WOW! Awesome sound, immediate gains, looks very clean - great investment... Not much more to say... Install was a pain, and today I need to track down a clunking noise thats obviously related to the CAI. But overall... WOW!

 

I have two issues with true CAIs. The first is a potential hydrolock. Fortunately, that issue can be overcome by installing an AEM Air Bypass Valve (see http://www.aempower.com/induction.htm). You can bet your sweet bippy that I'd NEVER run a true CAI without one. And I live in Los Angeles!

The second has to do specifically with the PR CAI, and that's the need to cut a hole in the fender to install it. While I realize that it's not possible to ascribe statistical significance to the results of a recent poll on MAF Sensor failures resulting from aftermarket intakes (see http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?threadid=122202), the number of reported failures indicates that SOMETHING is going on. If my MAF Sensor fails and I replace my aftermarket intake with the OEM airbox before I take my car to the dealership for service . . . something I'd be insane not to do . . . I sure as hell don't want to have to explain away a 3.5" hole in my fender.

Until just recently, the PR CAI was the ONLY true CAI available for the 5th Gen Maxima. However, the Injen CAI is available now. As I see it, the only real advantage of the Injen CAI over the PR CAI is that the Injen can be installed without having to perform surgery on the engine bay. But as far as I'm concerned, that's enough of an advantage to justify the increased cost of the Injen CAI.

Remember folks, if your MAF sensor fails and Nissan can come up with an excuse to void your warranty, it's going to cost you $600.00+ to have your MAF replaced. The difference in cost between a PR CAI and an Injen CAI is about $70.00. You do the math.

In my estimation, the best true CAI available for the 5th Gen Maxima is an Injen CAI with an AEM Air Bypass Valve. In fact, for the smart 5th Gen CAI purchaser, I'd suggest that the PR CAI is no longer even a viable option.

PS: I don't mean to burst your bubble, MaxSE2k. Odds are you'll never have a problem with your PC CAI. But if you do . . .

 

Well - after reading some posts, I found that the best way to eliminate the clunking noise created by the movement of the engine, was to reuse the factory flex pipe, but moving its position closer to the engine... if anyone is interested in seeing this mod, e-mail me and I'll get it over.