I don't think short RAM and CAI are the same. The simple fix is to put it back to stock. Modifying an intake can change power output and fuel consumption. While it's possible to make improvements, you can imagine it is equally possible to make changes to loose power and to loose fuel economy. That's part of why we have engineers, research and development. Save some $ and buy an intake like AEM or find one and try to copy it. Or, like Basin suggests, put up some pictures and maybe we can help you edit your design a bit. Air flow is affected in pipes by diameter, length, surface material and the shape or path.