CAI and AEM bypass valve question

[95pearlwhiteGS]

first of all do I really need this valve? I purchased it and put it on but it was a tight fit and a pain to put on. Do I have to cut the pipes to make this bypass valve fit? I wish I didn't need it because it's really ugly...

[Wes]

You have to cut the pipe to put it on correctly. How is it on now? You don't really need it if you have a fender liner and you don't drive through 3foot high puddles.

[95pearlwhiteGS]

it's on there barely...the pipes are on the bypass valve cufflings but with slight angle both on the valve and the TB...I live in NYC and don't expect to go into any 3 foot high puddles, but you never know in NYC...lol, but yeah, the car does have a liner....

[T-Clyde]

I don't agree with ya wes. There is plenty of vacuum in a cai to pull water into the motor, if your cai filter is in the bumper. I say install the bypass valve. Cutting the tube is just part of the process. I say install it and don't take a chance you don't need to take.

[Wes]

I don't know how effective these valves are when they aren't installed how the manufacturer suggests. I believe they are supposed to be X amount of inches away from the filter.... putting it between the throttle body and the pipe may not do anything wrong, but I cut my pipe in half just about when I had one. I don't have one now because it's not worth it.

Tommy that's why I said fender liner. The fender liner and the front bumper completely seal off that area unless you've modified it because you want more air. There may be enough vacuum to suck some water but I've read several times before that sucking up a few drops of water is not going to ruin the engine. It's only when the filter is completely submerged in water. With a sealed off filter and avoiding 3 foot high puddles, that should be easy to accomplish.

[95pearlwhiteGS]

I have mines between the filter pipe and the pipe that goes to the TB...is that wrong then?

[T-Clyde]

When I installed mine, (on an accord so slightly diff layout) I basically put it in the center of the pipe, or where a short ram filter would be. You won't see any negative effects from having it on there. Plus when you go wot the bypass flaps will actually open allowing a little more airflow.

Fender liners and lower engine covers are not a sealed system, they are made with cuts and holes in the to allow water to drain out. And 3 foot puddle? That would actually put the water above the hood. So you wouldn't be getting anywhere anyway, a 3 inch puddle, like a pot hole, like the curb that took out the corner of your bumper wes, can be more than enough. Think about what water does when heated, it expands, and in your cylinder a few drops can steam and expand a ton. Now keep in mind that water will not compress in your cylinder, basically that few drops can steam and expand to the point where your compression multiplies more than the bottom end can handle.
Goodbye rods and crank bearings.

My point is, it is a purely helpful piece. I won't push anyone into buying one, but if the op already owns the parts, I think it is a bad idea to say he leave it off.

[95pearlwhiteGS]

Yeah that's where I have mines in the middle...

[T-Clyde]

So the only issue is fitment? (besides thinking it is ugly?
I had to cut a 2.5 inch or so section out of the middle of my cai pipe. Otherwise the filter side of pipe won't go through the hole in the engine bay down into the bumper.

[95pearlwhiteGS]

well mine when through but it's very tight. So I guess I'll just cut it and not take chances. The other thing is that it sort of defeats the whole purpose of the CAI because the bypass valve is in the engine compartment which will suck in hot air don't you think?