What is the difference between:

1. An AEM CAI
2. A mandrel bent tube with same quality steel, same diameter + a good K&N filter and tig-welded parts.

I've asked many people, and they all answered:

Money: One cost about 3x the other.

I understand the term: "you get what you paid for." But in the intake case, I don't really think that applies. Unless AEM, K&N, Injen, or all those people really use the mixed minerals-steel to make the pipe, otherwise, I see that they're all the same. When talk about heat shield, that mandrel bent tube can get powder coated with good heat resistance quality and still end up being half as cheap.

I've own both for my old H22 Accord back then, and took them to dyno tune. Don't see a difference between tunes when I switched out intakes. Not even 1HP difference.

 

difference is that K&N is garbage

 

Hmmm, and here I thought AEM uses K&N Filters? Well, I take that back. I was last time when I used it which was 4 years ago.

Anyways, so beside the filter, you agreeing that piping doesn't do shiets regardless if it's name brand or not, correct?

So People, get the right sized pipe, make sure that the inside is not chipped or anything (don't want anything to flow into your engine) and a good filter. You're good to go.