I hydrolocked my motor a couple of weekends ago (with all this rain in Southern Cali). Anyway, it wouldn't start for 3 starts, and when it finally did, it idled around 200 RPM for the longest, and the whole car was vibrating very violently for a while. It's running fine now though. After that little incident, i've decided to invest in an AEM bypass for my AEM CAI.
My bypass just arrived in the mail today. I'll probably install it tomorrow. However, in the instructions, it says that "in some circumstances, cause a very minimal reduction in the increase in horsepower given by the Cold Air System." Does anyone know what kind of reduction we're talking about?
How exactly does this work anyway? When the filter becomes submerged, does the bypass filter activate as the source of air intake, or does it just absorb the water that's inducted from the filter?
Also, any pointers or difficult spots to be wary of during installation?

 

bypass was installed successfully. the intake is a bit quieter now (which i must say, i prefer...damn loud intake (all other aem cai users know what i'm talking about)). as for power loss, nothing noticeable...if anyone has teh figures, i'm interested. a friend of mine says, the AEM CAI will give power loss in a Type-R anyway, as teh stock intake is better (anyone confirm this?).
Anyone with an explanation to my previous questions?

 

As for a loss with the AEM CAI, I have seen many dyno posts and they allways gain between 2-7 whp. As for the bypass... Can't say but scince you locked the motor I would not worry about the Hp figures and play it safe, But the stock air box and intake does well in all weather and does better then some of the cheap intakes out there.

I have had the AEM CAI for almost 2.5 years and never hada problem with water or anything, could you explain how you got your motor Hydro-ed?

"How exactly does this work anyway? When the filter becomes submerged, does the bypass filter activate as the source of air intake, or does it just absorb the water that's inducted from the filter? "

AS for the way it works... I have seen a post on H-T and it had a video too, I'll search for it but you might also want to search.
But I'm sure the bypass filter activates as the source of air intake once the main filter gets clogged.

 

fwiw - the bypass valve opens up with the force required to suck air in the normal route becomes to high (submerged in water).

1)The instructions warn not to race with it **including a "hold harmless" disclosure that "they are not responsible if it still hydrolocks!
2)There are repeated examples of the bypass valve flaps breaking loose & entering the motor or LODGING in the throttle body
3)If you are in an area where the entire air filter is submerged you are probably screwed anyway (and yes, I've nearly had that problem during an unexpected downpoor :shock: )
4)I bought one just to see it in person & quickly sent it back - not worth it in my opinion....I'd rather take my chances

**Note: I daily drive my car in Kansas = rain, snow & all...I'll hit 105,000 miles by the end of the week.

good luck - I hope you didn't have any permenant damage.[/list]

 

"AS for the way it works... I have seen a post on H-T and it had a video too, I'll search for it but you might also want to search. "

I looked quickly and did not find that video, sorry