Tune required cai, does NOT mean "to get the optimal benefit from the cai".IMHO..
Logically an unwrapped tube (stock or aftermarket..plastic or aluminum) will soak engine heat..though not directly on top of the engine. Obvious too is that an unsealed air box will receive under the hood heated air and gone is the title of COLD air intake.
Therefore it SEEMS logical that a sealed air box with a larger diameter plastic tube wrapped (or insulated) "should" deliver a larger amount of lower inlet air to the engine. But does actual function follow logic?.. How many owners actually have the other items put in place to make proper use of the larger volume of cooler air?.. throttle body, ported intakes, larger fuel injectors and pump, hotter spark, long tube headers and yes a tune.. I suggest the answer is few have everything in place that would then probably REQUIRE a cai.
Also hypothetically (bordering on hypocritically lol) I ask myself.. I mean you .. if you're not racing your mustang then what is your end goal by adding performance parts anyway? It certainly not to save gas or make your daily driver more comfortable or quieter.
(Btw.. advice? arguments? ..whatever.. alot exist on the installing and performance gains (or no gains) of any of the above mentioned too.. so noted and moving on. lol)
So how much use is this larger volume but more important to the conversation on hand is how much positive effect does the marginally cooler air have on an otherwise stock engines performance?
I have an Airaid and I can tell you from firsthand experience that other than a nicer sound while accelerating there is no notable performance difference on an otherwise stock engine.. that includes sotp or mpg. With confidence I say to you prospective buyers ..Installing a cai ALONE you are making a modification to looks and sound and not performance.
For the record.. OF COURSE the tune or tuning is what makes the difference of performance when you add a "CAI" or any additions (that require a tune).. if said add-on requires a tune it's saying "to get the optimal benefit from this product you must let your engine know it's there or it will not run or run like crap".
But hey just my opinion.. and really who cares what I think.
It means the tube diameter is larger and the values generated by the maf sensor have changed. This change must be entered into the calibration so the vehicle runs the same as with the stock air intake. Zero performance increase on that alone.