Hey Civic Guys and Gals, sorry as I may have asked this from many of you already since we converted to this group format but I just wondered if any of you can help me out. I'm thinking of getting an AEM cold air intake (the whole thing, not short ram). Will my stock exhaust system be able to handle it because I read somewhere that it's recommended to get a high-flow exhaust system. Is that getting a high-flow exhaust a requirement with getting a CAI or just another performance option? Any recommendation for a good exhaust system that gives me a low growl (I've seen a few Civics use this) versus the tin can trumpet I hear other modded Civic are using (no offense meant to you who use it, just couldn't find a better description)? Finally, since my car is a 93, is it worth converting the AC to R134a with the do-it-yourself kit while my R12 system is still working or should I just continue using the R12 system I have since it still blows cold? I heard I will pay up the ying-yang if my R12 (freon) system starts leaking one day because to convert it over, the R12 system will first have to be repaired for leaks before it can be converted over R134a. Sorry for all the questions and I hate to sound mechanically challenged but I am, so thanks for any insight you can give. My direct e-mail is NGORL@.... Thanks, Nap

Well I think this might help you on the Intake question. Think of your cars Intake and Exhaust as breathing ( in and out ). So a stock Intake would be as breathing in THROUGH your NOSE and then breathing out THROUGH the NOSE... That would be a STOCK system. If you replace just the INTAKE IT would be like BREATHING IN throught the MOUTH .... Some increase BUT the restriction of the stock exhaust system (muffler and PIPE DIAMETER) That is why others will tell you to upgrade your exhaust too.. TRY RUNNING AND ONLY BREATHING THROUGH YOUR NOSE THEN THE MOUTH.. Dont get me wrong it is a step if the funds arent there.. but dont expect a major pull (or HP) a few to be gained but until the exhaust can get out there still will be some back-pressure. hope thagt helps...