ill agree to disagree, I could feel a noticeable difference after installing. It is not a lot but acceleration was a lot better and decreased the lag time from the turbo. At least this is to my understanding and observation.
Which is it? Was it not a lot, or was it a lot? You contradicted yourself twice!
Your Malibu came with a CAI from the factory. If you increase the size of the inlet to the air box, then you have the possibility of getting more air to the filter. If you change the filter to be less restrictive to allow more air flow, it comes at the sacrifice of engine life due to the larger particles being introduced into the cylinders. If you increase the size of the tubing from the air box to the engine, you run the risk of throwing CEL codes.
Most CAI kits or DIY modifications come at the cost of allowing more hot air from the engine compartment to be ingested. Turbos don't like hot air.
Feeling a noticeable difference is a good thing. But to make most of the rest of us truly believe, we'd need exhaustive testing on a dyno and/or a drag strip, both before and after the modification, or we're just taking your word for it. I'm not saying you can't be believed. I'm simply saying that folks prefer to verify with solid facts rather than relying on the seat of someone else's pants.
