As of right now I am perplexed. I own both intakes and don't know what to do.

I purchased the New Era Intake upon release and its design and sound grew on me in a BIG way (though not at first). Basically, the filter lays on the driver side frame rail. Air is pulled from the engine bay, bumper..wherever it can get air. It has a nice gray color that doesn't scratch and easy to clean. Overall, I would say it has an "Aftermarket Tuner" appearance. While driving at normal throttle it is absolutely silent. Mash the loud peddle and hold on!!!! The car converts from Dr. Jeckle to Mr. Hyde in terms of noise and acceleration. I mean she sounds like a big, powerful V-8.......on steroids.

Next, I transitioned to the Roto-fab after a few weeks. Appearance wise....I would say if John Moss at GM Performance was building an Intake with GMs finances...this is what it would look like. It looks good, real good. Truely professional. Included is a plastic box with a rubber gasket up top. By design, this intake prevents the hotter engine air from entering the intake. Air is pulled from just above and below the drivers headlight and the very lower part of the front bumper. I would say this is more of a cold air intake....I guess. More later. Anyway, mash the gas and the car emits a deep, melodicly-delicious growl from the intake as air is sucked in. It really sounds GREAT. Real deep, real strong. Not too loud, not too quiet. While cruising...its dead silent. IMO, its pulls and sounds like the engine is stronger than it is.

Well, now the differences.

Immediately after migrating to the Roto-Fab Intake from the New Era Performance the car either felt slower at lower RPMs or sounded slower. I dunno. With the Roto-fab at RPMS below 3000, the engine sounds like it is struggling to breathe when compared to the New Era. However, once the needle passes about 3300 rpm the whole car leaps forward with verocious force. Maybe the design of the airbox contributes to improved/increased air velocity.

The New Era though feels and sounds like it yeilds huge gains at low RPMs. It just pulls...viciously up to about 4800 rpm. I assume its open design contributes to the immediate power delivery. Granted it is pulling hot air from the engine, but I guess in this case an abundance of low RPM air pays off reguardless of temperature. It just screams so LOUD and so MEAN, where as the Roto-fab has a more "Mature" and "Refined" growl!!

Now that we are back on the Roto-fab something concerns me. The airbox draws air from ... near the bumper. Upon a closer inspection I can't see where the air comes from. Holden placed a cover below the car to keep trash and mud out, but that is where the cooler air would be, but its covered. Unless Roto-fab can suggest otherwise, it appears as if...maybe... I could remove the lower sheild, and a greater amount of cooler air can flow into the intake. I could be wrong.

There you have it, IMO.....Low to Mid, pin yourself to the seat strength=New Era. Mid to High, kick in the butt power=Roto-fab.

This is where I need your help. I don't know how to accurately quantify which is more to my liking. I can take the car back to the dyno and get some HP/TQ test done, drag strip runs, pull AutoTAP/HPTuners readings. I dunno, I am looking for proveable differences. My experiences may solely be skewed by engine sound.

Any suggestions or comments??

Not to threadjack you, but it may be important to mention a few specifics of your ECM tune. Maybe something in your tuning will ring a bell to someone here. For example, maybe there's something in the tuning that would give you the low-RPM grunt that you feel like you're missing with the Roto-fab.

Also, when you dyno tuned, was that with the new-era?

From what you explained I would keep the Roto-Fab but, the best thing is to get both on the dyno and post your results.

Take it to the TRACK!

Have seen both close up and personal..... Not going to rag on either.... I installed the Roto Fab because it had a solid mount. I was concerned with the potential movement of the New Era K & N filter, and the possibility of the hose clamps coming loose. Many never have happened but I didn't want to take a chance. New Era pieces and powdercoating were first class! Realize it can draw air from a larger area, so may produce the effect you claim.

Good luck to both systems.

RRM

Hey vhato & RPM! Thanks for the great comments on the Roto-Fab air intake system. Just an FYI-we are working on a optional ram air system that will be an "add on" to our current kit for the guys like yourself that want a little extra. We have not finialized anything yet, but we have had our eyes all over the bottom shield that you have mentioned. We were thinking of a design similar to a Naca duct like several NASCAR teams use, or making a louvered panel to maintain the clean installed finish.:judge: Again, this is still in the development stages, but it is near the top of our priority list. I am looking forward to testing and sharing the results as we have them available.:driving:

Best Regards,

Kevin Jeffrey
Roto-Fab LLC

As far as the tune goes, I don't know too much. The Volumetric Efficiency Table was corrected for proper A/F ratio at WOT. The High Octane Vs Spark table was pushed as high as possible using Chevron 93 Octane fuel, then cut one degree and smoothed. The Low Octane Table data was replaced with the High Octane Table data. DoD was disabled (I will re-enable this weekend), all ECM Torque Management was removed, cooling fans were set to high all the time (this will change too) and the top speed limiter was removed. I had several phone calls that day and missed out on the rest. This weekend I plan to sit and compare the stock data to the tune to discover what else is different.

