i think it has to do with the fact that you will be shoving colder air into a metal chamber (turbo) that on the other side of it has 1500+ degree exhaust gas flowing through it. also, i guess people just assume the IC will handle all cooling needs.
Cold air intakes & turbos?
Just wondering why are CAI's so uncommon on turbo cars? I know there's a CAI for the New Age WRX, but it just doesn't seem very common on turbo cars from what I've seen. I thought about it some more and guess that it's because the IC would be cooling the air... But wouldn't it still be better to start out with cooler air?
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You'd probably have to have some custom tubing made to get the intake in the wheelwell, or you could build a custom design yourself. Most people probably just don't care enough to get the few extra ponies.
Graham
Graham
I don't see it helping very much anyways... the air will be cooled by time it's used.
It is all about money. To provide a cold air intake would up the cost of the kit substantially.
how much does it cost to make a tube that extends an extra 10" or so (atleast on a subaru)?scoobyrs25 said:It is all about money. To provide a cold air intake would up the cost of the kit substantially.
It is not a straight tube. A true cold air intake has bends, and they are expensive.
Some people do use a CAI for thier turbo, or the factory box which is essentially a CAI. Here's the way I see it.
Lets say your intercooler is 80% efficient.
Your hot air intake sucks in the air and after compressing, it's 150F. That makes the air about 120F at the TB.
Now you get a CAI so the air is now 100F after the compressor. (in this example the other intake is in a hot area of the motor). So with the same intercooler efficiency, you are now at 80F at the throttle body.
Given the standard 1% hp increase for every 10F you lower the intake temp, that's a 7% increase in power.
Chad
93 1.8T
(currently running a hot air intake)
Lets say your intercooler is 80% efficient.
Your hot air intake sucks in the air and after compressing, it's 150F. That makes the air about 120F at the TB.
Now you get a CAI so the air is now 100F after the compressor. (in this example the other intake is in a hot area of the motor). So with the same intercooler efficiency, you are now at 80F at the throttle body.
Given the standard 1% hp increase for every 10F you lower the intake temp, that's a 7% increase in power.
Chad
93 1.8T
(currently running a hot air intake)
Yup, cold air intake is the way to go. It just costs more.
If people have enough $$$ for a turbo, then you'd think they'd spend a little more for a CAI... 
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