what is the purpose of a bypass valve? what does it do? thanks

 

Basically, if your filter should ever become submerged in water, the pressure inside the intake causes the bypass valve to open and draw in air from within the engine compartment. Think of it as trying to drink through a straw that has a hole in it.

 

Good analogy, but you left something out. Imagine you had the ability to bring in about a thousands times more air into your lungs - a shitload of water is still going to get through that straw. Bypass valve = marketing hype. IMO, don't waste your money. If you do, go get a tornado too because they're just as worthless.

 

JUST SAY NO!
Bill clinton says no to bypass valve!

 

I have heard that after a while the material the bypass valves are made of start to break up and can get sucked in your intake. Any truth to this?

 

It's happenned to a few people.

 

AEM recalled all the old bypass valves and gave free replacements, since they have fixed that problem - that was like 9 months ago I think.

 

also ur filter is less likely to become submerged with that much water so that the bypass valve might work......


most likely when u drive in the rain u will have a lot of water splash and settle on the filter....which means the bypas valve wont work for u..........

 

i've heard the bypass valve takes away 3-4 whp. if this is true, Is there a way to cover the bypass valve (or wrap it or something), and remove the cover if you encounter heavy rain?

 

yeah you can get a (rubber/silicone) piece from AEM that will connect the 2 sections of the intake. I never use the B-valve anymore - I broke 4 of them (the older ones I guess) I have a 2nd gen one new in the box - anyone that wants it can IM me

 

Agree with the opinion stated above, the bypass valve is a waste of money, why the hell would you want to drive your car through a huge puddle anyway? and if it is that much of a problem don't drive when it is raining.

 

i was dead set against the bypass valve, then during thanksgiving travels hit a piece of a semi tire that tore apart my splash guard underneath the car. there was no rain in the forecast and still i hit a torrential hydroplaning downpour on a dark highway that i'm not familiar with, has me seriously reconsidering the valve & maybe leaving header wrap or something around it 95% of the time.