canuckr

whats the diff?

PatITR

get Injen CAI

GRM Scott

AEM is a long tube with a filter on the end of it, down in the fenderwell.
Comptech Icebox keeps the filter in the stock position, but encloses it and gets air from the fenderwell (where filter is on AEM)

AEM is loud at WOT. (sounds great)
Comptech is just a little louder than stock (most ears can't tell difference)

(The following are guidelines, your experience may vary)
AEM make the most peak power, but has more fitment issues than Comptech, as far as rubbing etc.
Comptech fits very well, and preserves your low end torque, but doesn't peak as high as AEM.

AEM costs a little less than a full Comptech system

Comptech will not suck water as readily as AEM will.

I went with comptech, because that's the kind of design i wanted. I'm very happy with it. Still haven't gotten a dyno of the difference, hopefully will this thursday. Boba likes to call it the "Shitbox", but then, never trust someone who wears a mask. Comptech gets you laid more.


[Modified by Aleph, 1:21 PM 7/23/2001]

FBP_1171

They are pretty close performance wise, but the issue of water ingestion on the AEM (not a huge issue, but a concern none-the-less) is much less likely on the Icebox. Icebox is a little more than the AEM because you have to buy the filter separate. Icebox is quieter than the AEM, and has better low end.

I have the Icebox, and I am very happy with it, fit, finish and performance.

R1020

i really like my icebox. i had an AEM in my old civic si and it was fine, a bit loud at WOT, but fine nonetheless. the icebox is quiet (my thermal makes up for any lost noise! ), but sounds nice at WOT in VTEC - basically a louder, throatier version of the stock sound.

the icebox installs very cleanly, and looks basically stock. cost was about $20 more than the AEM (i'm using the stock elbow).

and i seem to remember that the icebox made more peak hp than the AEM, when austin dyno'd them together (along with the injen) a few months back...

JDM R98

AEM

nsx-Animal

ICEBOX

FAST94GSR

the plots I've seen show that the overpriced icebox from comptech showed some gains in the lower rpms where you don't normally stay.

AEM gives you gains up top where you want it. I have not heard anybody including myself and I live in 'Florida where it rains ALOT sucking water in. Unless you are driving in a foot or more of water you have nothing to worry bout.

ICEMAN is a good system too. It has the flexibility of being a two different intakes. Plus it is funnel shaped which helps speed up velocity of the air.

I am not impressed with the icebox.

RStoR

I guess most of you failed to see my dyno plot of the two!

Same day, same car (Toda cams).! I stopped the AEM 200 rpms short for some reason. Forget the peak whp # and look at the plot alone!

Sidenote: I had the fan blowing on the car for the AEM and DID NOT for the Comptech. Thought this would help simulate moving air over the filter a bit more.

AEM plots have 4000 rpm hump..... Comptech does not! You be the judge.






[Modified by RStoR, 4:55 PM 7/23/2001]

jond

looks like comptech slightly beat AEM in that dyno besise the 4,000 rpm spike. I haven't bought any CAI yet, sucking in water would suck on a $5,000 motor.

Noone has a mp3 of what a AEM sounds like do they?


[Modified by jond, 5:01 PM 7/23/2001]

FBP_1171

At the top, where it matters for our cars, they are basically identical, so I don't get your point. The spike at ~4500rpm makes what difference?

onyx00

What about the ARC intake? I know TypeRmsm really likes it. Any ideas on performance comparison to the icebox and the AEM?

98TypeR

you won't see the arcs benefactors on the dyno. It is real world hp. You will see it with instant torque after exiting turns. It keeps charged air available with a closed throttle. Its an awesome peice but at close to 900 bucks, you get what you pay for.

onyx00

WOW! $900!? That is almost as crazy as the price for the Hytech header!! (j/k).

Hmm, guess I will just go with an AEM or Comptech.