Ive heard about the filter sucking up water, but the filter location would be behind the headlight and I think there is a large piece of metal that looks like it would be under the filter. One would the CAI add much of a difference to acceleration, performance etc. Two is there much of a chance of the filter sucking up water? I‘m also thinking about getting a tube off of EBAY and removing the cheap filter and putting a KN filter on it.
I think the best air intake is the one designed by the manufacturer. Generally, a cold air intake works well and manufacturer's in recent years have designed many vehicles this way, probably to get optimum performance out of smaller, lighter engines. If you are in a cold climate, a cold air intake might increase the possibility of developing ice in the air intake due to adiabatic temperature drop with intake vacuum. Ice is not the problem it used to be with carbureters, and if you live in a moderate climate, it would not be a concern so a cold air intake should work fine. If your worried about ingesting water, you might put some drain holes in the intake tube.
Put to you like this to get the most out of it you need to change your exhaust too. Think of your engine like a giant air compressor. The more air you bring in the more your pumping out a good cat back system along with a CAI and you will notice a difference. Good luck
A cold air intake is made to take in cold air away from the hot air around the engine. The reason this helps performance is because cold air is much denser than warm air, so you can fit MUCH more air/fuel mix into the cylinder, which in turn, makes the car perform better. However, in essence, the stock air intake is a cold air intake, however it just offers pour air flow. So basically you could just take the cover off of the air filter box, take the air filter out, get a KN air filter, put it inside the filter box attached to the actual intake snorkel, and leave the lid off of the filter box, and boom. A cheap, and just as effective intake as a true cold-air intake.
There is a noise ordinance where you live and if the neighbors start complaining, the cops will be at your door all the time. It is the muffler that keeps the noise at a minimum.
