AEM Cold Air intake systems create MORE horsepower than cheaper inferior cold air intake systems. Only AEM cold air intake systems feature CNC mandrel-bent 6061 aluminum intake pipes that are individually tuned in both length and diameter to maximize power in each application. Every AEM cold air intake is powder coated and has TIG-welded fittings and brackets. AEM Cold Air intake systems relocate the filter outside of the engine compartment for a cooler intake charge and more power over the rpm range. For filtration, AEM utilizes its new lightweight urethane, four-layer cotton-gauze filter that features a redesigned air horn that makes an additional 1-3 HP on our Air Induction Systems. All AEM cold air intake systems are C.A.R.B. exempt or pending exemption (50 state legal) and come with complete installation hardware, comprehensive instructions, AEM decal and license plate frame.
AEM pioneered the Cold Air induction system for sport compact cars in 1994.
A Cold Air intake system relocates the filter outside of the engine compartment to deliver the coolest air inlet temperatures possible. Cooler air carries more oxygen, which translates into a more intense explosion in the combustion chamber to create more horesepower and torque. But that's only part of the power equation. Tuning the inlet pipe in length and diameter to match the engine's resonance helps move more air to the cylinders (think of your engine as a big air pump), and no company on the market can tune an inlet as well as we can. We also monitor fuel trim correction factors and all OBDII sensors during R&D to eliminate leaning the engine out and/or throwing a check engine light.
Our Cold Air systems are dyno-proven and tested against the competition to create more useable power than any other system of their kind. Every AEM Cold Air induction system features the highest standards of construction and we are so confident in their fit and performance that we guarantee them for the life of your vehicle. All AEM Cold Air systems are either 50-state legal or pending (excluding "Off Road" and "Hybrid" systems), include a lifetime DRYFLOW Synthetic air filter and come with a limited lifetime warranty.
Outperforms every other Cold Air system on the market
Manufactured and assembled in the USA
50-state legal or pending legality
Inlet constructed of lightweight aircraft aluminum and mandrel bent for maximum flow
Reinforced TIG-welded brackets and fittings deliver added durability
Utilizes a complete hardware kit with soft mounts for a guaranteed perfect fit
AEM’s lifetime DRYFLOW Synthetic air filter is 99.4% efficient in FINE DUST testing, filters dirt as small as one micron, and never needs filter oil!
Comprehensive installation instructions, decals and license plate frame included
Available powdercoated in red, blue or silver, or with a mirror-polished finish
What does the soft mount do and how important is it?
A:
The majority of AEM air intake system designs mount to a vehicle in two locations. One mounting location is to the engine at the throttle body and the “cold” or filter end of the inlet pipe mounts to the body of the car. The movement of the engine on the engine mounts allows it to rock inside the engine bay, so we compensate for engine motion by using a soft mount that provides a flexible link for the inlet pipe between the engine and the body of the car. If you do not install the soft mount properly the inlet tube may break at the bracket weld and void the warranty on the intake system. Our instructions provide a detailed diagram of proper installation of the soft mount, and are viewable from the search results page for each application.
With so many new applications available through AEM, we recommend reviewing the instructions for your system thoroughly prior to installing an AEM Air Induction System. This will save you time in the long run if the installation is too difficult and will prevent you from possibly damaging your system or vehicle.
Do NOT completely tighten the fittings and connections down for your AEM Air Induction System until the end of the installation. Although each system is precision engineered and fits exactly the same way on each application, it is sometimes necessary to maneuver the system to its mounting points during the installation process. Tightening all of the clamps and brackets as you go will make this procedure difficult, so you should make them snug enough to hold the position of the intake system and only tighten all fittings and connections once everything is installed and the position of the system is properly aligned.
AEM intake systems carry or are pending approval for a California Air Resources Board Executive Order (CARB EO) number, exempting them from the prohibitions of California Vehicle Code (CVC) 27156, which states that you cannot modify your car in the area of the emission control system. The C.A.R.B. E.O. number allows you to legally use the AEM intake system on your car.
