DIY: Injen CAI install on R18 (lots of pics)

[stevieray]

So....I swapped out my AEM intake for the Injen that arrived today and here's my initial impressions:

1. The Injen is a little more difficult to install than the AEM. Where the pipe from the TB and the pipe from the fender well meet is not exactly spacious and it's a little hard to get them to line up correctly.
2. I didn't have to cut the inner fender liner but I did have to "notch" the plastic flap extending from the splash shield as the fender liner does touch the lower pipe and bulge slightly.
3. Much more driveable than the AEM. Throttle response is MUCH improved and the "lag" or "hesitation " is gone for the most part. I agree with people that say AEM didn't research their R18 version properly, instead choosing to be the first to market. The sizing of the pipe around the MAF sensor makes the difference here.

In short, both are pretty good products quality-wise. However, Injen put more time into research for theirs and it shows. Game, set & match to Injen---

[peliROJO]

^ Good post, stevieray.


For those interested I took several short vids of the car redlining with the CAI and made a compilation.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=sbEbvWCNwrg

[mélihonda]

oups bad place edit!

[HybridRoninX]

I'm thinking, once I get mine, seeing I have access to chaffing tape, I'll just wrap some of it around the area where the metals touch just like how I would at work with our planes.

[pengful]

Guys, can any wise ones answer my question when (as in how often) do you need to clean the filter? And do you have to remove the bumper to do that everytime?

Many thanks!

[fa1]

Taken directly from their site:
14. Should I rotate my filter to get more longevity?
This is actually recommended. Most vehicles have a particular area to draw air in from based
on the filter surroundings and rotating the filter will keep it clean longer.

15. How do I know when to clean the air filter?
How often you need to clean your filter will depend on the air and road conditions in your
area. Most filters require cleaning before the dirt build up gets as thick as the wire mesh.
The usual interval is 30,000 - 40,000 miles depending on driving conditions. We recommend
that you check your filter about once a year in normal usage and once every six months
if you are located in a dirty environment. If you are running with a cold air intake we
recommend checking the filter every 10,000 Ð 15,000. Using a Hydro-Shield will reduce
service intervals.

16. Can I use cleaning agents other than the Injen cleaner and oil?
We highly recommend that you only use Injen Technology oil and cleaner. Injen Technology
air filter is a specific mineral oil blended with special polymers to form a very efficient tack
barrier. Standard petroleum products such as transmission fluid and motor oil will soften
and destroy the filter bonding agents and sealed edges. Injen cleaner is a non-detergent
degreaser. Solvents, gasoline and various house hold chemicals will harden the rubber
seals causing the filter to distort and may affect the ability of cotton fibers to function properly.
A mild detergent can be used in an emergency situation, but care should be taken to fully
rinse and remove the soap. Removing soap from the filter can be extremely difficult or time
consuming. Always ensure the filter is completely dry before re-oiling.

17. Can I use an air compressor to dry the filter faster?
No, this can blow holes directly through the filter material and ruin the filter. Choose a warm
sunny day if possible to clean the filter and let it dry naturally.

18. Should I hit the filter on the ground or use a brush against the screen to
remove larger particles of debris?
No, this could damage the filter base or top and tear holes in the cotton gauze.
(see filter cleaning instructions provided with every kit or cleaning instructions on this web site).

19. How much oil should I use to re-oil my filter after it is cleaned?
Surgical cotton air filters are extremely absorbent and will not require significant amounts of oil.
Keep in mind very little oil goes a long way. Using a small bead of oil, run the bead up and
down the filter pleat allowing time for the filter to absorb the oil and act as a wick. If after 10-15
minutes the filter has areas that look gray, add a small amount of oil in the gray or un-oiled area
only. Never over oil an air filter.

And you will need to remove the bumper for the filter or remove your front left wheel and go from the fender well.

[pengful]

Thanks dude.

[Tom1222]

Takes more time to take off the wheel and mess with the Fenderwell cover which also has to be removed in order to get to the filter. I would just take off the bumper. Takes about 10 minutes and it isn't difficult.

[mO 64 StAnG 06]

Alright, big problem so far...

Im in the middle of installing the Injen CAI in my car with only 2 hours left till work. I didn't think it would take this long.

Anyway, im trying to line up the top piece of the CAI to the throttle body but it seems nothing is lining up right. If the top piece is connected to the throttle body it wont line up with the Vibra-mount, and vice versa.

