GEP Ram Air Intake - Custom Build/Clone CAI options

[Spiderkid]

Hi everyone,

Time to necro the years-old CAI conversation.

I had a miserable experience on the phone with GEPtuned today, which is pretty disappointing given their rep around here (and Greg's supposed status as "the guy" for tuning our 5.0's).

Whoever I was speaking to completely clammed up when I expressed interest in copying/cloning the intake to a different material, even with purchase. (ok....even went so far as to outright state that he would "cancel my order". While I doubt the company could *actually* make this happen, it made me completely uninterested in their product by default.)

I'm still pretty annoyed after the whole interaction, and came here looking for others that went the custom route. I'm local to Texas, so I have quite a few 3D printing companies around that *could* fab something up if given proper dimensions. I'd prefer to avoid this option honestly, given the headache and cost. (I intended to ask GEP about purchasing their design to start with, obviously not an option given how the conversation went.)

Pontiac G8 ram air intakes seem to be the most promising "custom" option (central intake, same general engine placement), but it seems like all will need modifications.

My main issues with GEP's design:
1. Intake could be wider (can't be much taller), if the coolant reservoir and radiator cap are properly accounted for. (May also require shaving the hood rubber slightly near the corners, if height is increased)
2. Filter and slot could be larger, accommodating a larger surface area filter.
3. Unknown 3D-printed plastic, material could be upgraded to a heat-resistant thermoplastic.

My main concern is reproducibility for those who come next, and being atleast equivalent if not superior to GEP's (or any other) intake.

Thoughts?

 

[sloegenny]

I always felt like the CAI that GEPtuned sells could have been wider, like the G8 ram air intakes. That would really help it pull more air with ported heads, intake manifolds, and a throttle body.

 

[Gunkk]

Whoever I was speaking to completely clammed up when I expressed interest in copying/cloning the intake to a different material,

Let's file this under "Well No Shit, Sherlock!" Spiderkid, you offered WTMI (way too much info) on that call.

To avoid recurrence, I recommend not telling businesses that you're going to copy/clone their products when you talk to them -- especially before your shipment has arrived. You may not think that you intend to steal their intellectual property for your own gain, and you may not intend to go into business and compete against them with their own product clone -- very common in the auto biz, btw. But that's what THEY think you did and think you might do or will do. From their point of view, you told them on the phone you intend to go about copying/cloning their original work, a hostile act from the point of view of any business.

It costs a lot of money to develop even a relatively simple product like a CAI -- headache and cost, in your own words. So you should expect a hostile response to a threat like that. Don't be surprised if you get a certified cease and desist letter from their lawyer. And worst case if someone else manages to put a clone of their product out on the market, you should expect to get sued even if it's not you who did the deed. Why? Because you told them you are going to clone it. Doesn't matter if you're the only one who will ever use (and/or improve) your "clone" of their work that you paid for. You threatened their business. And if they peruse these forums they now have your written statement of the act, which will be evidence article #1 used against you in said potential lawsuit. So yeah, don't do that.

The funny reality here is that an actual perp with actual pre-meditated intent to steal someone else's intellectual property would never disclose this fact on the phone, or on a public forum post! So chalk it up to a life lesson(s) learned.

There are SLA compatible resins that are more or less automotive rated and good enough for hobbyists (typically glassed filled, like the real underhood parts). Formlabs has one as do others.

Good luck with your project!