So my CAI Filter was old and falling apart so I replaced it today.
While picking out a filter something came to me I never thought of
before... Does the length of the filter make a difference?

I know the more air you can fit in to mix with the gas in the cylinder,
the more power your engine has, that is the concept behind forced induction
turbocharger and supercharger systems.

I think there are 2 basic sizes, 1 is about 6 inches in length, and the other size
is about 10 inches in length. But without forcing the air into the intake
(turbo/supercharger), the intake will only take in as much air as needed/allowed
which is making me wonder if the longer filter is unnecessary cuz the engine does not
suck in that much air by itself.

So the 6 inch length has about 36 cubic inches of filter coverage
while the 10 inch has about 60 cubic inches of filter coverage.

Is there any difference performance wise between the 2?

Does anyone know how many cfm our engines need?
I can do a calculation to see if I am starving the engine or not.

EDIT: If interested, my CAI brand is an Airaid and it says "carb E.O. D-520-2"

 

Do you know the needed airflow of your engine? Your intake plumbing can only flow a certain amount of air, now matter what filter you use.

 

no I don't know the airflow. But I called Airaid and asked for their 2 centsband they said the 6" that
I have on there is more than sufficient for a stock 350. I would only want to get a larger one if I put a
turbo or anything on there. But without a forced induction system the 6" is plenty of air which is what I suspected.

 

BIGGER = better always in my book unless the prices diference is huge