Any MS CAI install tips from those who've done it? '07 MS3

[bast525]

Hey all. Got my MS CAI for my MS3 and will be doing the install tommorow. The directions seem pretty clear, however, I was wondering if there were any tips/advice/known issues I should be aware of before doing the install? I'm 'borrowing' a friends garage and won't have a ton of time to do it in, so if there are any areas where people have gotten stuck or run into issues, or any tips that can help me ensure I will get it done as quickly as possible, it would be greatly appreciated!

[Ms3InMd]

Basically make sure you get a good look at how the splash shield goes in and just try to take it out carefully so you don't mess up your car. Good Luck.

[Hyun]

If this is your first time install, make sure you have good 2 hr to work on it. Everything is easy but taking out the tubing that connects to the turbo was a bit B***CH. Taking out Splash guard was bit of pain also.

[jbiird317]

that god damn air diverter that has to come out was a complete bitch for me cuz of my fat hands and clumsy fingers. Other than that, beware of busting plastic screws on the splash gaurd and fender-well lining. Should be pretty straight forward other than that.

[tavarua88]

if this is your first time, start early in the day, in case any problems come up, you'll have some time to figure it out with the light still out

[meha11]

Im no expert but had no real issues, the only thing i would say is dont do what i did and skip ahead of the instructions, i didnt read the bit about the hose clamps being different sizes then when i came to install the last one it didnt fit, no big deal really as it was only 5 mins to make corrections but i hate doing things twice.

Its easy, if you have any mechanical aptitude you will be fine and if you don’t you will still manage.

[dread]

I am doing the same tomorrow, do you have to remove the splash shield under the car or the just the one in the wheel well

[meha11]

I am doing the same tomorrow, do you have to remove the splash shield under the car or the just the one in the wheel well

both

[bast525]

definately have some mechanical aptitude :D

I've spent more hours laying under cars than I care to remember... going on 14 years of being a self-taught 'mechanic'... everything from oil changes to engine rebuilds.

I'll have help too, another car friend of mine with a 400 whp SRT-4, fully equipped garage with everything we'll need.

I just figured there had to be something about the install that would SEEM simple but be a pain in the ass... so wanted to be well warned before diving in.

Definately planning on following the instructions to the T, no doubt about that.

[MadOzodi]

that god damn air diverter that has to come out was a complete bitch for me cuz of my fat hands and clumsy fingers. Other than that, beware of busting plastic screws on the splash gaurd and fender-well lining. Should be pretty straight forward other than that.

A-effin-men! I vote you get/rent a really long 3/8" extension for that one top bolt on the air diverter. That way you can just loosen it through the honeycomb grill in the front.

[jbiird317]

A-effin-men! I vote you get/rent a really long 3/8" extension for that one top bolt on the air diverter. That way you can just loosen it through the honeycomb grill in the front.

haha yeah or u can do what i did and break off one of the lower clips so that i could swing the whole damn thing upwards and get it off that way. Not the most practical way to get it off haha, but it worked!

[SwampAss]

I didn't have any real issues either. It's straight forward. My problems were with dropping shit in the engine bay. The splash shield kinda sucked but I eventually just tore it off.

[Trev REv]

Installing the intake was easy and the instructions walk you through step by step. The only tricky part was the air diverter in regards to the top bolt. The are is small and the bolt faces the front of the vehicle and the acces is limited due to the bumper. I tried for awhile and used a small craftsman socket to turn the screw loose. It took me about 10 min to get the bolt loose.

[Bakrauf]

Just rip out anything that you cant get a rachet on!

[dread]

thats what I did. The intake in awesome. You can definately feel the power, now I need some traction.

[mcopare]

Ripped my crap out....CPE intake is the best intake I have ever heard. This car should have come with 235/40/18's. Perfect balance.

[bast525]

Well got it done today, took just about an hour and a half.

I did not have ANY difficulties whatsoever. I did break one thing, a little plastic piece at the bottom of the air directer/diverter/whatever. I know that thing wasn't going back in so wasn't worried about that anyways. But I didn't have any problems getting the one bolt at the top of the diverter off. If you take the two other things off that attach it to the car first, you can bend the diverter quite a bit to allow access to that 10mm bolt.

Overall the job was very easy and yeah the instructions are very clear. Keeping track of all the bolts and plastic pins or whatever and what went were was fun... took me some time just figuring out exactly how to put everything back together, what was being reused and what bolts were being replaced.

I definately feel a difference with the power.... though I'm not having all these traction problems people talk about?? Midrange power is definately, very noticeably improved.

Oh and the turbo and BOV/recirculation valve are SO FREAKIN LOUD NOW! It almost sounds like an aftermarket BOV dumping to atmosphere.... so much for any 'sleeperness'. I can't believe just the intake made such a difference from no turbo noise to how loud it is now.

[jbiird317]

Well got it done today, took just about an hour and a half.

I did not have ANY difficulties whatsoever. I did break one thing, a little plastic piece at the bottom of the air directer/diverter/whatever.

yeahh tahts exactly what i was talkin about, i couldnt get to that top bolt off at first, so i started trying to get the bottom ones off. Well that resulted me in breaking that clip in the front, once i broke that it was smooth sailing haha

ur right tho, the power is awesome and i love the sound. Problem is it makes me go fast almost all the time lol

[bast525]

Yeah it get's people looking at the car too... I've noticed a few glares when I'm getting on it a bit and shift and get that pssssh sound.

I don't think I ever caught anyone noticing the car before.... I think I will kinda miss that, but I guess I just have to make it a point to go real easy on the throttle when I need/want to avoid attention...

Still... pretty sweet mod for 'only' $300, overall I"m very happy with the results. Now we need some people to dyno the MS exaust and see what it's worth!

For anyone reading this though, that little plastic tab/pin on the bottom corner of the air diverter, just break it, you won't be putting the diverter back so no worries about breaking that part.

[Mr.Jake]

I put mine in on friday night after work. I did it in under 2 hours. I had the same issue as everyone else (that had issues) big hands, no room and that damn air diverter. Other than that it was fine. I agree with eveyone else on giving your self some time. Incase something does go wrong. I got done with mine right at sun down. I got very lucky nothing went wrong. Good luck, you will be happy with the results.

[SwampAss]

I definately feel a difference with the power.... though I'm not having all these traction problems people talk about?? Midrange power is definately, very noticeably improved.




FWIW, I only have 2nd gear tractions when it's cold out. Now that's it 80s outside, my tires either hook or the elevated air temps neuter a little power. (or both!)

[bast525]

well I noticed increased tendency for the car to yank the wheel in second now... if that's what you guys are talking about. Definatley torque steers when I nail it in second whereas before it did not.

I don't think I've ever had the tires break loose at all unless I launch agressively from a stop or if I shift really quick into secon and third it will chirp but I've never actually felt or heard the tires 'break loose' in ANY gear if I nailed the throttle while the car was already moving

I hope I didn't get a 'dud' or something... all these guys telling tales of no traction has me thinking my car is down on power....