AEM manufactures hybrid intake systems for Hondas and Acuras with a popular engine swaps. These intakes are a direct fit and fully warranted. For cars with other engine swaps, we do not recommend using our intake because of potential fitment problems. If you elect to purchase an AEM intake for your engine swap application, we cannot guarantee proper fitment and any modifications to the intake system will void the manufacturer warranty.
AEM warrants that its intake systems will last for the life of your vehicle. AEM will not honor this warranty due to mechanical damage (i.e. improper installation or fitment), damage from misuse, accidents or flying debris. AEM will not warrant its powdercoating if the finish has been cleaned with a hydrocarbon-based solvent. The powdercoating should only be cleaned with a mild soap and water solution. Proof of purchase of both the vehicle and AEM intake system is required for redemption of a warranty claim.
This warranty is limited to the repair or replacement of the AEM part. In no event shall this warranty exceed the original purchase price of the AEM part nor shall AEM be responsible for special, incidental or consequential damages or cost incurred due to the failure of this product. Warranty claims to AEM must be transportation prepaid and accompanied with dated proof of purchase. This warranty applies only to the original purchaser of product and is non-transferable. Improper use or installation, use for racing, accident, abuse, unauthorized repairs or alterations voids this warranty. AEM disclaims any liability for consequential damages due to breach of any written or implied warranty on all products manufactured by AEM. Warranty returns will only be accepted by AEM when accompanied by a valid Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number. Credit for defective products will be issued pending inspection. Product must be received by AEM within 30 days of the date RMA is issued.
If you have a warranty issue, please call (310) 484-2322, extension 203 and our customer service department will assist you. A proof of purchase is required for all AEM warranty claims.
Our Chief Engineer John Concialdi provides an explanation of the difference between Aluminum vs. Steel vs. Plastic in inlet piping:
The issue of heat absorption with an intake system has a degree of validity, however we have found that too much emphasis is placed on material selection, instead of the real issue of tuning the system. Our systems feature a unique shape and diameter because this is what we found to make the most useable torque and horsepower for each individual application in testing. However, for the purposes of this discussion, we will limit it to why we choose to make our systems from aluminum and the effects of heat absorption on all materials. If you do not wish to review all of this information right now, a quick synopsis of this discussion is outlined in the following bullet points, with complete topic discussions below:
We use aluminum to eliminate any chance of the system rusting, and it's lighter than steel
We limit our use of plastic because this material absorbs some of the sound energy we work to create in the inlet duct
Whether or not an inlet system is made from aluminum, steel or plastic, the thermal conductivity of the duct material has little effect on engine power
The rate at which air travels through the inlet path under open throttle, when one is asking the engine for maximum power, negates the effect of material heat soak, regardless of the material
We use aluminum—or a combination of aluminum and plastic plenums for throttle-body-injected applications that require a special plenum—for every intake we produce. This eliminates any chance of rust occurring on the inside of the inlet pipe. We have seen chrome-plated steel systems whose inner diameter became rusted over time, causing flakes of rust to travel along the inlet path. We also choose aluminum because of its lightweight properties. Heavier components place higher loads on the brackets they are attached to—or even worse, to the pipes they are attached to. We combine our lightweight aluminum design with a flexible coupling device we call a soft mount that connects the intake system to the body of the vehicle. In addition to the soft mount, we use doublers at the point where the mounting bracket is welded to the pipe for additional strength.
We limit our use of plastic because this material absorbs some of the sound energy we work to create in the inlet duct. Although we use the best plastic material for our plenums, it is still not as resilient and does not retain the visual appeal of aluminum over long-term use. Because we have to use plastic on throttle body applications, we take extra precautions to ensure that the aluminum retaining ring that attaches to the throttle body is anchored securely into the plastic plenum; this is done by making an interlocking mechanical link between the plastic and aluminum.
Whether or not an inlet system is made from aluminum, steel, or plastic, the thermal conductivity of the duct material has little effect on engine power. We have found that the tuning of the pipe, in addition to providing the coolest inlet air source, are the keys to making useable power. We perform engine inlet-air-temp studies when developing each application to determine the coolest location for sourcing inlet air. In addition to this, we determine the safest location for the inlet source to protect it from highly dusty conditions and water. To this end, we provide a stainless-steel heat shield to help minimize heat soak into the inlet area, as well as to provide protection from dust, dirt and mud.
