Rotofab vs CAI for the $50 dollar difference.

[straka]

I've read the janetty dyno comparisons and seen the numbers he's recorded for each unit. I've done searches and everyone says they are both good. But, is cai worth the extra 50 bucks?

[USAFS197]

A CAI by itself isn't really too much to worry about and the differences between them (for MOST people) is negligible. If you're trying to squeeze out every little ounce for top end pull, I don't think either would be the right choice. Within the range that the majority of us reside in, Rotofab, CAI, Volant, Haltech, etc. are all basically the same.

Some people are going to tell you their brand cold air net them an extra 5whp over the competition but really, 5whp in a 3900+lb car? Pick which one you like the most aesthetically and move on.

[mrebusa]

Agreed, I ended up with a KN because I was able to pick it up for $150 bucks. After reading every single thread, they all seem to do the same thing. Like he said 5whp isn't going to move these boats anymore, I'll make it up with a 200 shot.

[Avenging Orange]

Cold air intakes are a lot like headers. Pretty much the same....no one has reinvented the wheel here. Now, if you want that 'wow' factor and cool looks....CAI is worth the extra scratch.

[Apex Motorsports]

CAI Inc will squeeze out a little more power, Roto-Fab offers more customization options. Go with whichever is more important to you.

[straka]

To me that extra horsepower isn't worth 50 bucks when ultimately the car will have many more mods to compensate for more power. I'm just making sure I'm not missing anything hidden here. If I didn't have the 15 model I'd gone with the vararam.

[USAFS197]

This is true. You could easily make the power up, if you will, by getting larger primary headers for a nominal price difference or really, for the same price as a smaller diameter.

[ZiG]

IMO the one benefit to CAI might be that you could wash the engine bay without having to bag the air filter. I went Rotofab because I figured the plastic tube would be less prone to transfer heat to the intake charge.

[Schluney]

I think the CAI looks better and that was the deciding factor for me. Also I had a roto fab on my G8GT and the CAI is much higher quality than that was.

[Apex Motorsports]

Originally Posted by USAFS197

This is true. You could easily make the power up, if you will, by getting larger primary headers for a nominal price difference or really, for the same price as a smaller diameter.

The issue with that approach is that when you go to a larger primary you sacrifice mid range power for the hand full of extra ponies up top. Unless your car is a dedicated race car you will spend vastly more time driving around using mid range power than you will peak.

[GONIF]

Went with the CAI for the looks and lower IAT temps .

[15cammedSS]

Originally Posted by straka

I've read the janetty dyno comparisons and seen the numbers he's recorded for each unit. I've done searches and everyone says they are both good. But, is cai worth the extra 50 bucks?

I didn't try the CAI intake but I will tell you this. I took my car to Phastek, had ric put my car on the dyno, made 2 pulls completely stock, she made 382rwhp. Shut her down, installed the roto fab intake, made 2 more pulls, she made 403rwhp. Nothing but the install of the intake from the stock one. So the intake did give me some more power. Good enough for me! haha

[Roto-fab 1]

Originally Posted by 15cammedSS

I didn't try the CAI intake but I will tell you this. I took my car to Phastek, had ric put my car on the dyno, made 2 pulls completely stock, she made 382rwhp. Shut her down, installed the roto fab intake, made 2 more pulls, she made 403rwhp. Nothing but the install of the intake from the stock one. So the intake did give me some more power. Good enough for me! haha

GREAT GAINS! Also, very close to what our testing showed. We have thousands of Camaro SS intakes and feedback from customers is very good. Roto-fab intakes have been on the market for almost as long as the 5th Gen has been out there. Over the years, we've developed a proven track record with Camaro owners and tuners alike. There really is a difference in intake systems and there is a reason ours continues to be very popular. For many, our intake is the only mod on their car-ours performs great with the stock calibration. For those with power additives such as headers, supercharger, etc.-our oversize filter and generous air box volume along with consistent air flow at the MAF sensor allow for huge HP gains. By effectively sealing to the hood, we offer the advantages of a lid while maximizing air box volume. This also helps us package such a large filter. Our plastic duct work reduces heat transfer to the inside of the tube which results in cooler air at the throttle body.
Our intake systems are built in the USA using high quality components such as stainless steel screws, stainless steel hose clamps, high gloss 100% silicone hose couplers and a powdercoated air box. The metal fabrication as well as the plastic molding is done under our roof. We take great pride in our products as well as our customer service.
Here is a dyno sheet from a 6 speed SS completely stock, then with a Roto-fab intake.

[15cammedSS]

Dang. You guys dyno sheet shows the power to drop around 4900rpms just like mine. I wonder y.......