Being new to the sports car world (was in Jeep and offroading) CAI is a newer thing to me. Ive heard that it can increase HP and sound? Are these changes noticeable and is it worth the $2-300?

 

What is you car and engine? I would say if its the only mod you plan on doing, then just skip it, but if you plan on doing other mods then go for it. And it also depends on what engine you have.

 

2001 Monte Carlo SS with a stock 3800.... over time Id like to throw on the basics such as louder exhaust and all that.... nothing crazy though

 

ZZP Downpipe w/ High-flow cat should be first on your mod list. Because we have a horrible stock cat, and a horrible bend in our downpipe where the O2 sensor sits. Getting a CAI first will bring it more air, but you will struggle to exhaust it. So I would get the downpipe and then you get a CAI.

They are VERY VERY much worth it. You will feel a HP gain, and it will make your engine sound meaner yes, but the biggest gains are going to be the fact that your gas mileage will improve (with easy driving) and you will never have to buy another air filter again, just clean the cone.


EDIT:

Here is a good image of the U-Bend.

 

If you think about it- they OEM's have been using cold air for years- either by a tube to the fenderwell, or the intake point behind the headlight.

With the CAI's you're just eliminating the restrictive stock airbox and tubing, and going with a smooth tube- with a cone filter that is still sectioned off to only dray cold air. So you're trying to decrease resistance to airflow without sucking hot air.

Really, I don't think they're worth $200-300, I'd personally rather do a fenderwell intake for much cheaper (the cost of a filter plus tubing) because you can complete one of those for under $75, and get the same gains. Even still, I wouldn't expect to feel the hp gains, they're minimal at best with no other mods.

As for exhaust, the cat back really isn't particularly restrictive, so I wouldn't bother replacing it unless you're really just wanting your car to be louder.

 

I think that CAI is worth it for sure...I have put it in 4 different cars, and I could feel the difference in all 4 of them. Plus the sound is great if you like a throaty sounding engine.

I would also get an exhaust system. IMO, these two should be your first mods, and will do good things for both your HP output, and your MPG's....