What are the chances of hydrolocking a CAI?

[ken_teggy88]

I recently went through a heavy storm with some minor flooding, but the main issue was that a lot of water got kicked up near the side of the roads or by other vehicles. Was wondering if anyone had experiences or knows anyone who hydrolocked their PRL Cai.

I also plan on lowering my car on Eibachs, which makes me hesitant if it increases the chance of hydrolocking.

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[ModJPB]

I had a 91 CRX Si and my buddy had a Mazda 3, both with cai down low like the PRL Cobra. We both blew an engine (separate flooded storms) due to hydro locking. Sounded like a shot gun blast and then metal clanking everywhere. I actually made it to a friend's house nearby on three cylinders (thank you Honda engineering). The next day, after the storm cleared, popped the hood to see oil everywhere and a bunch of I beam shaped holes in the block where the snapped piston rod had repeatedly punctured it. That led to my first time doing an engine swap and rebuild.

 

[BlackDTeggy]

Read all posts saying you have to drive through a lake. I hydrolocked my k20z1 on my Rsx by driving through torrential rain with no fender liners (stupid yes) but did not even drive through any big puddles. So never again true CAI for me

 

[whtciv2k]

Like a straw, most or the entire filter must be submerged in water and you going full WOT for it to really start creating enough vacuum taking in water

 

[jedi03]

AEM makes a good bypass valve to help with this...i personally have only ran short ram due to concern of the same...

 

[SeanIsElsewhere]

I know Injen makes a waterproof/hyrdophoboc ‘sock’ to fit over the cone filter. May alleviate some anxiety especially if the cone is down behind the wheel well

 

[ken_teggy88]

I know Injen makes a waterproof/hyrdophoboc ‘sock’ to fit over the cone filter. May alleviate some anxiety especially if the cone is down behind the wheel well

I'm actually thinking of buying one and installing it when it's convenient for me lol. But wouldn't the hydro filter reduce air intake?

 

[SeanIsElsewhere]

I'm actually thinking of buying one and installing it when it's convenient for me lol. But wouldn't the hydro filter reduce air intake?

I thought the same but Injen claims is allows air to pass but prevents moisture doing the same. I haven’t done much research on it but may be something you could do on-demand when driving in the rain/flooded areas; just keep it in the hatch or glovebox. If you did lose airflow though, I’m not sure it would damage anything in the short term as the ECU would compensate any and all loss I’m sure

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