At light throttle opening, air speed and airflow at the inlet system are relatively low. The high residence time of air in the inlet while at low-throttle settings will increase inlet charge temps when materials with high thermal conductivity are used. Typically, when someone is at light throttle they are not asking the engine to make power. Most likely, fuel economy is the issue.
When the throttle is fully opened however, air speed and airflow increase considerably. Typically, the inlet air speed of a 5.7L engine with a four-inch duct at full throttle is 34 feet-per-second, based on a volumetric efficiency of 70% and an engine speed of 3,000 rpm. Most inlet systems for every intake manufacturer for this engine are 30 inches or less. This means that the air in the duct of a 30-inch inlet length on this engine at the given rpm is 1/10th of a second—hardly enough time to transfer an appreciable amount of heat into the air stream on any system.
Basically, the rate at which air travels through the inlet path under open throttle, when one is asking the engine for maximum power, negates the effect of material heat soak, regardless of the material. We hope that this helps to clear up the issues of material heat absorption in intake systems.
Can I use an Air bypass valve on a forced induction engine?
A:
Do NOT use an Air bypass valve on engines equipped with forced induction (turbo or superchargers). The increased flow demands created by the forced induction could damage the valve and lead to engine damage.
Can I plumb a nitrous nozzle into the inlet pipe before the Air bypass valve?
A:
Placing a nitrous oxide nozzle before the bypass valve will lead to fuel contamination of the foam spring and filter, and degrade the integrity of the plastic valve housing due to the extremely cold temperature of the nitrous oxide. Nitrous CAN be used downstream of the bypass valve, either along the inlet pipe (room permitting) or plumbed into the intake manifold or throttle body.
The AEM bypass valve protects the engine from ingesting water and hydro-locking if the filter becomes submerged in water. Hydro locking occurs when the end of the inlet pipe is submerged in water and the water is sucked into the engine. Driving the vehicle in rainy conditions is not enough to cause a problem unless the vehicle submerges enough that the inlet end of the pipe is immersed in water. Rain impingement on the filter will not cause a hydro lock condition.
The distance of the filter from the road dictates the level of water that can cause damage. This distance varies with the vehicle ride height, which is why there are no published numbers for this measurement. We suggest taking this measurement and keeping it in a log book, so that in the event you encounter deep water you will know what your maximum allowable depth is before potential submersion of the inlet pipe.
All AEM Cold Air Intake installations retain the factory splash shield (fender liner) for filter protection and performance. Removal of splash shield actually deteriorates performance by allowing air heated by the pavement to enter the filter and negates any positive pressure created in the air filter area when the vehicle is in motion.
There are some instances where there is not enough room around the inlet pipe for adequate clearance of an Air bypass valve. In these instances, we recommend installing a Short Ram system if water ingestion is a concern.
AEM is in the process of including diagrams in its Cold Air Induction System (CAS) instructions for Air bypass valve placement. In the mean time, if you receive a system without this information and are unsure as to where the Air bypass valve installs on your CAS, please contact AEM customer service at (310) 484-2322, extension 300 and we will provide information on proper placement of the valve.
Generally, the Air bypass valve installs along the upper section of the induction pipe, close to the throttle body. Do NOT install it too close to the Inlet Air Temp sensor, and NEVER install an air bypass valve in between a throttle body and Mass Air Flow sensor (MAF). Be sure to check for clearance for the width of the Air bypass valve during installation, and to use the provided template that comes with your Air bypass valve to remove the proper amount of material from the induction pipe.
NEVER use an Air bypass valve on a forced induction vehicle as it will damage the valve and could lead to engine damage.
What’s the Difference between a Cold Air System (CAS) and a Short Ram (SRS)?
A:
In most cases a CAS will out perform a SRS throughout the useable power range. AEM emphasizes developing power in the lower to mid range of the power band, since this is the area of the power band typically used in daily driving. A CAS is typically longer and places the air filter outside of the engine bay to achieve ambient inlet air temperatures. A SRS places the air filter under the hood and uses a shorter inlet pipe than the CAS.
