After driving around with the AEM (cai, one-piece) for 5 years, I finally reverted back to stock (full setup with resonator) today. The following are my impressions of both intakes.

Stock
Power is alot more linear throughout the entire rpm range. With regard to sound, whistling noises are non-existent and the vtec changeover point is less dramatic (almost imperceptible in my case). This intake produces a single personality that is more civilized and practical.

AEM
The AEM was amusing mainly because of its pronounced power spike. To gain this, however, alot needed to given up. Noise and responsiveness at low rpms being the most significant sacrifices. This intake creates a dual-sided personality in which the tame side (before vtec) is laggy and the wild side (in vtec) is too loud.

*Upon removing the AEM, I noticed quite a bit of dirt had collected inside the intake tube and the throttle body. Now, I can't blindly claim AEM is at fault here because this may be a general byproduct of the type of filter used.


I decided to switch back to the stock intake because I've grown to regard the sound and spikey nature of the AEM as largely unnecessary. Sometimes, alot of noise coupled with a fast looking car is all that is needed to get pulled over on the street. In terms of the spike, I doubt this needs to be used often off track. But even on the track, I'd much rather prefer a linear power curve.

I know what I'm typing appears to be heavily biased against AEM, but in truth I was initially impartial if not in more in favor of AEM. After all I did buy it and install it, thinking it would be an improvement over stock. These are my findings and nothing more. If you stand by AEM and feel my results are incorrect, you have the right to your own opinion.

 

i like my car having a jekyll-hyde setup, i'll definitely go make sure dirt isn't collecting inside though. and at the track it was all high reving so i didn't really use the low end.

 

I know what your talkin about with the response, but the response isnt really that bad, and the spike when vtec kicks in makes it all worth while. Having stock for a while is nice, but dont you get bored/tired? With the stock intake everythings way too quiet, I just love the crazy loud sound accompanied by a sudden surge of power when vtec kicks in. Im addicted

 

I hate the AEM intake. Had one for three years and switched back to stock, and I couldn't be happier.

As for the dirt, I suspect that puddles wash away the filter oil, allowing more dirt through the filter. I noticed the same thing when I removed mine.

 

when i has my type R before it got stolen, i had the AEM intake on there for about 2 years. i got rid of it and put a spoon drop in filter and made a custom air duct going from the front bumper into the bottom of the air box. i loved this setup way better. looked cleaner, etc. if you held your hand inside the ducting i made, revved the car up, you could feel some sucking action going on.