Update: 7-16-2005

My replacement AEM bypass valve arrived via FedEx to my home on Friday from AEM. I checked the unit out as soon as I arrived home from work. Aside from the fact the filter foam on the new unit appears more dense the actual construction of the new unit is identical to my failed unit.

I did reinstall the new bypass valve and AEM CAI back into my Accord, I did miss the CAI sound. I also have pictures side by side that I can post if anyone cares.

I have sent AEM an email asking about life span of the new unit as well. In addition AEM sent a CARB sticker with my bypass valve I didn't have one w/ my original unit, nice. Tech support e-mails from AEM had requested I send the failed unit back however no FedEx return data was with the new bypass valve or AEM invoice.

I'll keep you posted if I hear more from AEM. But as far as I can tell my new unit will likely fail in the same way years down the road as it's over shell is made of identical plastic to my original unit. And the new unit also has the same plastic clip holding the inner foam in place to prevent ingestion of the inner foam filter, I would have thought they would have better addressed that issue on newer units.