[CyprusCorner]

There's no need for a CAI on an elantra, it already has one. The intake is right above (and not behind) the radiator. If you plug a OBD 2 reader into your car, you'll find that your intake temperature usually runs about 20-25 degrees F above ambient right at your intake manifold.

CAI's are a thing of the past anyway, they gave your '95 honda civic a boost because of the way the civic was designed, but cars are different now days.

Due to electronic throttles, variable induction, valve timing, and ignition, the ECU compensates for any shift in intake temperature or other variable to make the most of what it is given.

 

[CyprusCorner]

Yes, but CAI's look and sound MUCH cooler!

If you're going for looks, I can't disagree with you.

If you're going for sound, simply removing the resonator and long intake ductwork will help with that

 

[CyprusCorner]

Premium fuel is not worth buying for a car that does not require it stock. it will do absolutely nothing for a car that requires only 87 octane fuel.

Since you seem interested in modifying your car for performance, the cheapest and most effective way i can recommend that you modify your car is an ECU reprogram. Just be warned that it will void the warranty on your car, and you could damage your engine if you aren't careful.

 

[CyprusCorner]

HaHa —> what’s the point on doing all that on the ‘base’ GT model? I could see someone going the distance if they purchased the Sport version with a turbo.

It’s not that simple just to slap in a remapped tune and hope for the best. If anyone goes the distance with a tune, first I would replace the restrictive OEM intercooler, then change the plugs, adding dual catch cans, and finally using 5W40 oil. If anyone goes that far, yeah...I’m sure they have a CAI at the point beforehand.

I have the Sport model Elantra 2018 (as several here are aware). One for the coolest mods was adding the cold side intercooler pipe which allowed me to add my HKS BOV. I love it when my car makes that chirp sound from the BOV. Another awesome aftermarket mod was the lower engine mount. Man, the car responds much better after adding it.

My point exactly, he bought a base GT, there's not much you can do/that's worth doing.

Why anyone buys an elantra and attempts to boost its performance is beyond me. If you wanted a car with performance, you should have purchased something like a 370Z or WRX.