So far I have one vote for hitting the dyno and another for hitting the track. I guess I need to do both. I will need to do enough runs and average each to see a change. Chasing the dyno and track testing for an amature could lead to less than accurate results. This may not even be possible do to time constraints while swapping intakes around. Wednesday is test and tune night at the track, but I was told there was rain in the forecast.

The HP difference may be negligable anyway, since I am playing with essentially the same technology.

And yes, I am interested in the Ram-Air add-on.

Have ED @ LM SPEED or Kirk @ VMS, give me a call when the ram air design is ready. Your installation guide was the most complete I've seen on any aftermarket automotive product. Looks "factory"!

Now if I can steal the keys from the "other" driver.....

RRM

So far I have one vote for hitting the dyno and another for hitting the track. I guess I need to do both.

I vote for both!! That being said, I would think that you would get more reliable results using the dyno. However, if you had the time to compare them at both the track and the dyno, that would give you the most data to work with.

Thanks for comparing both. I look forward to seeing some scientific data on these bad boys.

I would use the dyno to see the differences. Track times can vary too much due to the driver (unless a seasoned veteran, of course). The same dyno on the same day should yeild pretty consistant results.....

The Roto Fab pulls air from the exact same place as the factory did down in that hole with the added benefit of being open up top too. Dyno runs back to back to back with all intakes are the only true way to see what is going on. It is a controlled environment. The Roto-Fab is one heck of a nice piece, but I have yet see the advertised gains. More testing needs to be performed by as many people as possible. I have done dyno's before and after. I always find it funny when people say, "yea, I got such and such CAI and it works great". What are the facts to back up the works great? Louder noise under the hood:rolleyes: I also really like word documents backing dyno runs instead of charts too. Anyway, if you go back to the dyno, sure would be interesting to see all 3 types of intakes done, especially on a car without a tune yet!!

I also really like word documents backing dyno runs instead of charts too.


Well unfortunately with our printer broken there cant be any charts since as we've posted before Mustang doesnt have a run viewer like dynojet. We'll be happy to post up the exact same charts as regular print outs when our new machine is in and new printer to boot.

Bottom line is there have been many independant tests of this intake to back up the manufacturers claims and while we too were VERY skeptical (Ask Kevin) it backed up its claims.

It sounds as though the new era should show some good 60ft times, it is pulling hot air only at idle, once you move the car the fresh air arrive immediately. I built my own from spectre modular and throttle response is right on and all the way to 6000 rpm. My filter is tucked in just like the new era and I've had great results. Mine is going to be on the dyno this weekend and at the test and tune this Friday night before the dyno. I'm going to run the stock air box and then the spectre cai hoping to see simular results. Hopefully, its all a crap shoot. Good luck with your decision. They are both great pieces and well designed for both applications.

Sounds like I'd prefer the New Era. I like that "power off the line" torque feel.:driving:

Weather permitting, Track test is tommorrow. But consistancy will probably be a problem. Next will be a dyno test. I could roll back to Futrals, but his dyno is always booked about 3 weeks. He is that busy. Thunder Racings is available, but I hear it may be for sale. I need to check and a friend owns a Mustang shop and is looking to buy their dyno. Doing three runs per intake and letting the vehicle cool between runs, the same amount each time will take between 1 and 2 hours. I bet all I see are disputable results. I think the difference will be in the torque curve and not at peak.

I would suggest trying some hood closed runs for both intakes to see if there is any difference.

Neil

Just installed my Roto-fab Intake yesterday took me all day because I rather pay someone to do it for me but also I had a few beers but I noticed a better sound from the engine and got 2.5 - 5 mpg better on the computer. Getting the magnaflow next and a hid kit then a tune!! love the Roto-fab Intake Great Design!!
I looked at the New Era one as well but not that many pics and didnt see the size of the Cone..went with Roto-fab Intake!!

