Engine No more CAI...

No more CAI...

The AEM CAI is gone and the stock airbox is back on. The detonation got so bad that I was worried about bending a rod, crowning the pistons, burning exhaust valves....all those bad things associated with detonation.

Problem was the MAF sensor was getting an inaccurate reading. It was sensing a lower mass of air entering than what actually was, thereby creating a lean mixture and causing some wicked detonation. I believe it to be a design flaw in the CAI. Call it what you want. I only know that my engine wouldn't have lasted much longer if I'd left the CAI on...no engine can take that for long, even the bullet-proof 1ZZFE.

So, until I can get an SAFC or find some other means to inject more fuel, the CAI is sitting in my garage gathering dust.

Late,
Trav

do u think its a dirty MAF?

nope. cleaned it a couple of times with electrical parts cleaner. I think it's a design flaw in the CAI. The sensor wasn't getting an accurate reading. Plus, MAF sensors should be located as far away from the TB as possible and the AEM CAI puts is very close to the TB. Lower revs slam the MAF sensor with lots of intake noise/pulse waves which further confuses it. Bad design I feel.

Better off getting the $29.99 short ram intake from ebay, IMO. That's what I'm doing.

Late,
Trav

Yeah Im having the same issue with my CAI. I have repeatedly cleaned the MAF sensor and even bought a new one, but still same CE light, and detonation. I am fed up with it so im taking mine off also.

What did you guys mean by "DETONATION" you mean that Ticking noise you get from the CAI? OR.. a certain noise when you start your car? I currently have the TRD CAI
in my 2003 CE and the only thing i notice is this Ticking noise....which is kinda annoying.

Go read...

UNLVdude702:

Thank GOD I'm not the only one that has experienced this problem.

I've ordered a short-ram intake off of ebay. It locates the MAF sensor further from the throttle body, which SHOULD(?) help with the detonation and leaning out. Too much intake noise makes the MAF sensor wig out at low revs. So, I'll give it a try and tell everyone what I figure out.

Late,
Trav

please

please let us know soon cuz im thinking about doing that exact same thing. im really worried about my engine, i want to get rid of that CEL. thanx

Interesting...
The AEM's MAF sensor mount is a bit closer to the TB, and also on the back side instead of nearly on top, compared to my Injen CAI. I've had no problems or CEL's at all since I've installed it at about 4000 Kms (2500 miles), now at 38000 Kms (24000 miles) with many more mods, always on 91 octane.
The MAF mount is even further and on top of TRD's CAI.

Yeah - ideally you want the MAF sensor to be as FAR away from the throttle body as possible. Lots of intake noise causes MAF sensors to wig out - they don't like it. They also don't like turbulent airflow. The AEM CAI had the MAF sensor in the middle of a straight section, yes, but - it was right after a sharp 60º curve in the pipe. This, not to mention that the stock airbox has the plastic mesh to straighten the airflow so the sensor gets a more accurate reading. But you won't find that on any aftermarket intake.

I just think the AEM designed the CAI for the 03+ Corollas poorly. It would be okay with an S-AFC or something to adjust the fuel, but not stock.

I purchased the short ram intake from e-bay. There was no detonation, I'm happy to say. I placed a piece of screen mesh over the intake to help with the turbulence. But it 1) didn't help as much in terms of power as the AEM (probably would have been helped by a better filter...the one that came with it sucked no doubt) and 2) had no port for the EVAP fresh air valve. It wasn't too big of a deal, though - I just went to Autozone and bought a PCV breather filter for $15 and stuck it on there since it only sucks in filtered air into the gas tank. Nothing major there, but still annoying.

However, I'm back to my stock intake again as of 3 days ago. I didn't like the drop in gas mileage or not being able to hear my passengers when they were talking. Not to mention, the stock intake isn't ALL that restrictive without that stupid silencer that runs behind the headlight (now that IS restrictive, but I've removed it).

If anyone is interested in either the AEM CAI or the e-bay intake, I'll sell either for a good price.

Plus, with the e-bay intake, I'll give you the filter for the EVAP valve b/c you will need it.

Late,
Trav

breather

would this be the breather i need if i buy the ebay intake?
http://www.2kracing.com/product_info.php/products_id/1858

Well, you know - intake air filters DO need to be high quality, but as far as breather filters, anything will do. I know of a lot of people who have just left it open to the atmosphere with nothing on it - or just a piece of panyhose. So, yes, what you're looking at will be fine. It needs like a 5/16" connector. You can find these at any local auto parts stores - Advance Auto, Autozone, NAPA, etc. for around $15 or so.

Side note: I'll sell the ebay intake kit and breather filter for $25 plus shipping. You're bound to be saving money that way. Mine was like $47.95 shipped not including the breather.

Late,
Trav

alright ill buy that from you. thats a good deal. email me at ozonod@adelphia.net