2.4L Performance Tech 16 valve 172 hp EcoTec with 162 lb-ft of torque

New CAI on my HHR - Question Though

Old Mar 2, 2006 | 09:28 PM
  #1  
Long_Tall_Texan's Avatar
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New CAI on my HHR - Question Though

I built my own K&N CAI system. I know it may not be perfectly tuned, but I did the same thing myself on my suburban and got great gas mileage improvement. I removed the entire stock air box. Then used 2.75" thin walled aluminum tubing to connect the existing rubber elbow to my K&N Round filter. I designed and had made a custom adapter for the MAF sensor to mount to the tubing at the same spot it was on the stock air box. Everything is sealed tightly and no air leaks. I don't have fog lights, so I have slotted the fog light plug cover in the right side then ducted air directly up to the air filter under the hood.

With that description out of the way, on to my problem. I disconnected the battery to reset the computer and let it re-teach itself based on the new intake. It worked fine for about 25-30 miles. Then the Service Engine light came on and it started shifting rough. I re-checked all of the connections in the intake to make sure there were no leaks and disconnected the battery for a longer time- about 45 minutes. Plugged it all back up and it worked great for about 30-40 miles and did the same thing again. SES light and very rough shifting. So I took my custom system off and put the stock one back on. Disconnected batt, reset, reconnected... Everything works normal - for over 40 miles.

Any pointers on how to get the computer to not freak out over the new air flow? Is there another way to reset the computer? Any help would be appreciated.

Any by the way, yes, it does sound really good when the engine can actually breath. Has a bit more pep too.
Old Mar 2, 2006 | 11:56 PM
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We found during R&D that the Ecotec engines like to see a smaller than normal air tube. The increased velocity provides better power throughout the powerband. The first thing I would look into is using a smaller diameter tube than you currently have.

***I am not at liberty to say anything about specific tube lengths, diameters, or any other "proprietary data." Sorry guys, but don't even ask.
Old Mar 3, 2006 | 04:05 PM
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***I am not at liberty to say anything about specific tube lengths, diameters, or any other "proprietary data." Sorry guys, but don't even ask.
Yeah...yeah...

mister, I'm getting the first one that AEM produces. Must be nice to live in SOCAL...since most of the CAI manufaturers are out that way.
Old Mar 3, 2006 | 04:06 PM
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Originally Posted by Long_Tall_Texan
With that description out of the way, on to my problem. I disconnected the battery to reset the computer and let it re-teach itself based on the new intake. It worked fine for about 25-30 miles. Then the Service Engine light came on and it started shifting rough. I re-checked all of the connections in the intake to make sure there were no leaks and disconnected the battery for a longer time- about 45 minutes. Plugged it all back up and it worked great for about 30-40 miles and did the same thing again. SES light and very rough shifting. So I took my custom system off and put the stock one back on. Disconnected batt, reset, reconnected... Everything works normal - for over 40 miles.

Any pointers on how to get the computer to not freak out over the new air flow? Is there another way to reset the computer? Any help would be appreciated.

Any by the way, yes, it does sound really good when the engine can actually breath. Has a bit more pep too.

I had the same issues. I built mine around the front of the airbox (I like the look of it installed. I'm planning on trying a smaller diameter tube in the next month or so. If it works I'll post my findings.
Old Mar 3, 2006 | 04:58 PM
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Originally Posted by 1 BAD HHR
Yeah...yeah...

mister, I'm getting the first one that AEM produces. Must be nice to live in SOCAL...since most of the CAI manufaturers are out that way.
I think you might be getting the 2nd one!
Old Mar 3, 2006 | 05:32 PM
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Pictures Please!
Old Mar 3, 2006 | 06:04 PM
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Or maybe the 3rd.

Charles
Old Mar 3, 2006 | 06:33 PM
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I had this problem when i did my custom one as well and found that even if you make a new MAF housing the MAF needs to be specific on where it reads air from. Your housing would have to be identical in every way to the stock unit. I bought a housing from the dealer and have had no issues thus far with the MAF throwing a code. I hope this info helps. I will post some pics soon. Only thing I have so far is a pic of a weird twin filter setup a buddy and I did for kicks and giggles. I will post it this weekend as well as pics of the cold air we did too!
Old Mar 3, 2006 | 07:20 PM
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Looking forward to it Jason!

Post the twin filter pics too!
Old Mar 3, 2006 | 10:01 PM
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Originally Posted by en0oNmAI
the MAF needs to be specific on where it reads air from. Your housing would have to be identical in every way to the stock unit
The adapter that I designed puts the MAF as close to exact location and orientation as the original box as possible.

Did you have to reset you computer? Am I doing this correctly? How long do I need to leave the battery disconnected?

SoCal, I did remember your previous posts about the diameter, but that should only effect the power band. Do you know if they are having to tweak the computer, or do anything special to re-train it for more air flow?

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