Hey Boogie. I'm in Tampa. I would love to here your car once you get the exhaust installed. I plan on doing the CAI and Tune at the end of the year.

I would suggest trying some hood closed runs for both intakes to see if there is any difference.

Neil

That's one thing I was wondering about. Were the several low dynos with the hood closed? Was VMS tuning for the RotoFab done while the hood was opened or closed?

I am sure they were tuning with the hood open. In order to get high results that look impressive to others or if someone has a product to sell, they will always do whats necessary to get peak. Mine was tuned with the hood open with the New Era Performance Intake.

<Next will be a dyno test. I could roll back to Futrals, but his dyno is always booked about 3 weeks. He is that busy>

Tell him to move it to the front of the line...this is vital research for the nation

< >

Tell him to move it to the front of the line...this is vital research for the nation

Possibly even National Security?

vhato, I would have Alan connect a wideband O2 and tune it while driving on the street. Tuning this these cone CAIs with the hoods open is silly. Both the Rotofab and Newera systems have unrestricted access to air and the NewEra is not subject to the underhood temps.

Yea, but the DynoJet has a wire that connects to a spark plug harness I guess and lays on the fender. Plus, you know dyno tuners want to give their customer the most power for the dollar, keeping the engine cool is vital to posting results never to be found on the street. ha ha ha

Bottom line is there have been many independant tests of this intake to back up the manufacturers claims and while we too were VERY skeptical (Ask Kevin) it backed up its claims.

You guys have far more experience at this than I ever will. Like I say, I just cant understand why I didnt see the results like everyone else. Just looking for a little insight here. You have seen my dyno sheets from before and after. I am not bashing the workmanship of this CAI because it is top notch. Your dyno testing showed that it went lean almost a point, mine went rich 1 point as well did Kevins. So many differences here and I have no idea why. Thats why it would be nice if others dyno'ed and posted their results. Just more info for all of us. Its a pain, but I made an effort to do a before and after dyno session for all to see.

vhato, I would have Alan connect a wideband O2 and tune it while driving on the street. Tuning this these cone CAIs with the hoods open is silly. Both the Rotofab and Newera systems have unrestricted access to air and the NewEra is not subject to the underhood temps.


To some degree. However, it places the intake air temp sensor right over the rad hose. Sit for 1 minute and the IAT goes through the roof.

Good point. I was thinking that you would tune on the street and then strap it to the dyno.

Hi All,
I am also getting worried about the state of the nation and I am not even American:pir_flag:
I have been eagerly awaiting the release of the G8 as you guys are the kings of aftermarket and economies of scale.
But the this is an aussie car and they have long proved the otr cai's to give better results than pods - their russo and orssom prove this but are extremely pricey.
So why not start with what is known to work best?
Hilary, Obama and pod cai's - are they the best solution?:)

I still think the new era is the way I would go if I hadn't built my own. With the enclosure it seems at idle or in traffic its getting very little air other then what the engine is able to pull on its one, just like with the stock box. It can't even get air from under the hood. I would prefer to have some air movement over the filter, even if it was warm air. I think they both look great and its all what you want to spend or what you want to hear. They both should have simular results in testing. Someone asked if they did the test with the hood closed or open. If you have the hood closed you need to use a 60 mph fan to move air simulating the car moving and drawing air into the opening that feeds the inake. Even with the hood open it still won't draw air like the car moving or with a fan. I doubt you would see to much difference opened or closed, fans would help either way. Just my opinion and thats all.

Hey FL_G8, Ill let you know when I install it....or get it installed!!

I just installed the roto fab intake and i am completely satisfied with it. It really shines as you go higher in the rpms. Also thats when you start to feel more of a pull.

Hi All,
I am also getting worried about the state of the nation and I am not even American:pir_flag:
I have been eagerly awaiting the release of the G8 as you guys are the kings of aftermarket and economies of scale.
But the this is an aussie car and they have long proved the otr cai's to give better results than pods - their russo and orssom prove this but are extremely pricey.
So why not start with what is known to work best?
Hilary, Obama and pod cai's - are they the best solution?:)


I have pondered that too. We are reinventing the damn wheel. All of our aftermarket companies are gonna struggle for a while when the Aussie's have been there done that. Your companies already know what works and what doesn't.......yet no one here is even asking and I duuno why?

