Well, I _finally_ did it! I installed my NeedsWings CAI on Sunday. I was waffling about whether or not to do it myself, and I decided to go for it. I figured if I screwed it up or couldn't handle it, I could take it in afterwards. I don't normally spend much time turning wrenches, but I can change my own oil, brakes, thermostat, and a radiator swap or two.

I have to say that the install was a LOT easier than I thought it would be. The instructions provided with the CAI were well written and the photos were invaluable. If I made it through, then I'm sure most anyone that can read and follow directions can also.

A couple helpful hints on the installation:

1. The instructions don't tell you to un-bolt and disconnect the driver's side horn, then remount both horns with provided bracket. It is kinda obvious, but it would've been nice for those "by the book" folks.
2. The photo showing the location of the second (rear) plastic clip/rivet that holds the plastic pass-thru part next to the radiator, is too dark to tell where the clip is. Also it would be helpful to know to poke your head down behind the radiator, look forward at the part, and you can press the rivet out from the back with a small screwdriver. Be careful, as if you push too hard, you'll pop it out all the way, and it will fall off and you'll never find it again.
3. Also, for us amateurs, it would be helpful to know to wet the inside of the rubber tubes with a little water, so they slip on easy. Particularly the end that goes onto the intake manifold at the back of the motor. It was the hardest to get on.

The fit and finish of the parts was excellent. The silver powercoat finish of the CAI matches the stock air boxes. And installed, the CAI looks great. The 90 degree bend that connects the long silver tube to the intake was a bit snug on the engine side, and had to be stretched to fit over the intake port.

I didn't time the installation, but it seemed to go quickly. Maybe an hour...

After the CAI was installed, I took it for a spin. WOW! There was an obvious difference. The car seems a lot peppier. I immediately noticed the supercharger whine that people have been talking about. How cool!

The only mods I had before this were a SprintBooster and the door lock beeper.

I will post again in a week or two with some gas mileage numbers. Also I plan to run it at the drag strip this weekend, so I'll post those numbers too. Up until the CAI install, I've been averaging 19.3 mpg, and my best ET has been 13.302 @ 107.25.

 

Nice review.

For me, the horn mount stumped me for 30 secs, the radiator pass thru about 20 mins, and it took three tries to properly seat the 90 degree hose to the throttle body. I've since thrashed it on many mountain roads, and it all holds together just as installed.

 

I had the exact same issues but i installed mine at about 10 days ago. It was starting to frustrate me when I finally figured it out... but for someone who never works on cars it didnt go that badly and although i got about 90 miles on her since then, i hear if you wait it gets even better as the ECU adjusts to it better but I am definately pleased with the purchase. I also got a T-shirt with it but since i am quite a large fellow no luck in ever wearing it though.

 

What size is it? If it is XL, I'll send you postage for it.

 

Do the cold air intakes void the warranty??

THANKS!!

 

Strictly speaking: Yes.

In actuality, probably not. Most mechanics are not going to even blink if they see a CAI on a car. They know that it is just a different tube, different filter, and probably better than stock. It would have to be really poorly installed for most mechanics to say anything about it.

But, if you're concerned in any way about it, remove it, and restore the car to stock before taking it in for warranty work. I kept every little part that I took off for just such emergencies.

 

Prolly a stupd question, but I just checked out your mods and saw sprint booster.

What is a sprint booster??

 

http://www.tvtdesign.com/chip_and_ecu_tuning?b=1

Sprint Booster Power Converters - What do they do ??

Do you want responsive acceleration, quicker gear changes, and overtake with ease?
We have the answer....Sprint Booster Power Converter...
Sprint Booster is a device that improves acceleration by continuously measuring and converting the digital signal providing the ECM (Electronic Control Module) with a new and altered signal.

Benefits:
· At low revs, the engine responds at approximately half the time in comparison to before.
· The delay time whilst accelerating in 3rd and 4th gear and the engine in the mid-range, is almost zero.
· Big differences in the higher rev range.
· Improved response for downshifts and safer overtaking.

Almost all new cars come with fly by wire technology; hence do not have a traditional accelerator cable.
This new type of technology has a big draw back; it has a delayed reaction time and hence needlessly delays acceleration and engine performance.
The really great thing about this product is its simplicity; it does not touch the engine at all or the engine management system. What it does do is speed the signal up from the accelerator pedal to the engine - hence greatly improving acceleration and responsiveness!
Sprint Booster is a small and simple unit, which is very easy to install! - It is simply plugged into the back of the accelerator pedal connection and it is only possible to fit the unit one way!

 

Gary, your starting to sound like a sales rep for SB. Just funnin ya! You REALLY do like it dont you?

MikeR

 

Sales rep...ya I know but I love this thing !!! Especially with a na Crossfire.
Just a copy and paste whenever someone that doesn't use the search feature asks what a SB is. I feel the need to promote it.
Yes, I think it is the best thing I have gotten for the car since I got it.
I only paid $250 last year for it to.
Ya just got to try it to know it's right for you.

 

So initially there were some issues with the na version of the CAI but they were resolved in a timely and professional manner and all is well now.

I just wanted to say here that Rob from Needswings did resolve the CEL issue with the CAI for our na Crossfires.
He re-fabricated the steel tube portion of the CAI to correct the volume of air being measured by the MAF sensor.
He paid all shipping costs for the exchange and the new kit is now reinstalled and has absolutely no problems after several hundred miles of recent driving.
My thanks to Rob for his efforts in the refab of this product and the constant communication throughout to keep us informed as to the progress of the job.
A very pleased customer and member here !!! Valk



The breather hose inlet and MAF sensor have been repositioned

 

love the CAI, had trouble w/ Sprint Booster, but reset seem to take care of it...car seems to keep improving the more I romp it....so I am pleased w/ both installs....

 

Apparently this is a option that works with the na Crossfire Neesdwings intake............

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum/...51&postcount=8


No cuts at all, he just put it on.

 

That's better than no cover, but it sure would be nice to keep the factory cover. It just fits the styling of the car so much better to me, it has the center spine that recurs on the hood, dash, console, etc.

Has anyone tried to make the cuts to get the stock cover back on with the Needswings intake?