I talked to Jordan about this issue and here is his reply;
Thanks for contacting me and giving me a chance to explain why we designed the pipe the way we did.
I looked at your thread and I see you compared our intake to the Mazdaspeed unit, which is actually an AEM design. We call our intake the XCel because we pay very close attention to the voltage output of the mass air meter, and we were one of the first to put forth this extra effort. But in order to ensure that the MAF outputs the proper voltage, you simply can't place the MAF after a bend. I don't know how well versed you are in fluid dynamics (excuse me if you know this already), but air doesn't like to change directions. When you send air through a bend, centripetal force sends the air to the outside of the bend. Since the meter sits in the middle of the pipe, it won't correctly sample the air. The Mazdaspeed MAF is right after a bend, and they're lucky that it doesn't cause problems. But if you compare their fuel trims to ours, you'll see that ours is much more stable, which translates to safer and more consistent performance.
So putting the meter before the bend wasn't from a lack of foresight on our part, it is a necessity even thought it brings the sensor closer to the filter, and subsequently the water too. But you do need to pay a little more attention to how much water you're splashing through when you've got a CAI installed, no matter the brand. But all is not lost, as there are products you can buy that shield the filter from sucking up water. If hydro locking wasn't an issue with all CAI kits, products like these wouldn't exist 7.gif . We personally like the Injen Hydro Shield:
http://www.autoanything.com/air-filters/65A2582A0A0.aspx
And have you tried cleaning your MAF sensor? If your codes are being caused by the MAF, you might try *gently* cleaning the sensor element with some electronics cleaner, and any other degreaser that doesn't leave any residue. As long as the sensor isn't damaged, this should clear up the issues you're having. If you want more guidance on how to clean your MAF, PM me back and I'll walk you through it.
But as always, feel free to PM me back if you have more questions, and you're always welcome to give us a call here at the shop, 301-576-6142. Thanks!
Cheers,
Jordan
Jordan also talked about when they were designing their CAI that they were getting alot of air in the filter area coming from a hole in the front liner of the car. (I suppose this is good if you want some good air but really bad if you don't want the water!) If you have taken out your air box you can see it. It's on the front part of the car liner you have to remove for the mod. Jordan said he thinks this is where a majority of the water is coming from more than the fender liner vents. I will take pictures this weekend so everyone can see the hole in the liner. I am going to plug that hole, possibly modify the liner vents and put on that hydro shield. I think these measures should stop most of of the water/salt/sand/ dirt from getting to my MAF again. I am taking the car to the dealer for the new MAF, but I will be putting my CAI back on. I also bought some electronic cleaner so I can clean the MAF if I get a CEL for it. Thanks to Jordan over at CP-E for all his help!
