Hey all, just orded a rpw cai, among other thigns, and it finally came today.
Problem is that it came with no instructions at all, or pictures, and the only picture i can find is the one that is heaps small on the RPW website, and the heaps old ones on this site won't come up.
ive been trying to call them all day, but no luck, and my mechanic said that he will beable to put it in, just would like a few photos just to be sure.
i'm almost certian that i've seen pictures on here so is any able to track them down, or put new ones up if they have any on thier computer.
thanks!

u shouldve been able to call them... tho they only have the one line. try the RPW msn if its not overly important (ie can wait till tonight)
rpwinfo@iinet.net.au

yeah thanks, was on the phone trying to call them for a while, but just gave up. i havent heard from my mechanic so all must be going okay, but yeah if so ill try and call them again o morrow, ta!

There used to be a very good write up by a member who installed their own RPW CAI on this site, but I'm sure it was lost in the Database purge some months ago.

From memory, the kit basically consists of 3 lengths of 3" stainless steel pipe, 3x 90 deg silicone bend, and 1x 4" to 3" silicone reducer.

First 90 bend goes on throttlebody, pointing towards front of engine bay - then the longest piece of SS pipe goes into the bend.

2nd 90 bend goes on the end of this pipe and points down towards the ground.

This is where it gets tricky and requires cutting of numerous bits of plastic to make the pipe fit thru. The 2nd longest piece of ss pipe goes into the 2nd bend and the final 90 bend is fitted to the end of this, pointing out to the space directly in front of the passenger side front wheel, then fit the smallest piece of ss pipe, followed by the reducing silicone piece, then, squashing the big end of the silicone reducing piece will make it approx the right shape to fit around the maf sensor, then fit pod to end of MAF sensor.

Bracing:

when I purchased the kit it was supplied with 3 or 4 pieces of steel for bracing, I found only one of them was useful and it was a longish one with 2 90 deg bends at each end. One end of it bolts to something around the top of the gearbox, and the other end goes in under the hose clamp that secures the 1st silicone bend to the 1st peice of SS pipe, and when the hose clamp is tightened it holds it in place.

I ended up using 2 or 3 pieces of "speed brace" I found in my old mans garage to secure the pod from flopping around down behind the front bar.

Hope that helps somewhat.

thank you very much man, will pass it onto my mechanic!

How does the RPW CAI compare to the flex pipe CAI mod? and for that matter compared to just putting the POD filter on?

I am thinking of getting a high flowing TB installed also from RPW.

How does the RPW CAI compare to the flex pipe CAI mod? and for that matter compared to just putting the POD filter on?

I am thinking of getting a high flowing TB installed also from RPW.

The flex pipe CAI mod simply replaces the factory installed intake with a pipe ducting cold air from outside the engine bay (usually down near the bottom of the front bumper) into the factory air box.

Just putting the Pod filter on without changing the piping from the MAF sensor to the Throttle body will result in the induction of hot air from within the engine bay.

The RPW style CAI relocates the Pod filter and MAF sensor to just behind the passenger side fog lamp position, thus giving the benefit of a pod filter, without the hot air factor.

So given the three options...
A. Pod filter open in engine bay.
B. Pod filter in a pod box with flex pipe CAI.
C. Pod filter moved (like the RPW CAI setup).
... How would your rate these?

Obviously 'A' would be worst.
But then, which of the other 2 is better and how much better is one over the other or are they the same?

None will give any noticeable difference in power or torque. However, you'll start to notice the benefit of a pod located in a position where it gets cold air after some spirited driving, as it's always getting cool, fresh air.

So given the three options...
A. Pod filter open in engine bay.
B. Pod filter in a pod box with flex pipe CAI.
C. Pod filter moved (like the RPW CAI setup).
... How would your rate these?

Obviously 'A' would be worst.
But then, which of the other 2 is better and how much better is one over the other or are they the same?

I would have to say that a pod box in the engine bay with ducted cold air would be the best option. I don't know how to quantify it, but having such a long distance from the MAF sensor to the engine never seemed like a fantastic design to me.