In some cases, the SRS is preferred over the CAS due to inlet tract length tuning. The power advantage gained by using the correct diameter and length of tube negates the advantage of cooler inlet air in these cases. In these instances AEM only offers SRS in some cases because there was no advantage to using the CAS. These applications are noted in the search results.
NO. The only time this can happen is from improper installation that causes damage to a vehicle system. If a service technician denies your warranty claim ONLY because the car is modified with an AEM intake system and the vehicle system failure was not a direct result of the installation and use of an AEM intake, please refer him to the Magnusson Moss Warranty act. You can download the Magnusson Moss Warranty act from SEMA’s website at: http://www.enjoythedrive.com/san.
I have this CAI for my RSX Type-S. Besides the trademark VTEC sound you get, it has excellent mid-top range gains. The location of the filter maximizes cold air flow, and isolates it from engine heat.
I highly suggest every NA tuner AEM's Cold Air Intake.
Gotamaspeed reviewed AEM Cold Air Intake part # 21-506r
This is a very nice product very easy to install and the finish is good quality I actually have installed
3 of these for my freinds and they love them also.
mybadbox reviewed AEM Cold Air Intake part # 21-567p
Not too bad, not too good. Just one of those parts that helps, but just barely. The only reason why I got this was for the CARB Sticker. Otherwise, I would have gone with the Pelican or something similar.
UltraMagneticAL reviewed AEM Cold Air Intake part # 21-462c
Nice product,I had it on my D16Y7 before I swaped.Noisy lil thing but no doubt that it pulls more air as I was running high 15's with this and a header.Price does concern me though but these things are dyno tuned to your application and make power.
98civic4door reviewed AEM Cold Air Intake part # 21-413b
My AEM CAI was a great mod. I gained a few horses on the dyno, and it sounds absolutely awesome when the cars at WOT. Love the sound of VTEC with this thing. The polished finish looks good next to my polished tie bar and really sets the engine bay off. Been running it for three years, and it's held up excelent to the horrible northeast weather.
jettaboy20 reviewed AEM Cold Air Intake part # 21-414p
the aem cold air is a very easy power gain especially if you have a honda...the power gain and clean sound is easily noticeable right away...i previously owned an aem short ram and was not as happy with the short ram as i am the cold air...
hacktime24 reviewed AEM Cold Air Intake part # 21-419B
I had this intake on my Integra GS-R and it was great. The Build quality, sound and performance gains were exceptionally well for the price. Great Intake and a great buy!!
M3tor2nR reviewed AEM Cold Air Intake part # 21-404R
This was my first bolt-on. It has a nice deep sound in the low RPM range during wide open throttle and when the lobe profile changes in the engine, it sounds a lot meaner. If I had to do it again, I would go with a generic pipe than AEM due to the cost. I felt little gains due to being the first mod.
SweetEBPSi reviewed AEM Cold Air Intake part # 21-417B
AEM has become my new choice favorite, when i upgrades my engine, i figured it was time for a new intake, so i figured ide give my K20A a new breath of fresh air, and boy oh boy did it like that. You could really fell it start to pull more in the mid to high range, not to mention gave the engine a little deeper sound. AEM all the way.
K20txem2 reviewed AEM Cold Air Intake part # 21-506B
Awsome kit. Installation is easy. It took me no longer than half an hour to pull the stock intake and install the new AEM Cold Air Intake. I noticed a performance change immediatly. More HP and torque with almost no fuel economy change.
gismo3usn reviewed AEM Cold Air Intake part # 21-434P
so good it is the best bang for the buck and it actually will change the sound of your car at least it did on mine highly recommend for the very first thing to be put on any car
Great all around performance mod and very simple to install. Definately should be your first mod to your N/A ride. I have had this intake for about 3 years and it is still working great. The filter is easy to clean and maintain and the power increase is very noticable. You also have to love the sound.
BLouisGod reviewed AEM Cold Air Intake part # 21-500P
AEM Cold Air Intake is the best!...A very big difference performance than just the SRI!...So, if your into racing, I would recommend the CAI but if you guys are into shows, then I would go with the SRI.
