Well, I'm a chartered engineer, so I fully understand the "risks".
There are several factors that lead me to beleive the CAI is safe if used propperly (incidently, I don't modify my driving because of my intake - I avoided large puddles anyway because they make your car dirty and you don't know if there's a huge pot hole in the middle of them - likely).
1) There's a wheel arch in the way
2) Even partially submerged, the huge vicosity difference between air and water means the un-submerged portion will demand more air before the submerged portion drew water. I could spend a few hours calculating the exact % you'd need to submerge before it started drawing water, but I really can't be bothered. But trust me, it'll be a high %.
3) You actually need a significant amount of water to cause a serious hydrolock. A small amount of vapour will do nothing. I have personally hydro'd an A-series engine fording a stream in the yorkshire dales in my mini. I took out the plugs and turned the engine over on the starter, firing a small amount (a teaspoon at most) of water out of the spark plug holes. No damage was done, it ran fine after an oil change. The A-series is made from cheese (k20 is not).
4) Hydrosock for extra security, belt and braces.
5) *Added Bonus* It doesn't have some ghey little screws that will fall out and eat your engine.
6) *Added Bonus 2* You get easy access to everything in your engine bay :lol:
PS: Yes I can notice a difference from a short ram. My car doesn't splutter and hesitate after I've been sat if traffic.
I don't know what your gripe is with this intake, I've yet to talk to someone who has hydro'd their car whilst driving normally. They're always in flood water or fording a stream. I think it's a vicious rumour started by a man with a large stock of Gruppe M's to sell :lol:
This is the last time I'm visiting this thread. I'm fecking bored.
im out also, im sure he understands both sides of the argument by now!