Aftermarket Intake On A Car That Already Has GM CAI & Tune?

Nick.CK · 03-25-2021, 09:48 AM

I searched far and wide for an answer but I don't believe this question has been asked yet. Any help is super appreciated.

My 2021 SS 1LE is currently on order but I still can make changes. I opted for the GM Performance CAI because why not, better intake sound, better throttle response, and maybe a 5-10hp gain if anything. Also the tune will be taken care of before the car is even in my hands so less work for me.

My question is, since the GM intake comes with a tune (apparently to calibrate MAF for the wider intake tube diameter), will I be able to install an aftermarket intake down the road without having to remove this tune? If I wanted to swap for a Rotofab since they apparently provide the biggest gains, would I have to remove the tune for the GM CAI, or is the tune be beneficial for all intakes since it's adjusted for more airflow? Should I just say screw it and not get the GM performance CAI at all?

** If it matters I will not be getting an aftermarket tune so I can keep my warranty. I can swap the stock intake back on if necessary but I am not doing aftermarket tunes, if that makes a difference. **

STReddy1999 · 03-25-2021, 01:29 PM

I would assume the calibration would be beneficial for all intake systems with increased airflow.

SJFGTO · 03-25-2021, 02:04 PM

The adjustment for the GM CAI is minimal, no need to do anything different for a rotofab.

appleman22 · 03-26-2021, 08:07 AM

cancel the factory cai. The intake makes literally no power over stock, in some cases less then the stock airbox. It's a waste of time.

Nick.CK · 03-26-2021, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by appleman22

cancel the factory cai. The intake makes literally no power over stock, in some cases less then the stock airbox. It's a waste of time.

I've heard a few cases of it making less power but only 1 or 2 of them was valid. 90% of people say it just doesn't affect power output.

L78toLT1 · 03-26-2021, 08:38 AM

I'd cancel the factory CAI and throw on a Rotofab right from the start. The RF doesn't require a tune and probably makes a little more power. It's a <5 minute job to swap the oem unit back on for visits to the dealer

03-25-2021, 09:48 AM	#1
Nick.CK Drives: 2021 Camaro 2SS 1LE (Summit White) Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: New York Posts: 18	Aftermarket Intake On A Car That Already Has GM CAI & Tune? I searched far and wide for an answer but I don't believe this question has been asked yet. Any help is super appreciated. My 2021 SS 1LE is currently on order but I still can make changes. I opted for the GM Performance CAI because why not, better intake sound, better throttle response, and maybe a 5-10hp gain if anything. Also the tune will be taken care of before the car is even in my hands so less work for me. My question is, since the GM intake comes with a tune (apparently to calibrate MAF for the wider intake tube diameter), will I be able to install an aftermarket intake down the road without having to remove this tune? If I wanted to swap for a Rotofab since they apparently provide the biggest gains, would I have to remove the tune for the GM CAI, or is the tune be beneficial for all intakes since it's adjusted for more airflow? Should I just say screw it and not get the GM performance CAI at all? If it matters I will not be getting an aftermarket tune so I can keep my warranty. I can swap the stock intake back on if necessary but I am not doing aftermarket tunes, if that makes a difference.

03-25-2021, 01:29 PM	#2
STReddy1999 Drives: 2020 Camaro 2SS 1LE Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Virginia, USA Posts: 65	I would assume the calibration would be beneficial for all intake systems with increased airflow. __________________ 2020 Camaro 2SS 1LE 2018 Mercedes-AMG CLA45 - Sold 2016 Camaro 2SS - Sold 2014 Camaro RS - Sold

03-25-2021, 02:04 PM	#3
SJFGTO Oh Oh it's Friday Night! Drives: 2018 ZL1 1LE Nightfall Gray Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Walton Woods Posts: 1,061	The adjustment for the GM CAI is minimal, no need to do anything different for a rotofab. __________________ 2018 Camaro ZL1 1LE NFG; ARH 2” headers, catless mids, ARH full exhaust, Lingenfelter 18% lower pulley, ATI Harmonic Balancer, Roto-fab CAI, EE-catch can, TM ported TB, NX Lid, BMR strut tower brace. Aeroforce dual pod interceptor gauges. Tuned by Vengeance Racing!!! 644 HP @ 6250 rpm / 689 trq @ 3660 rpm Four that wanna own me Two that wanna stone me One says she's a friend of mine...

03-26-2021, 08:38 AM	#6
L78toLT1 Drives: Hyper Blue 2016 2SS 6M Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: North Ga Posts: 1,786	I'd cancel the factory CAI and throw on a Rotofab right from the start. The RF doesn't require a tune and probably makes a little more power. It's a <5 minute job to swap the oem unit back on for visits to the dealer __________________ Baby Blue 2016 Hyper Blue 2SS/6m/MRC/NPP/Silver Rally stripes/ZL1 wheels & brakes/GForce DS and axles/ZLE Cradle Bushings/FE4 ARB front & rear/SEMA Grill/Rotofab dry/95mm TB/Magnuson 2300/Full LT4 fuel system/JMS boost-a-pump/E85 Sensor/Ported CID heads from LME/Cammotion PD cam/Thompson Motorsports forged shortblock/catted Kooks 1 7/8 headers /JRE remote tuned

03-26-2021, 08:07 AM	#4
appleman22 Drives: 2017 1ss 1le Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: new york Posts: 436	cancel the factory cai. The intake makes literally no power over stock, in some cases less then the stock airbox. It's a waste of time.

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