I would have to say that a pod box in the engine bay with ducted cold air would be the best option. I don't know how to quantify it, but having such a long distance from the MAF sensor to the engine never seemed like a fantastic design to me.


Would you not have to extend the cable running to the maf? For it's new position?

Would you not have to extend the cable running to the maf? For it's new position?

Yes, you do need to lengthen the cable. I'd forgotten about that.

yes i know this is abit of a thread mine
but instead of starting a new thread i'd thought i'd add to this one

i've just picked up one of these kits cheap so i thought why not install it
the question i ask is what type of wire should i use to extend the wires from the MAF senor?
and whats the best way to do it?
couldnt really get a straight answer from Dave from RPW,
thrust me you dont wanna know :doubt:

thanks rob :)

yes i know this is abit of a thread mine
but instead of starting a new thread i'd thought i'd add to this one

i've just picked up one of these kits cheap so i thought why not install it
the question i ask is what type of wire should i use to extend the wires from the MAF senor?
and whats the best way to do it?

thanks rob :)

dont know the terms but use something as thick as the stuff there :P
Oh and solder + heatshrink + split tube it, dont do it any other way

wiring ould be like 10A i think:S not too sure on the term for it

whats split tube?
is it that plastic looking condut stuff?
if its the same stuff then yeah thats what i was going to use then cable tie it onto some other wires or something

whats split tube?
is it that plastic looking condut stuff?
if its the same stuff then yeah thats what i was going to use then cable tie it onto some other wires or something
yeah the black condut stuff good for hiding wires and making it look factory, although replace the whole section so it all looks fresh

So given the three options...
A. Pod filter open in engine bay.
B. Pod filter in a pod box with flex pipe CAI.
C. Pod filter moved (like the RPW CAI setup).
... How would your rate these?

Obviously 'A' would be worst.
But then, which of the other 2 is better and how much better is one over the other or are they the same?

I'd have to say b cause if you have a pod in a seeled box with a C.A.I running into the box then its 100% cold air. but if the pod is just moved then you will also be getting some hot air off the engine bay. mightnt be to much, but some...
just my thoughts, i could be wrong

I have the same kit with the cover the gos over the filter to stop it getting water sucked into it, how does this setup go on wet days i mean yeah dont drive through puddles but what if yo cant avoid it? i havent installed mine yet, im wondering if i should make some sort of splash guard to go under it?

what i did do was on my last trip to the wreckers i got the plug from the maf and part of the wiring about 1 foot long (as close as i could cut it to the main loom) so i can just splice it onto the existing wires, tuffy where do you get the split condute from?

sorry to hijack the thread but its all related i guess

']dont know the terms but use something as thick as the stuff there :P
Oh and solder + heatshrink + split tube it, dont do it any other way

wiring ould be like 10A i think:S not too sure on the term for it

The MAF wont use anything near 10Amps, its only low level signal. Safe bet would be to take a bit into somewhere like Jaycar or SuperCheap and just get a similar gauge cable. Make sure you specify that its going in an engine bay as well so needs good heat tolerance or the insulation will melt.

The MAF wont use anything near 10Amps, its only low level signal. Safe bet would be to take a bit into somewhere like Jaycar or SuperCheap and just get a similar gauge cable. Make sure you specify that its going in an engine bay as well so needs good heat tolerance or the insulation will melt.
Yeah I know, just couldnt think of the cable, um the split conduit stuff, SCA only sell it in long lengths (so your up for like $10-$15) but jaycar sell it in smaller lengths

My CAI is the RPW styled one (courtesy of J-Pap) and I lengthened the wires to the MAF, sealed the lot with heatshrink and electrical tape. The pod is situated where the foglights are on the TJ VRX kit so it acts like a ram air intake of sorts.

The intake air temperature when the pod was in the engine bay was about 80 degrees plus. The stationary intake air temperature was 18 degrees, but I haven't measured it at speed just yet.

Puddles aren't a huge issue unless you drive into them deliberately, stop, completely submerge the pod and rev the crap out of the engine. Remember there is a filter on it. But that doesn't mean that you shouldn't play it safe.

