First of all I went to install my AEM CAI today and had several problems. It didn't seem to fit too well and worse, the breather hose was way too short. Stretched all the way it wouldn't even touch the nipple on the pipe. Anyway, this frustration today got me thinking as I was looking through some old Japanese catalogs. Forgive me if I'm wrong or sound stupid but if I decided to solely purchase products from Mugen, Spoon, etc., could I count on a significantly more reliable and quality product(not saying AEM isn't good)? I know the cost would be crazy but if I'm down to fork the $ should I go for it? Also, is obtaining such items difficult, I don't want to wait for a year to get something? As for as the internet goes, where is the best place to order? The end goal of mine is to have a 100% reliable daily driven ITR with i/h/e, and some other handling and interior goodies.

 

I had an AEM CAI for my GSR and the damn thing always had fitment/rubbing issues. It is possible however that mine was an isolated case.
I just got a Comptech Icebox and after one year, I had no problems with it.

 

Don't get too frustrated. I put a AEM CAI in my R, and I got it too fit as good as it can. And I usually can't do stuff like that. The only thing I did do wrong is bust one of the bolts on the strut bar when i went to put the bar back on. But anyway, the hose thing. This is what I did. I don't know if it's right, mind you. You take the stock hose and put it into the hose from the AEM Intake, and clamp the two together with a hose clamp. Yea it looks dumb, but it works. If I am wrong for doing this, someone please let me know. I don't know why AEM didn't make the nipple on the intake the same size as the head nipple. I guess it's just me. Hope this helps.

 

That idea crossed my mind but I'm one of those annoying people who doesn't like "rigging" things to make them work. Thats why I'm starting to consider just forking out the extra cash to get things that hopefully make me feel better about my car and it's health. What will happen to me is that I'll buy one thing and kick myself later as I knew I should have just went straight for the best even if I financially suffer a little.


[Modified by TypeR01-424, 7:01 AM 6/21/2002]