i was wondering about the bad side effects of a cold air intake and what harm it can do to your car i got a 1997 vw golf gl with a stock 2.0 L engine and im wondering the bad things it could do to my car‘s engine
AEM makes Cold Air Intakes that have a hydrolock bypass. Look into that brand.
You can even buy hydro shield which covers the filter. It will help in rainy days. I have been running on CAI since years. No problems. You just have to be little careful while driving in areas which are really low and filled with water. Rule of thump is if the water level on the street is deeper than the lower lug of ur wheel, u sud back up or find alternate way. Never go deeper than ur front bumper and u will be safe.
The only MAJOR concern of cold air intakes is hydro lock. Most cold air intakes are routed to a lower point of the engine bay, near a wheel well or near the lower end of front bumpers. If you live in an area where there is potential for water to pool during heavy rains etc, HIGHER than the level of the intake filter than you run the risk if entering one of these pools for your motor to suck water in through the air intake causing the motor to seize (hydro lock) This is really a bad bad thing to happen. However if you ensure the intake is installed properly and maintained (cleaning the filter) then there is not really any downfall of having one. often times you can even reap unforeseen benefits from increased air intake. More efficient combustion cycles better gas mileage :P
