I have been debating getting a K&N/AirRaid/AEM CAI for a while now and haven't been able to justify the $200-$300 expense. I took a look at the stock filter to get an idea of how to install this on my own to save money(Not a mechanic).

I pulled out the stock air filter and it was f'n filthy. The box was filled with dirt, bugs, leaves etc.... So I got my dry-vac and went to town on the filter and the box. After all this I put it back in and started up the engine to see if there was a difference...
HOLY SHITE
The JEEP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! sounded brand new, deeper, and felt much quicker. I'm now curious to see if there is a pick=up in my gas mileage.

ANyone else have this sort of experience after a thorough cleaning?

I"m tempted not to get the CAI filters now...

 

Dont waste your money on a CAI, the small amount of improvmnt does not justify the 100-200 you are going to spend.

 

throw a k&n in the stock box and forget about it. don't waste your money. The factory intake is plenty good and you don't need to worry about hydro-locka and mud as much. spend you hard earned cash elsewhere on your Jeep. like a train horn for those times people sut you off in traffic, or you could pu less then a 100 in a nice exhaust. ( but I like the sound of 140db dirrected at jerks on the highway)

 

its not a car

 

Any noticed improvement with the K&N drop in? MPG gain?

 

you are correct - wish i would have thought before buying...

i picked up the mopar cai trying to get every ounce of power out of my motor prior to breaking down and re-gearing.

never get a cai unless you don't offroad - the mud, dust and dirt and the bottom of your stock air box will be all over that nice $50 filter and sucked up the tube into your motor.

 

Just get a K&N drop in filter and a snorkel and you will be happy

 

Right now I have the stock filter with the stock box. I did drill some holes in the stock box to allow more air in after I cleaned the air filter and box out. The mod did give me better throttle response, but I would not expect a increase in mpg's. I plan on getting the K&N drop in filter next. You can find the mod in the writeup section, easy to do and cost nothing! As others have mentioned the down fall is water could get in through the holes you drilled. I don't plan on doing deep, fast, water crossings and my jeep will be a highway driver most of the time so I don't worry about the water in the engine issue.

 

I actually thought about putting some holes in the bos to get better airflow, but I occassionally go through puddles... Whether they are significant to do damage is another question.

I think the drop in k&n will be the only step I'll take in air intake mods if any.

 

I have the same CAI and will be getting the K&N for the stock box. All the CAI is good for is sound.