This is a session of self-ownage in light of making sure newcomers do not make this mistake. I've been using cheap filters on the SE since I put the CAI on several years ago. I never got around to searching for the right size K&N filter, and just stuck with what kept the car running.
I've inspected the filters, but never the pipes. Needless to say this is the end result of using a cheap filter/CAI combo on a daily driver:
In lieu of using a cheap filter, it is my personal opinion the intake could very well have become the same way while using a K&N. Water still ends up resting on the filter no matter what kind you have. Would the K&N filter the water better? Perhaps. I used to defend the CAI and should have stopped being stubborn about it when GoonzSVT finally removed his.
Am I going to risk it on my car any longer? Absolutely not.. and am probably ditching the entire CAI as soon as I hear back from nautilus about their CAI (the pictured one was NOT their CAI kit).
I am probably settling on an SRI instead and filling the CAI hole with a rubber grommet. As far as the cheap filter goes - It crushed in like paper when I removed it! :nonono: Granted I left this one on a bit longer than I should have.
In the mean time I will be ripping the engine apart and cleaning the intake system thoroughly as God knows what has made it into my engine now. I made this thread to sway others who may decide to go the cheap route, or for some who simply forgot to upgrade theirs over time. Cheap is not the answer, and don't settle for it! Pictures prove the damage!
I've inspected the filters, but never the pipes. Needless to say this is the end result of using a cheap filter/CAI combo on a daily driver:
In lieu of using a cheap filter, it is my personal opinion the intake could very well have become the same way while using a K&N. Water still ends up resting on the filter no matter what kind you have. Would the K&N filter the water better? Perhaps. I used to defend the CAI and should have stopped being stubborn about it when GoonzSVT finally removed his.
Am I going to risk it on my car any longer? Absolutely not.. and am probably ditching the entire CAI as soon as I hear back from nautilus about their CAI (the pictured one was NOT their CAI kit).
I am probably settling on an SRI instead and filling the CAI hole with a rubber grommet. As far as the cheap filter goes - It crushed in like paper when I removed it! :nonono: Granted I left this one on a bit longer than I should have.
In the mean time I will be ripping the engine apart and cleaning the intake system thoroughly as God knows what has made it into my engine now. I made this thread to sway others who may decide to go the cheap route, or for some who simply forgot to upgrade theirs over time. Cheap is not the answer, and don't settle for it! Pictures prove the damage!
