Trying to save some money in a few places and I have heard before that your factory airbox is just as good as an aftermarket intake if you replace the filter with a high flowing filter. Anybody know if this is true or know any solid proof of this?

 

The stock intake is not as good as a short ram at all. The OEM intake has too much air resistance before it reaches the filter. The replacement filter will probably add some power but the air will still not be getting to the filter as easily.

 

well the thing is, you usually cannot put the cone shaped filters on your stock intake, which are better for airflow. As for the intake, short ram will definitely be better than the stock, but of course not as good as cold air, but if you are buying a short ram intake you do not necessarily have to get an AEM. The piping isnt really what gets you the power its all in the filter so even if you get an intake which is cheaper make sure the filter is K/N.

 

I believe he is talking about something like a K&N drop in filter, which although it will increase performance, you shouldn't expect anything more than 1-2HP.

A Short Ram intake will give you quicker throttle response, and free up even more HP, but the best choice would be a 2 Piece Cold Air Intake which would place the filter away from the engine bay, allowing the engine to breath cooler air rather than air heated by the engine.

If you want to save money, then I suggest doing it right the first time and getting a Cold Air Intake. I believe that you will get the best results and be very happy with an actual CAI versus a short ram or drop in filter.

~Peace

 

If you want cheap look on ebay ive seen CAI for $65 but they are not very good. If you buy a $65 CAI you could always change the filter on it.

 

I agree. And yes... you can get el cheapo ebay CAI... but remember you get what you pay for. Save up and get the AEM one. It's been dyno proven to have the greatest increase in HP.

There ARE minor diffrences between the AEM ones and the el cheapo ebay ones... those minor diffrences are not really that minor... they are major. They seperate the men from the boys.

Save up... save up... save up! Get the AEM CAI...

oh and don't get taken in by the hype of the air bypass valve... unless your taking your car under water, it's competely useless and will take away your power that you just gained by putting in the CAI... back to stock power.. or less.

 

I agree with clickwir... Either get the AEM CAI, or the new AEM V2 CAI... The original AEM CAI has definately been proven to offer the most gains in both Horsepower and torque. The new V2 However has shown that it offers even more. The fact remains however that not many people have them, so I honestly can't tell you whether or not what AEM claims is true. One thing is certain however... Either AEM CAI is the way to go for the best bang for the buck

~Peace

 

Yea, Im curious to see how the v2 works out, but I agree with everyone else, why buy something you will end up not liking when you can do it right the first time. The short ram intake will feel crisper, sound louder, but wont have the gain the CAI has because it is sucking in so much hot air since it sits in the engine bay. With either one though you arent looking at MAJOR gains, so you might as well get the one which offers a little more...

 

Currently I have a cone filter hooked up to the stock intake piping using a straight center section from a old pos intake i had..I don't notice a difference in throttle response but i do notice a gain in power during vtec. Im gona go with getting the AEM CAI system, I just wanted to know if there was any truth between what I heard. Thanks

 

If you want the most power go with Injen they have charts to prove they give the most power but expect to pay more.