I'm going to make up a splash guard for it sometime soon. So I'll post up when I get round to it.

As for your options? Remember that the pod box is still in the engine bay so its still susceptible to heatsoak not to mention you don't get any of that lovely induction roar.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SonspnbE8o

just another quick question about these kits
what have people done with the vacuum hose?

Isn't there a 'T' piece welded on near the TB?

Not a fan of moving the maf sensor on an untuned car. Why, the stock fuel and ignit maps are calculated on the distance from the maf to the TB, once that length is increased the air will slow down at low engine rpm and the actual air passing thru the TB will be much different to what the ecu is anticipating. Be better to be able leave the MAF in a very similar location but have a flange over the MAF inlet onto pipe to relocate the pod to a high pressure cold air pickup point.

Let us know how the car drives when it's all done, not wot, but low throttle value and small to mid rpm stuff. The daily driving zones. Be interesting to see how well the ecu plays it.

so your saying to leave all the bit between the throttle body to the maf sensor?
hmmm i might be able to work something out there if the kit is lacking in a few areas

this is the hose im talking about:
http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa139/Mr_Roberto_Photos/untitled.jpg

any ideas?

this is the hose im talking about:

any ideas?
I have the same question as I am about to take delivery of the same CAI kit. Sooooo...what do you do with the vacuum hose guys???

I have the same question as I am about to take delivery of the same CAI kit. Sooooo...what do you do with the vacuum hose guys???

just got some info back from RPW
apparently you have to drill a hole in the first 90 degree bend and fit the 90 degree metal angle bit that the hose attaches too (comes with kit) and screw it onto the 90 degree bend
dont know how well it'll seal tho

just got some info back from RPW
apparently you have to drill a hole in the first 90 degree bend and fit the 90 degree metal angle bit that the hose attaches too (comes with kit) and screw it onto the 90 degree bend
dont know how well it'll seal tho
Cool, thanks mate. Sounds like a job for a spot or urethane :)

What have you done about extending the harness for the MAF? I went down to the auto electrician, left the car with them and had em make up a 1 metre clip-in clip-out extension (quicker and easier than extending factory one and easiy to return to std). Stay in touch and let me know how you go. I'll be fitting my kit this weekend and having a retune on the Haltech the week after to cope with the changed MAF position install.

Cool, thanks mate. Sounds like a job for a spot or urethane :)

What have you done about extending the harness for the MAF? I went down to the auto electrician, left the car with them and had em make up a 1 metre clip-in clip-out extension (quicker and easier than extending factory one and easiy to return to std). Stay in touch and let me know how you go. I'll be fitting my kit this weekend and having a retune on the Haltech the week after to cope with the changed MAF position install.

how much did the extension bit cost you?
was thinking of getting something similar made up for mine, make it alot easier to return back to stock
but i've got another maf sensor plug with some length of wire coming so i'll see
i'll be installing mine in the next 2 weekends hopefully
see how it goes without a tune

Extension was $50 all up.

I'm also gong to be making up an alloy guard to shield the underside of the MAF from damage and water, so I'll let you know how that goes.

heyy guys if ya want a picture of it can go take some shots.?

about installation and wires and everything im not sure as i just gave it all to my mechanic.

let me know if ya want any pictures

Edit. just realised what you were talking about so had a run out and had a look see

With mine his just drilled a hole into it and put the plug in thier..
http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/7032/18082008dk0.jpg

Undersize the drill bit so the barbed fitting taps into the silicone, should seal up ok. Hardly a kit thou.

This is not RPW but this is how I end up my CAI. Too lazy to make a shield.
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o248/MagnaTech07/DSC00271.jpg

Scoop
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o248/MagnaTech07/image_00081-1.jpg

Undersize the drill bit so the barbed fitting taps into the silicone, should seal up ok. Thanx mate -that's what I'd been thinking last night too.



Hardly a kit thou. Agreed. It's typcial RPW. The product's OK, but that last bit of attention to detail is missing.