CAI for 2013 and Model Differences
Thread Starter
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 362
Likes: 0
From: Lenexa, KS
CAI for 2013 and Model Differences Normally I would think this would be a pretty silly question but having owned a 99 Trans Am I know there are differences between the years and having read up a little bit I think the same has happened here. I own a 2013 2SS Black Camaro and I was looking at getting a CAI for it.
Having said that I was looking at getting something like a Rotofab or a Vararam for it but after doing some research it looks like many of these CAI's only work for 2010-2012. Perhaps I am wrong. I'm curious if there are any major differences between the years like there were with the 98 - 02 Fbodys? Furthermore what would you guys recommend for a CAI? I've always been a fan of the RAM-AIR style. Obviously I know I'm not going to get 2 bajillion horse power from the CAI with a NAWS sticker slapped on top but it seems to be that most everyone gets between 7 - 15 HP with a small increase in fuel economy. I saw someone claim that with a Vararam they got a boost of 3 MPG. I'm not sure I buy that. Just want to make sure I don't get all giddy about my new CAI only to find out it won't even work with a 2013.
As always... thanks for the help. Peace.
Having said that I was looking at getting something like a Rotofab or a Vararam for it but after doing some research it looks like many of these CAI's only work for 2010-2012. Perhaps I am wrong. I'm curious if there are any major differences between the years like there were with the 98 - 02 Fbodys? Furthermore what would you guys recommend for a CAI? I've always been a fan of the RAM-AIR style. Obviously I know I'm not going to get 2 bajillion horse power from the CAI with a NAWS sticker slapped on top but it seems to be that most everyone gets between 7 - 15 HP with a small increase in fuel economy. I saw someone claim that with a Vararam they got a boost of 3 MPG. I'm not sure I buy that. Just want to make sure I don't get all giddy about my new CAI only to find out it won't even work with a 2013.
As always... thanks for the help. Peace.
Last edited by TransAmMan; May 27, 2013 at 01:19 AM. Reason: I can't type for $%#$
On The Tree
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
From: DFW, TX
They work only for 2010 and 2011 models built until July 2011 because chevrolet changed the position of the Radiator cap to the left about an inch. This affected intakes that had the radiator cap in the center, such as the Vararam. Vararam claims the highest CAI gains. To fix this, swap at a pick and pull a 2012 radiator for the 2010/2011 and problem solved.
I swapped on a cold air kit just by itself and I felt the gain. I later pulled it off and drove without, was slower. My L99 has responded well to boltons, picked up 54rwhp and 6mph in the 1/4.
