I've been researching K&N vs. AEM cold air intakes and the more I read, the more I wonder if a good K&N filter in my stock system wouldn't be better.

Since the stock system is picking up air from outside the engine compartment, it is going to be cooler air, and at speed the air would be forced in.

I'm sure that isn't the case since everyone installs a cold air intake, but can someone explain why K&N and AEM cai's are better?

Also, if I can ask without starting a war, any gsr owners who have experience with both K&N and AEM cai's please give me your input on which you like best. AEM definitely look better, but everything I read says the K&N is a better cai.

Thanks.

 

Both the CAI and stock box get cool air from outside so that isn't a big difference, but I would guess that intake temps are still lower with the CAI because the air has a straighter shot into the engine and is probably moving a bit faster.

The main problem with the stock airbox is the resonator, which is a big flow obstruction. A CAI will flow much better and provide a power boost to any build. As far as K&N vs AEM, I doubt there's much difference. Only pipe diameter and length really makes much of a difference, and those should be similar. FWIW most of the top all-motor builds on this forum have 3" ITR style AEM CAIs.

I remember when the big argument was between AEM and Injen -- honestly I don't think it matters much. I'd go with whatever is cheaper, or AEM if you want a CARB sticker.

 

Thanks for the input. Between your response and a few search strings that worked for me here on the forum I think I chose a good CAI. I ended up with a AEM V2 and found it open-box for less than I was going to get the K&N for. Feeling pretty good. Now I just need some pistons, cams, headers, exhaust and a good tune. Maybe next week

 

The stock airbox draws air from behind the abs unit on the passenger side, which is in the engine bay.

 

^this


A cold air intake is the closest thing you can get to having your throttle body sitting outside of your car, which, besides debris, is the ideal performance situation.

 

Thanks for the correction. It's been so long since I had mine that I guess I had forgotten.

 

I had an aem v2 that was cut in half to make it a short ram. Ran that for 2yrs and it worked ok. Then decided to make a short ram outta 3in IC piping and a new filter. Seemed like throttle response was better if anything.

 

Short ram sucks up the hot air from the engine bay, so a stock airbox will work better than a short ram. There are a few modifications you can do to a stock airbox to increase airflow, too.

 

I recently picked up a used AEM V2 for my '01 GS-R, and I really like it. It might have added a little low end, but I can't feel it. The butt dyno says there is more high end power, because the tires break loose sooner and the shifts are a little more of a handful.

But the sound...god damn the noise is awesome. I like intake howl way more than exhaust drone. I'd almost be willing to pay full price on the V2 just for the noise. The fact that I got it used and got power too? Bonus. :p