I have this on my Scion xA and I really love it. Sounds really good. Import Tuner had one on their scion and dynod a gain of 6HP to the wheels..which is pretty dang good for scions. Im very pleased with it
Awesome product. The added perfomance greatly increasing how the xB reacts off the start. Our scionmag.com release series xB sports the orange release series cai.
This Product Is Awesome! Very Easy and quick to install, I would definitely recommend this to a friend. Also adds some HP. The only bad thing is it’s just a lil pricy unless you got the money. Which if you do its definitely the right choice for you.
SaMuRaI reviewed AEM Cold Air Intake part # 21-401B
Aem intakes are a good add-on. You can feel the power the first time you step on the gas. It also makes your engine sound more deep and mean like. It also add's some bling bling to the engine bay. Great product and great price.
romoracing reviewed AEM Cold Air Intake part # 21-414B
I have an AEM CAI on my civic. I absolutely love the sound, and hp gains on the top end. The only thing I dislike about thoios cai, or any in general, is that they suck up water real easy and make your car sound trashy..
this is the first mod i got. the only drawback to this is, that it's so low to the ground making it vulnerable to hydrolock. this happnes like .001% (barley everr). this is probably the least expensive, and legal modification you can do with the highest gains. you get that mean vtec sound. the colder the air, the more horsepower, that's what the AEM CAI does. i highly recommend this for the NA machines!
leetran04 reviewed AEM Cold Air Intake part # 21-506B
These things are crazy!! with the stock air intake on my car felt restricted. after I replaced it with the AEM CAI it felt waaaay different and better!! sounds wicked crazy too! and you can definitely feel the difference!
Claim Jumper reviewed AEM Cold Air Intake part # 21-430R
This is simply the best part I've put on my car. The quality is perfect the looks are great. And best of all, performance and sound are both incredible. You can not go wrong w/ this intake. The sound at vtec is amazing. A++
ebp2000si1 reviewed AEM Cold Air Intake part # 21-417B
This is a high quality cold air intake system that AEM produces. I found it to be the easies bolt on there is. And it is the best bang for your buck. I never ever have any trouble with it. Outstanding product!
Very nice product for a quick and easy bolt on. You will gain some power off of it too. I could definetly tell the difference when I put it on. If your looking for a cheap and easy bolt on that comes with some power this is the intake for you.
This cold air intake works great for me. Mid-High End gains are sweet. It was some what easy to install as long as you read instructions. And I even had my friend buy one for his teg. It also gave me a pretty good decrease in time at tracks... I suggest getting this AEM cold air.....
i have it on my 97 prelude and it really does work better than most cold air, also looks great, i give it a 5 star, oh not to mention sounds great when vtec hits
I bought one for my 2003 Accord 2.4L 4cyl. The intake is awesome!!!Great sound and performance. You feel an instant difference. Your car will be more responsive. Well recommended..
AEM is the best! I love it, it sounds great, and looks amazing in the engine bay. I wouldn't buy any other intake for any car. Makes a great bolt-on. I would recommend this for everyone.
Sway_NV reviewed AEM Cold Air Intake part # 21-406R
I installed this CAI on my CD7 Accord several years back and it has worked ever since then. It is very easy to install and comes with in depth instructions and everything you need for the install. To this day I have not had any problems with it (4 years and running). I would recommend this to anybody looking for CAI.
prometheusecks reviewed AEM Cold Air Intake part # 21-408C
One of the current intakes i use on my prelude. Great mid and upper range power off this. Each aem intake is harmonicly tuned for your car, that means the intake you get is the best of of the box. Would recommend one of the first things to get when u modify your car. Only down fall to the intake is the noise factor. Which i don't see none but if u live around an area that cops like to pull people over for noise i would recommend the aem short ram.
navteclude916 reviewed AEM Cold Air Intake part # 21-405R
No big turbo kit is complete without a fresh, low restriction cold air intake. these kits not only look great under the hood, but they also help to eliminate the engines need to create vacuum that pulls in air and allows you engine to focus its energy on other things. like making you go faster. these intakes often create a whoosing noise that can be heard every time to step on the gas. these intake systems can be installed in an hour and will look great for years.
deep_stage_srt4 reviewed AEM Cold Air Intake part # 21-425R
Accessories
Cart)
Reviews of AEM Cold Air Intake
