Open or enclosed CAI system?

[Corradobrit]

This is my first 3.0T engine coming from a 2.0T so mods are a learning experience. I'm going to install a CAI and would like to know if there are any performance differences between the various options out there. Any benefits to the design of the CF 'funnel' shrouding the filter element or is it pure bling? Next mod with be a Stage 1 tune, possibly Stage 2 later and am leaning towards GIAC ECU/TCU with the option to switch back to stock for service or warranty (8 months remaining). I had APR Stage 2 on both my previous A3 and A4 2.0T cars but their dealer network is not so convenient in North TX.

[Aaron.stone1434]

Where abouts in NTX are you? I am in Dallas.

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[Corradobrit]

Irving. Got my previous APR tune at Eurosport in Plano and was less than impressed.

[Aaron.stone1434]

You should definitely check out Blair Automotive in Carrollton. They specialize in Audi/VW performance. I cannot say enough good things about those guys. They really know their stuff. It is located in Carrollton off Keller Springs and DNT. They keep a ton of stuff in stock. Huge selection of APR but not limited to by any means.

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[ENV²]

I had AWE s flo and it was enclosed and great. It all depends how much whine you want to hear.

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[Corradobrit]

I had AWE s flo and it was enclosed and great. It all depends how much whine you want to hear.

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So I'm guessing the open filter design allows for increased cabin SC whine levels. How intrusive is the whine? Is it like a loud exhaust system, great for the first few miles and then gets tiresome?

[303 Spartan]

When I bought my S4 about 5 months ago, I was looking at an intake for one of my first mods as well. Generally speaking, a closed CAI is going to be less prone to heat soak than an open air filter in your engine bay. So I knew I wanted to go with a closed intake setup for sure.

What surprised me was that with all of the intake options available, the data compiled here (trying to find the thread now...) showed that upgrading the throttle body hose to a larger silicon hose and upgrading the OEM air filter with something like the aFe Pro-Dry S Filter was all you needed to achieve the same gains as the expensive intakes on the market. Some people recommend dremeling out the bottom hole of the OEM intake box as well. I went this route myself. The end result is slightly more supercharger whine and better air flow. All for about $130.


A good thread to read through:
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...filter-drop-in

034 Silicone Inlet Hose:
https://store.034motorsport.com/sili...5-3-0tfsi.html

Air Filter:
https://www.amazon.com/aFe-11-10121-...words=11-10121


My end result:

[AudiS4SD]

Bump old thread...

Looking at another thread about intakes, but found this one for closed vs open. Has anybody else done the above closed intake setup?

With a closed intake setup, current pricing is $105 (034 hose) + $70 (filter) = $175. Otherwise, an open intake system is pushing $350 (currently looking at ECS vs. IE). Is there any real advantage paying double the price for an open intake system? A fellow member posted the differences between each systems in the other thread, but looks like open intake is more of a pain given that you would probably have to swap to stock before going to the dealer.