Sooo, i have a 89 civic sedan with the 1.5 liter engine. Im debating on whether or not a cold air intake or something just a little fancier than the plastic stock one is a good idea. (will improve horse power) I have looked all over the internet for a clue as to what this would do, and the answers all seem to be different. So far ive heard it does very little, or it decreases low end torque, or it makes it sound like a fart can, or total praise for the new intake. its all a little confusing, and then on top of that there's talk of the size of the engine making a difference, or whatever. Anyway, if anyone could tell from experience what it would do for the performance, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

 

What it is all down to, is the power of your engine and how cool you can get the air. For every 10º the air is cooled, you can gain 1-2% of power. With our cars being pretty low in the HP range, we do not get large amounts of HP gain with a cold air intake.
Now, I have always noticed a little bit more down low torque and better gas milage with a cold air intake. Be it a short ram intake, or a true cold air intake.

 

i got some big hills around my house and when i put mine on it did make it easier to get up the hills but stay away from puddles

 

I agree with them!

And it shouldn't make your car sound ricey. If anything, it should make the sound of your car deeper.

 

The sound of the car does not really change on a 4th gen. I didn't notice a bit of difference in sound.

 

you probably thought it made it easier to get up the hills, and you have no reason to worry about puddles.

OP dont listen to the hype, cai suck!

 

There is no reason to worry about puddles, you won't notice a gain but your car may run a bit smoother and you'll get this sweet sound from the engine but thats about it. get a 1.6 or bigger then think about this.