Cold Air Intake(Does brand really matter?)

[JudoAnt]

I have been looking at numerous air intakes for my 94 accord and there are soo many to choose from, with greatly verying prices. I assume top of the line is AEM, but does it really matter? What is a $300+ intake system going to offer that a new $75 one on e-bay can't? Thanks.

[94_AcCoRd_EX]

I don't think you'll find a $300 intake too many places, the AEM is going for around $180 shipped on GBC.

You get quality, and a product that will last a long time.

[JudoAnt]

So i can find an AEM cold air intake for $180? Is the air bypass valve necesary or is it worth the $$?

[a96710]

I've heard the by pass valve is a waste...but I don't think brand matters as long as it is a name brand (AEM, Injen, Ice Man, etc) I've also heard the cheap, no name brand ones on ebay are terrible

[ebpda9]

usually the brand name intakes are designed for the best air flow.

[blind34_1]

the bypass valve is just a foam hollow cylinder basically. You could make one yourself almost. better than paying forty bucks for shaped foam.

I don't know about those intakes that use plastic tubing though. You get a nice reverbrating noise from aluminum ones. plastic will break easier than aluminum too. I have a k&n typhoon intake that I'm very satified with. $140 give or take.

[94_AcCoRd_EX]

Originally posted by blind34_1
the bypass valve is just a foam hollow cylinder basically. You could make one yourself almost. better than paying forty bucks for shaped foam.

Not really. Its a foam covered plastic framed piece with denser foam flaps. You couldn't easily make one.

Anyway JudoAnt, you might want to do a search of the forum for bypass valve to see some opinions on it.

[JapanExpress]

I've got an ebay intake on the way. It looked to be the same as the AEM CAI, just no stickers and license plate frame. Its aluminum, mandrel bent, two piece (accepts AEM bypass), powdercoated.

I'll post info/opinions after I get it. And possibly a dyno if I get a free run and I really want to see if theres any gain at all.

[blind34_1]

oh my bad. I've just seen a few at shows and thats all it seems to be. looks can be deceiving.

[johnriley]

I've got a K&N typhoon intake also and it works great! Just make sure you get an intake with a K&N filter.

[94_AcCoRd_EX]

Originally posted by johnriley
I've got a K&N typhoon intake also and it works great! Just make sure you get an intake with a K&N filter.

The new AEM intakes ditched the K&N in favor of the new AEM filters. I have the K&N model, but the new ones are supposed to be improved.

[slowEJ6]

try to find a used AEM system and get an APEXi air filter....man the APEXi filters are top of the line SWEETNESS....expensive but clean and reuse, its a dry type as well unlike the K&N which needs oil.
flows a bit more air than the K&N and lets less dirt in.
and listen to 94_AcCoRd....he knows his shiet :yes:

[94_AcCoRd_EX]

Hey Tom, where can I find just the Apex'i filter? I'm not having any luck. Would it be worth switching from the K&N?

BTW, I love your 'stuff' box :D

[slowEJ6]

http://www.optauto.com/webstore/product_information.asp?number=APX-500-A021&variation=&aitem=1&mitem=1&back=yes&dept=1311

thanks :pfft:


as for if its worth switching over if you already have the K&N, eh....i dont really think so. but if you need to buy a new filter or are replacing a stock unit, id fork over for the APEXi unit.

[94_AcCoRd_EX]

Cool, thanks for the link. If I ever decide to replace my filter, I'll give that a shot. Mine's slightly dented in a couple of places for some reason. I have my splash guard on, and I've never dropped it :confused:

[slowEJ6]

its just one of those crazy "wtf really goes on under my hood when its closed" kind of things ;):D

[asian accord boi]

where can u go for a splash guard?!?!? i want one....:paranoid:

[94_AcCoRd_EX]

Originally posted by asian accord boi
where can u go for a splash guard?!?!? i want one....:paranoid:

Splash guard = stock piece of plastic under where the CAI filter sits. Nothing special :)

[fast enough]

hey man the AEM intake is well worth the $ i have went from the short ram to it and there is conciderable differance.and for the other intakes i have worked with the ice man.not worth it.dont know about injen.but listen to 94 he knows what he is talking about.

[ChrisCantSkate]

Originally posted by fast enough
hey man the AEM intake is well worth the $ i have went from the short ram to it and there is conciderable differance.and for the other intakes i have worked with the ice man.not worth it.dont know about injen.but listen to 94 he knows what he is talking about.
ive got an iceman, no complaints, i'd trade for a aem, but i would highly recommend against a no-name brand. theres r&d that goes into creating parts for best air flow.

[91AccordLX]

I have a question about all the CAIs out there.. assuming all pipes are the same diameter, mendrel bent, and brand names being irrelevant. What are the differences between the polished aluminium intake pipes and the powder coated pipes? The polished pipes look nicer, but how cold will the intake air be, since aluminium conducts heat pretty well and the pipes are placed right next to a hot engine?
Powder coated steel pipes are a tiny bit heavier and not as good looking IMO, but are coated with heat resistant paint.
From a performance standpoint, I would think the powder coated pipes do a better job at keeping the air cold, but the Polished pipes seem to be more popular. Why? :banghead:

[GoFast]

Hey - don't know much about intakes, (just wandering around the forum), but if you're still looking for intakes and want to check out the Injen line, go to www.importperformanceparts.net. I guess their pretty cheap. My Boyf just got the Cold Air Ext. ones for his Accord V6. He's pretty happy with em. Just thought i'd let you know!

[foreverzz]

does name brand matter for intakes? no not at all.

function is what matters most. but its like a couple guys said already, some of the bigger companies are more functional cause more research has gone into them.


but that doesn't mean a no name brand isn't any good.

just do your research and look how it is designed....it may do the same thing a name brand will or it might not.

if your not sure just post here and i'll help you figure it out;)


and make sure you get a heat shield too so to don't keep sucking in hot air from the engine.

the reason you want a CAI is to suck in colder air, ie more dense air, for combustion. if you suck in hot air, you are doing very little, if any, for performance gains.

[ifeldwn02]

i dont know but i know that i have a matrix cold air on my accord and i sounds like an industrial vacum where as accordinstyle has an aem cold air and doesn't do that so in some cases it might make a slight difference

[rakugaki]

Oh, most name brand intakes are C.A.R.B aproved! Street legal yo yo yo! Like AEM and INJEN. keep it legal! oh yeah, beware of "plastic turbos"!!! they're crap!

[SilvaAccord]

Originally posted by rakugaki
Oh, most name brand intakes are C.A.R.B aproved! Street legal yo yo yo! Like AEM and INJEN. keep it legal! oh yeah, beware of "plastic turbos"!!! they're crap!

Yep its CARB friendly, which is a good thing :yes: