Hey guys, great feedback. The reasons you listed for your preference for dry over oiled filters is what I am used to hearing. I wanted to address a few of the things mentioned above to hopefully give you some useful information, here goes:
Regarding Oiled Filters
1. This may be an over the top comparison, but usually after I say it a lot of people think about it and agree that it makes sense. When concerned about the filter getting over-oiled and causing issues with the MAF or other electronics, it is no different then the engine oil in your car. What I mean by that is oil for your car is a good thing (I don't think anyone will argue that), however when changing your oil you could have big issues and even wreck your engine if you just kept pouring oil in until it reached the brim. The problem lies not in the oil, but in the
over oiling of the filter. Our filters come pre-oiled and ready to use, so its not something you need to mess with. A few ways to avoid this problem.
A. If you are really that worried about over oiling the filter when "recharging" it yourself, just avoid the whole issue and buy a replacement filter. Many of our customers choose that option, and because the oiled filters can run so much longer than a dry filter without needing to replace it, you still end up spending less than if you were replacing the dry filter at regular intervals.
B. Don't over oil it if recharging yourself. The instructions tell how to properly oil the filter, basically a thin even coat to cover all the filter media. The objective is to get a nice even covering, not to saturate it.
Since we have been in business since 2004 we have probably sold somewhere close to 4k-5k CAI's, and we have never had a single reported incident of a customer receiving a filter that was over oiled from the factory and caused a problem. In that same period we have only had 1 customer over oil their filter and need a new MAF. The problem only occurred because the customer used a different brand recharge kit, and used the entire bottle on one filter, both against our instruction. A recharge kit will typically get 2 uses out of it, so if you are reaching the 1/2 way point on the oil bottle you know you have applied enough.
Regarding water intrusion (aka hydro-lock)
Up until we released this new truck line a few weeks ago, every system we have sold in the last 8 years aside from the TBSS has been for cars. We are an industry leader in the 2010+ Camaro market selling more than a thousand Camaro units every year, as well as for the Imapala, GTO, Monte Carlo, Grand Prix, Regal, and more. The reason I bring that up is because cars obviously being lower to the ground would have a much bigger chance for hydro lock.
We have never had a single incident with someone reporting any kind of water intrusion with our intake. In terms of being sealed off, it is pretty much as sealed as you are going to get. Especially since most aftermarket does not even have a top, ours has a lid on it and seals tightly to the contours of the engine bay, and its insulated. Basically our is about as watertight as you are going to get in the aftermarket world.
Also, without getting into to much detail, we are under contract from GMPP for 2 different vehicles CAI's (both cars). GMPP has done extensive testing on our intake systems, tests that I did not even know existed. One of their main concerns was water intrusion, and they tested for it in some extreme ways. We were "Unofficially" told from the chief engineer on the project that our CAI tested better than any other aftermarket intake they have ever tested.
Oiled vs. Dry regarding performance
CAI Inc. has made a company decision that we are sticking with Air filters that are oiled. We have done all the testing and research we need to come to that conclusion, and we feel that an oiled filter has better filtration, longer life, and better performance. In fact, last year I wrote an article for a Automotive blog, here is the link if you are interested:
http://thehorsepowerjunkies.com/gen...a-dry-or-oiled-media-filter-for-your-vehicle/
I hope that you guys find this information helpful, remember that I am always here to help as much as possible and encourage you to let me know if you have any questions.
