Disappointed with Volant CAI

[dtru1222]

After reading a few threads on this board I bought a Volant CAI and I have to say im very disappointed. I spent $350 so I expected a high quality product but there are several problems with it. The major issue would be that it doesnt fit right. There is a stiff hose that rubs against the front of the box that keeps it from sealing to the fender like it should, leaving a small gap. If they would have made the box just a tad smaller it may have sealed perfectly. Also when reading up on the MFG website it says nothing about leaving a huge hole open in the bottom of the box. I expected it to pull all the air from the fender like stock but with the huge hole for the bottom scoop it is mostly sucking up air from the engine compartment. I dont know how they can advertise they are keeping the intake from sucking up engine air when there is a gaping hole at the bottom of the box... Also it may have just been my shipment but it is missing a hose clamp to connect the box to the intake tube, it came with only one and as of now im just hoping the hose is tight enough around the box. The last thing about it really just made me laugh at how cheap the production was, the sticker on the throttle body hose is upside down. I simply just turned it around so you cant see it but it just goes to show how much thought was put into this kit.

Do other CAI have these same issues?

 

[quietpeen]

for the price i can see how you are disappointed.

 

[dogcar3]

I think the hole in the bottom is to attach their air scoop that reaches down under the front bumper for a ram air affect.

 

[dtru1222]

Ya I expected more for $350, thats not cheap by any means.

Yes dogcar, its intended for a scoop but they do not make one for 2012 and they do not include a cover if you order just the CAI kit.

 

[Trupiano]

I love mine, but I don't remember ever having a problem with fitment.

EDIT: Also, like stated, I believe the lower duct is for attaching a ram air scoop, or water drainoff.

 

[Power247]

Sorry to hear that you had an issue with yours... Mine fits the fender opening of my '09 quite well and (thanks to a post I found on this forum) I used a section of 4" flex duct to attach to the bottom port to draw in air from the valance under the bumper.

Really sucks that it doesn't fit your '12 as well.

 

[dtru1222]

I originally installed it on my 09 and had the exact same problem with it not sealing to the fender.

Trupiano, in your picture you can even see the hose im talking about where it rubs against the box, keeping it from sealing to the fender. Check the space between your fender and the box to see if the box sits perfectly on the foam surrounding the opening. Or even turn on your truck and put your hand near the fender/box and see if you feel any airflow.

Im sure I can find a way to seal the bottom of the box but after paying $350 and them advertising that it keeps out air from the engine compartment, it seems ridiculous that I have to fabricate something myself just to make it a true CAI.

 

[Trupiano]

Im sure I can find a way to seal the bottom of the box but after paying $350 and them advertising that it keeps out air from the engine compartment, it seems ridiculous that I have to fabricate something myself just to make it a true CAI.

I can totally understand your frustration, and like you said, if they claim it fits perfect, why doesn't it.

Oh I see what your talking about, the A/C Line.

 

[silverbulletO5]

I love my MOPAR CAI!!!

 

[Cat3]

That sucks! I also had fitment issues with Volant in my SRT GC. R&D engineers need to make parts fit like a glove before releaseing availability for new vehicles.

 

[NUTSHEMI]

I have read on numerous occasions that the volant has fitment issues. I really like the look of it, but if everyone is having fitment issues not gonna waste the money.

 

[dtru1222]

The intake sounds nice and looks good but with the fitment issues and the big hole at the bottom of the intake box, I would not spend $350 for it.

 

[smiley]

I have the K&N and it fits well but I don't think it is really any better than this one or any other available. I bought it for the HP gain and the price was pretty cheap in comparison. I have the series 77. In hind sight I would have bought the AEM or Mopar one because of the dry filter. What I don't get about the Volant is what makes it better than the stock "BOX?" I am just curious as I have never done a sealed system like the Volant always done K&N type systems.

 

[dtru1222]

I wouldnt call the Volant "sealed" lol.

The idea is to pull the air from the fender instead of the engine, like the stock box but like I said its mostly pulling from the engine.

If it didnt have the hole then the idea would be more airflow than the stock due to the design and high flow filter.

 

[Graygoose]

wow...sorry to hear