N panel or osmething, i wish i had, these K&N cones cause lag.

 

its called an oscai (ooglie stock cold air intake) its in the modification faq's on page 3 i think. if u want my opinion, you should do that with a drop panel k&n air filter and a hacked airbox mod, which is also in the faq's

 

if you want sound just get a panel K&N filter and cut some holes in your air box....instructions on the other post...and faqs

 

yup , thats what i got, but i didnt run the hose underneith, i found a opening with ouside air next to the radiator so i ran it there. I am also gona gutt it to but i wanan wait till it gets hot out and see how this performs .

 

OSCAI pics
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=381523