Hello 1st post here so I hope i'm in the correct section if not let me know and I will delete. I have owned my 1st Monte Carlo for about 2 months and have addressed a few things on it but I would like to build my own CAI which I have before on other cars but i'm having no luck so far. I have an open element air filter hooked up but no tubing elbow or heatshield its just sitting after the MAF sensor. I measured the diameter of my throttle body it being 3". I have gathered that I will probably need a 3" to 3.5" coupler for that. I'm not really sure. I went to O' Reillys and bought an elbow and a coupler (wrong size) and tried hooking it up in the parking lot and it didn't work so I returned the parts. I have gone to Lowes Hardware and haven't quite found anything that works for a DIY CAI. I'm sorry I'm sure this has been discussed but I did a search for CAI and nothing came up, like I said I need to learn how to use the forum. I'm sure a ton of you guys have built 1 for this car so any coupler sizings, measurements, or DIY materials from a hardware or auto store or where ever would be appreciated.

 

IMO, I wouldnt put a ton of effort into the whole thing. Even the high dollar aftermarket CAI setups have minimal gains especially on an otherwise stock engine.

I'd skip the hardware and autozone and order the parts you need online for the tubing part. Just take the measurements you need (diameter and angle) and buy from a place like sliliconeintakes.com

You really only need 2 pieces, an elbow to connect the TB to MAF and a short straight piece to connect the MAF to filter since you've got such a short filter and really wanted it jammed up as close as it can be to the fender opening/ rear of headlight.

The box is the more important part as thats the biggest downside you have now vs stock - sucking in ultra hot air. You can just pick up a sheet of ABS plastic and using cardboard for templates, make up your walls / top. Its easy to cut, easy to bond together, and you can even heat / bend it if you want to get fancy.


The thing to keep in mind on the intake side of the LS4 is that it doesn't matter how big you go up front, the neck on the intake manifold will always be the small point. Its only maybe a 3" inlet to start with, but then it necks down to only probably 3/4 of that to get around the opsu due to the I take manifold being on backwards compared to a normal LS.

 

OK thank you so much for the insight. My sig should hopefully show my engine if not i posted my engine in the show your ride section. Im not doing it for any HP gains I know I will not gain anything but a head trip hah. I was trying to make it look more "professional" before I tune the car. Thanks again sir.

 

Since you're trying to make it look professional, have you put thought into how you're going to do the heat shield box? That'll be the make it or break it for a nice looking install as something thats bare minimum functional won't necessarily be pretty. Its also going to be the largest piece of your intake so it'll be a focal point.

 

I would suggest getting a length of flex hose the same diameter as the MAF, running it into the fenderwell or into the front bumper (behind the headlight), and attaching the filter to the end of the flex hose. Youll need something to attach the filter to the flex hose(3" intake pipe from autozone or something.)

Its really easy and theres a ton of suggestions here. Ive made many posts myself on how to make a CAI.

 

Thats true. I was more focused on the elbow or main pipe.

 

HA! thats exactly how I made 1 before but was a bit embarressed to mention. The 3" intake pipe you are talking about is an actual straight chrome pipe like the spectre ones the sell at autozone or O'Reillys? Or is it a rubber coupler to go from different diameters? Thats the part i've been blowing it on getting the right measurements as far as what size connects to the next and if I need a coupler that reduces or makes the diameter bigger. Thanks a lot for the help!

 

The spectre ones are fine, ive used them in the past. Just dont use the couplers they come with, they dont seal. I dont think Autozone and the like sell 4" tho.

Looks like your MAF (the end with the filter on it) is 4". Measure to be certain. Get a silicone 4" coupler in place of the air filter, straight 4" intake tube on the coupler, another coupler, 45* intake pipe going into the fenderwell, then filter on the end of that.

Just be sure the MAF is 4" and youll probably have to order the pieces online unless you can find 4" in store.

 

I meant HOLE not HOLD.

FYI also, it doesnt need to be any specific type of tube. I use 4" exhaust pipe for my intake. I just need to keep an eye out for corrosion but in the several years ive had it setup this way ive never noticed any.

 

This is very good information thank you a lot