It's been about an hour messing with this thing and I can't seem to line it up at all... Seems like the pipe wasn't bent far enough.

A quick reply would be very appreciated.

[Zeuceone]

bump for someone to answer.

[Tom1222]

Originally Posted by mO 64 StAnG 06

Alright, big problem so far...

Im in the middle of installing the Injen CAI in my car with only 2 hours left till work. I didn't think it would take this long.

Anyway, im trying to line up the top piece of the CAI to the throttle body but it seems nothing is lining up right. If the top piece is connected to the throttle body it wont line up with the Vibra-mount, and vice versa.

It's been about an hour messing with this thing and I can't seem to line it up at all... Seems like the pipe wasn't bent far enough.

A quick reply would be very appreciated.

Is your Civic an Si? If so did you cut away a section of the driver side Fender guard to accommodate the bend of the Injen Cai? I seriously recommend it because otherwise the plastic guard does put pressure on the tube and it will never line up perfectly. Also keep in mind it isn't going to be a perfect alignment. Hook up the tube via the silicone hose to the throttlebody first and then hook up the Vibra mount. It may need a little effort but it will hook up just fine. It was the most difficult install of a CAI on any car I had to do but the results were well worth it. More grunt and you can finally hear the engine roar
PS: Did you take the bumper off? I highly recommend it. I makes the installation a lot easier than going through the wheel well alone.

[douglas]

Would this be about the same procedure on a 06 Si?

bump for response?

[Tom1222]

Originally Posted by douglas

bump for response?

Nope, the procedure is somewhat different. The Throttlebody on the Si sits towards the front of the engine and not the rear as on the R18 engine.
The CAI is a one piece design whereas the R-18 is a 2 piece. There is a lot more tubing on the R18 then on the K motor and you will hardly see the Cai tubing on the Si because it goes straight down towards the fender and bumper area which is a good thing as far as performance goes since the air has a shorter way to travel to get to the Throttlebody and hardly any tubing is in the hot engine compartment where the aluminum tube can get heated. So there are a few differences.
Overall the Injen Cai is the best mod I have installed on my Si to date.
Not much in way of looks but the sound and the performance gain was very noticable. And it sounds 10 times better than any Exhaust out there.
True engine sound. Very Sweet when it hits VTEC

[mugencivicboy]

just an off topic question for you. are those factory horns under the front bumper??? thaqnk you!!

[Tom1222]

Originally Posted by mugencivicboy

just an off topic question for you. are those factory horns under the front bumper??? thaqnk you!!

I believe those are Dual Fiamm type horns. He really should have those pointing down to protect them from water collecting in the openings.

Definitely not factory. I changed mine to the Honda Fit horn. Better sounding than the Civic horn but still not great. I will get some Hella Highway Blasters as soon as the weather improves.

[beck7777]

Is it ok to use other open pod filter instead of the one Injen provided?

[Tom1222]

Originally Posted by beck7777

Is it ok to use other open pod filter instead of the one Injen provided?

Not according to Injen. It would upset the delicate balance of their so high tech researched air/fuel ratio so you should only use their filters.

Of course they will tell you that since they want to sell their filters if you ever need a new one. The one that comes with it should last a lifetime unless you have an accident. I would just clean it once a year and reoil it with K&N oil and you should be okay

[beck7777]

Originally Posted by Tom1222

Not according to Injen. It would upset the delicate balance of their so high tech researched air/fuel ratio so you should only use their filters.

Of course they will tell you that since they want to sell their filters if you ever need a new one. The one that comes with it should last a lifetime unless you have an accident. I would just clean it once a year and reoil it with K&N oil and you should be okay

Ok thanks for the tips!

[silent]

i just want to ask how much is the injen you bought and where did you buy it from??

[Tom1222]

Originally Posted by silent

i just want to ask how much is the injen you bought and where did you buy it from??

I believe I bought it from Tai at Corsport. A great guy and supporting vendor here on the 8th.
Here is a link to his site:
This is for the R18
http://www.corsportusa.com/store/cat...oducts_id=1067

This is for the K20
http://www.corsportusa.com/store/cat...roducts_id=819

Remember the price you see is shipped. No hidden charges.

I am very happy with the Injen Cai. Great Performance and Fantastic Sound!