I have been wanting to thank you guys for buying big, beautiful, powerful cars. If it wasn't for the spending habits of Australians, we would have yet another car from Pontiac covered with plastic garbage ready to fall off.

Thanks but i'm in between you both - South Africa where nobody builds jack! I do some tuning and recently installed one of their gen-tt turbo kits on a customers car - totally wicked.
What impresses me about them is that these are their car of choice for drags and racing, and they seem a very honest & open bunch. Tuners there get rated by real world track times and are always trying to upstage each other so they know their stuff...
Just wanted an otr for my own car, but with shipping etc they are hardly worth it, and am not keen to buy the US pod cai's when 90% of the aus guys are pulling them out and going otr. I guess it's the waiting game then...

Welcome Tiffer, glad the aussies and gm brought an affordable 4 door that the young and older guys like me can appreciated. I could afford a cts-v,but, why spend the extra bucks for a v when we can have a great sedan that will kick most of the euro cars for half the money. I was hoping, since I'm an Impala guy that gm would eventually bring it out. I think thats on the back burner for a while. If they do, I'll buy one of those too. I've got an ls2 sitting on my engine stand with well over 400 hp to go in my short bed. The ls motor is by far the best small block gm has ever built and I've owned over 65 small blocks and none for the street, even my stroker pro street cars have been on the level of the lsx motors. The aussies have helped us bring the bad ass touring car to the usa. We deserve it and so do the aussies.

I totally agree - hijacking the cai thread here, but I have owned various 4 cylinders with and without turbos, an m3, an audi tt, and now i know why you guys love v8's. This is my first one and by far the best car I have had. I would have liked the ride a bit stiffer but i guess this is a big sedan and it can always be fixed!
Now if someone could just sort out the oil price:)

Ok this thread is months old, but was there ever a dyno comparison done between the Roto-Fab and New Era CAIs? Did I miss it?

Neil
'08 MGM G8 GT

Ok this thread is months old, but was there ever a dyno comparison done between the Roto-Fab and New Era CAIs? Did I miss it?

Neil
'08 MGM G8 GT

And throw in the Aussie CAIs that JHP sells as well

The Roto Fab pulls air from the exact same place as the factory did down in that hole with the added benefit of being open up top too. Dyno runs back to back to back with all intakes are the only true way to see what is going on. It is a controlled environment. The Roto-Fab is one heck of a nice piece, but I have yet see the advertised gains. More testing needs to be performed by as many people as possible. I have done dyno's before and after. I always find it funny when people say, "yea, I got such and such CAI and it works great". What are the facts to back up the works great? Louder noise under the hood:rolleyes: I also really like word documents backing dyno runs instead of charts too. Anyway, if you go back to the dyno, sure would be interesting to see all 3 types of intakes done, especially on a car without a tune yet!!
All I can tell you is I used the New Era CAI as I could see that it sits lower and to the side of the warm air flow. With the VMS HSRK mounted just aft of the filter cone and using the VMS Dashhawk to monitor intake air temp, I see the IAT dropping to ambient as compared to the outside air temp on the display very quickly once you start to move at 30+ MPH. The HSRK updates every second or so and is easy to watch the IAT temps drop with increased airflow. Once you are at normal(?) speed 45-70MPH the IAT matches the outside air indicator to within 1-2 degrees F.

We didn't do a dyno run with just the New Era intake so I can't give you some definate numbers as far as the CAI goes. Before the tune though we had gained 30HP with the Intake, headers, pulley, and thermostat. I will say this, the New Era intake is solidly mounted and doesn't move at all. The noise factor is minimal and blends in really well with the sound of the American Racing Headers when you get on the throttle. I think either product will do you justice, it just depends on where you want the CAI to perform the best. For me it's right off the line.:driving:

Truthfully, each system has its own advantage placing in on a stock car with just a tune. The air flow to both systems is insufficient. The New Era filter is lower which puts it closer to the cooler air and when my mod is done and the HSRK is installed, it to is closer to cooler air. The Roto-fab does look factory, but the New Era has the race look some people want. I know I can make both make the same power on the dyno, just not the way they come out of the box. Charlie

Just ordered New Era CAI. Excited to get into the modding thing. Other than stolen fox axle back, this CAI will be all I have done to the her yet. I stress "yet"

thread bump. Has this test ever been done yet?

thread bump. Has this test ever been done yet?

The results of the closest thing to a comparison that I've seen is in this thread: http://www.g8board.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20117&page=2