Does a cold air intake require a tune?

[Martin07]

Trying to install after market intake but want it to run smooth & no check engine light. Thank you in advance Audi family.


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[Epic-A3]

Shouldn't, the MAF needs to go back in and the ECM should compensate on it's on for the increased air.

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[Martin07]

Thanks man!


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[EvolutionArmory]

CAI’s don’t actually add power so no, you won’t need a tune for it.

[Epic-A3]

CAI’s don’t actually add power so no, you won’t need a tune for it.

Come on now, 2 hp is 2hp...lol

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[ROH ECHT]

LOL...2hp if your lucky!

It's a decent step to take if you do plan to tune it...as nearly all tunes require an intake or performance filter at least. But if only just installing a CAI...sort of pointless. Aftermarket bits claiming "up to x HP gain" also means that x = 0 ←big fat zero!

I read an article where a tuner modified a 2.0t...they installed an intake and dyno'd it(nearly zero gain)...then a DP and dyno'd it(near 4 hp)...then added the tune and dyno'd it.

[EvolutionArmory]

Even tuned cars don’t benefit from an intake. I’ll use my own car as an example.

I got a free K&N air filter so I figured I’d do some MAF logs. With the K&N air filter I get 282gs peak MAF readings. With the stock air filter I get the same. The K&N filter, which is suppose to allow more flow added no extra airflow.

The stock airbox and filter isn’t a restriction on a car that makes 280 HP at the wheels. It definitely isn’t a restriction on a stage 1 car 🤣

So a filter on a stick will not add any performance gain since changing to a “performance” panel filter did nothing.

You can’t get more air in if you can’t push it out. Exhaust work is how you get more air in. It sounds backwards but is true. A 3 inch test pipe and down pipe will do more to increase airflow than an intake ever will.


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[Epic-A3]

Agreed, opening up the exhaust ports on the head, and manifold out to the turbine do the most. We have alot of material that can be removed on the head

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[Martin07]

Yeah I figured. I just wanted more sound & throttle response if possible. since stock is really quite. So now my question is does any sort of modified exhaust require a tune? & if so, which tune would be the best one? Also which kind of exhaust modification would you recommend for a 2.0T without sounding like ricer asf. Lol.

[EvolutionArmory]

No. Exhausts don't require a tune but you can optimize your tune for the added flow. A higher flowing exhaust will always be better no matter what state of tune you're at.

The absolute most gains are made right after the turbo. A 3 inch high flow cat or test pipe mated up with a 2.5 or 3 inch down pipe will give the most gains. Even with the stock exhaust.

What makes these cars sound like shit is when people go straight pipe. Resonators are what decides how an exhaust tone sounds. Mufflers make them quieter. If you don't have mufflers or resonators, your exhaust will sound loud and raspy.

How much power you make/turbo flow rate decides on exhaust size. Under K04, you can probably get away with a 2.5 inch down pipe to 2.25 exhaust pipes. K04 and over a 3 inch down pipe is probably better and 2.5 inch exhaust pipes are probably better. Again, down pipe size is most important.

[Martin07]

I really appreciate the information! Thanks to everyone who responded. Much needed help!


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