I can't remember where I heard it, but I can remember someone saying that an aftermarket intake, not necessarily a CAI, compliments the Y-pipe in means of power. Now I sit and think about it, not too hard, and it makes sense. The more air you can push through your engine at any given time, the more power. Sure, of course! Now my question is, just how much of a difference do you feel with an aftermarket intake with the y-pipe. I have a stillen ss y-pipe and an rt cat. When i put it on, I felt some gains in high rpms, but not 15-20 hp worth. Is this because of lack of an aftermarket intake?????

 

Like you said, it makes sense: more air in, the need to push more air out. But if you only put something on your car to let more air out, but nothing to let more air in, you're not getting any more power.

 

So what are you sayin, without an intake, the y-pipe is useless?

 

almost. It does help because it doesn't have precats so it will speed up the flow of your original amount of exaust but nothing more.

 

Here's what I did. I ran a Cattman Y and a RT cat w/ the stock airbox+K&N panel filter. I felt some gains like you mentioned. Nothing earth shattering. I then went to 17" rims and tires. Now I felt less low end punch from the big rims. So I decided to get the JWT cone filter. All the loses I felt the the 17's were back + slightly more. So if I went w/ the cone BEFORE getting the 17's, I'm sure there would been more noticable gains. You will feel gains w/ just the Y, but the stock airbox starts to become more of the limiting factor. If you get the cone or cai after getting the Y, I think you'll be pretty happy w/ the effects!

 

That's exactly what I wanted to hear. Appreciate the responses.

 

SmoothMax.... I think it also depends where you live as far as whether or not to go with the CAI or a POP intake. You will have a good improvement I think in an area where the weather gets really hot with the CAI. Either way...definitely get an intake at this point of your mods.

 

I'm gonna guess you're in for a good time once you get the intake.

The CAI was one of my 1st mods - and I could really tell. Intakes add more torque for getting off the line. The Y and RT Cat more exhaust for high end. The CAI really likes cold weather here in Chicago - just like Spokane.

Let us know what you install and how it feels comin off the line!

 

I totally agree with Bejay1. If you get a POP intake, at a later date you may get a CAI. I got my POP intake about 2 1/2 to 3 years ago, and just went to the place racing cold air. I love it with this cold weather. People may think you have a bad pulley or belt though.

 

The PR CAI is alot of fun in the cold. I tried a 32deg run a few weeks ago. Great pull but no traction. Guess tire rubber has it's limits.

 

Can the air temperature going into the engine be too low?
Hmmmmmmmmm.......I think I read a formula one time ages ago that calculated the HP improvement of every 10 degree's lower temp. Can't remember the Formula right now though.

 

I've already been lookin for some good intakes to compliment this y-pipe and rt cat. I'll let y'all know the difference when I get it cause right now, honestly, I'm a lil dissapointed at the performance of this y-pipe and cat. I guess it's my own fault. I should've known the effects of having exhaust mods w/no intake mods. Thanks for the replies.

 

The Stillen intake that I bought a couple few years ago was the first mod to go on my car. Seriously, you will have a huge smile on your face when you put an intake on your car and punch it for the first time. Just remember what I said....ok. The intake is a must for your upgrading days to be enjoyable.

P.S. Find a good deal on a Place Racing CAI,and spend a little extra if you need to, you won't regret it.

Also....a greddy cat-back would complement your mods really well.

CYA