Celica Forums General Discussion Exterior CAI and filter

I just installed my AEM CAI this weekend, and I noticed that I have a small gap between the front bumper and the headlight on the driver's side...right above the filter. The gap is less than a quarter inch, and if you look through it, you can see the filter sitting there. Will this be a problem when it comes to water getting on the filter?

I can imagine the filter would get pretty wet when I'm washing the car, and also when it rains. Should I put some kind of splash guard over the filter where the gap is, or am I just being paranoid?

He is speaking of this gap here:



The AEM intake is right below this crack. Small as it maybe if one were driving in heavy rain, the intake would become very wet.

My suggestion is weather stripping (or padded tap?) sandwiched betweem the light housing and the care.

What do other do?

The weather stripping sounds like a good idea but the splash guard couldn't hurt either.

Might wanna get the bypass valve, too, if you're that worried.

From what i've read it sounds like the bypass valve would help only if you suck in mass amounts of water dropping the pressure. Not sure if it would help with dripping water onto the intake. I could be wrong.

But yes I agree, it would be safest to do both

Thought there was a problem with the bypass valve? Such as pieces of it breaking off and it being sucked into the intake.

Unless you're driving through a lake of water, or you don't properly maintain your air filter, the lite amount of oil on the AEM intake filter should disperse most water spray.



If you're still worried, also scan through this topic...
https://celicahobby.com/forums/ubbt...intake-cai-fender-wall-liner-custom.html

The AEM Bypass Valve is made of "strong" foam, but could also erode and brake apart eventually -- in extreme hot or overly dry climates. Inspect it regularly. Replace it if you notice it starting to get brittle and degrade.

Personally, I would not install the bypass valve, and instead just try to avoid driving in hurricane-style weather... and lakes.