I just got my 1999 accord a couple days ago. I'm looking at performance parts for some HP gain and i think a CAI is where i should start.

What would you guys recommend that is relatively cheap? I'm not ready to drop $300 for an AEM intake...

Price-wise, would i just be better off with a short ram intake?

Also, how much do you think installation would cost me if i had it done by a mechanic?

 

If your on a budget, get an intake off ebay for $30 and then go to your local parts store (or ebay)and buy a name brand filter like K&N, AEM, Greddy, etc.... This will do fine. And installation is self explanatory, no need for a mechanic.

 

I know i'll be able to install it myself, what i am worried about is taking apart the stock intake, filter, and resonator. I don't think my father will agree to letting me dismantle the new car.

 

I can see that being a problem lol. Not much of the car to dismantle besides the splash shield. Everything else being dismantled is staying out, so what could go wrong? lol But I see the practicality of the parental concern.
As for a cheaper alternative, you could also look for something of good brand that isused and in good shape. Ive got a mint used AEM V2 for a 98-02 lying around, but not sure if I wanna sell it. Srry.

 

I know how it is.
Just get a sri. You wont have to worry about hydrolock and installation is really easy. Hence why it is usally everyones first modification. Do as J_man said.

 

I just installed my CAI this weekend.. also had that parental concern, thats why I had one of my friends come over to help me when my parents were at work. You do have to remove the front bumper tho, (not very fun taking out those plastic clips and breaking half of them).

 

u have to take off the front bumper on the 04? cuz if i recall all u have to do is feed take out a few of those clips bend the plastic sheld down and feed the pipe up to the other one.

 

you had to remove the resonator thats connected with the stock airbox. If you really didnt need to remove the bumper, it was such a hassel getting it off lol.

 

Go short ram so you can leave the resonator in and save some $$$.

 

He has a 1999.