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*BlackDeuceCoupe* · 09-13-2001, 03:56 AM

As usual, I'm left to write the decenting opinion...

First of all, let me tell you what I run. I have a 2000 CiViC HX and I like the stock airbox. So that there is no confusion, I am not saying the stock airbox is the best setup for everyone because Honda engineers have changed the basic airbox design so many times over the years. Since the 2000 CiViC was the last of its generation, I'm sure it was the best of the best, so to speak.

I run the stock air box, but didn't like the OEM paper media air filter. I installed a K&N air filter. I raced cars, motorcycles and ATV's for years and K&N air filters cannot be beat IMO.

OEM aside, there are basically only two different types of air induction systems on the market --- short pipes and long pipes.

IMO forget short pipe systems. Most offer superior APPEARANCE over stock, but deliver only minimal or no PERFORMANCE gains. This is because the materials used cannot compensate for the hot air that is forced into the system. Short pipes draw air from inside the engine compartment --- the warmest place in your Honda. That leaves you with long pipe systems...

Long pipe systems can honestly carry the title of "CAI" or cold-air induction because they offer the opportunity to claim air from outside the engine compartment. There are many true long pipe systems on the market.

If you remember nothing else from this post, hear this:

The finish of the pipe plays a huge role in determining the air flow temperature!!!

That whittles the field down even further. If you want great looks AND great performance that leaves you with two choices --- the AEM and the Iceman long pipe induction systems. The difference is the finish...

If it was me, I would choose the Iceman intake. Why??? The Iceman system features a UNIQUE molded pipe with a funnel effect to speed up air velocity. AEM offers a long pipe system with a slightly smaller diameter, which increases velocity, but the Iceman design has measurably better results.

Secondly, and most importantly, while the AEM system features a heat resistant zirconia powder-coated finish, the Iceman is made of plastic and there's no comparison when it comes to which conducts heat less --- metal or plastic. The AEM system claims cold air from outside the engine compartment, only to have it heated by its metal pipe on the way to the manifold. The obvious fix for this is to wrap the tube, but who does that besides racers???

Summit Racing sells the Iceman system, for your car, for 195 bones. They sell the AEM system for 230 bones. You can save some money and get the best at the same time. It's a WIN-WIN situation, if you ask me...

09-13-2001, 03:56 AM	#15
BlackDeuceCoupe The Great Ape Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Skull Island Posts: 774	As usual, I'm left to write the decenting opinion... First of all, let me tell you what I run. I have a 2000 CiViC HX and I like the stock airbox. So that there is no confusion, I am not saying the stock airbox is the best setup for everyone because Honda engineers have changed the basic airbox design so many times over the years. Since the 2000 CiViC was the last of its generation, I'm sure it was the best of the best, so to speak. I run the stock air box, but didn't like the OEM paper media air filter. I installed a K&N air filter. I raced cars, motorcycles and ATV's for years and K&N air filters cannot be beat IMO. OEM aside, there are basically only two different types of air induction systems on the market --- short pipes and long pipes. IMO forget short pipe systems. Most offer superior APPEARANCE over stock, but deliver only minimal or no PERFORMANCE gains. This is because the materials used cannot compensate for the hot air that is forced into the system. Short pipes draw air from inside the engine compartment --- the warmest place in your Honda. That leaves you with long pipe systems... Long pipe systems can honestly carry the title of "CAI" or cold-air induction because they offer the opportunity to claim air from outside the engine compartment. There are many true long pipe systems on the market. If you remember nothing else from this post, hear this: The finish of the pipe plays a huge role in determining the air flow temperature!!! That whittles the field down even further. If you want great looks AND great performance that leaves you with two choices --- the AEM and the Iceman long pipe induction systems. The difference is the finish... If it was me, I would choose the Iceman intake. Why??? The Iceman system features a UNIQUE molded pipe with a funnel effect to speed up air velocity. AEM offers a long pipe system with a slightly smaller diameter, which increases velocity, but the Iceman design has measurably better results. Secondly, and most importantly, while the AEM system features a heat resistant zirconia powder-coated finish, the Iceman is made of plastic and there's no comparison when it comes to which conducts heat less --- metal or plastic. The AEM system claims cold air from outside the engine compartment, only to have it heated by its metal pipe on the way to the manifold. The obvious fix for this is to wrap the tube, but who does that besides racers??? Summit Racing sells the Iceman system, for your car, for 195 bones. They sell the AEM system for 230 bones. You can save some money and get the best at the same time. It's a WIN-WIN situation, if you ask me... __________________ Posted by BlackDeuceCoupe - 2oo0 Honda CiViC FBP HX cOUPe "Pay special attention to posts by BlackDeuceCoupe, the instigator of the forum, who does a nice job of breaking my column and responses down." - Paul Brink, ASU State Press DISCLAIMER The existence of BDC is disputable. The existence of views, in the absence of anyone to hold them is problematic. The existence of the reader is left as an exercise in the second order coefficient.