invictus320

i got a 2004 rx8, kinda new to this site too

- can anyone give me some information on these two systems and if you have it how you like it?

- I think it should be pretty easy to install, but if anyone has any tips that would be helpful or pics, i didnt really find another post yet.

- and im thinking about getting a new K&N for 250, good or bad price?

tamz273

im looking for a similar answer... so far my research has gotten me:

1) K&N is cheaper (about 50$)
2) AEM can sometimes suck in water if gone into a puddle during rain
3) They both give no performace, just sound...

Charles R. Hill

iTrader: (7)

The only way to know if aftermarket intakes provide a benefit over the factory unit is to ask the manufacturer for MAF sensor readings taken at WOT, 9,000 RPMs, with each intake installed under similar environmental conditions. Chances are that the data isn't available because it won't show any airflow gains.

DarthRX8

I owned the K&N V2 and traded it for the AEM because IMO the K&N is too loud. Also with the AEM my IAT is never higher than 10 to 15 degrees above AMB. When I had the K&N the temp would soar, until I started driving again, then it would go back down.

I wouldn't worry about sucking up water in the AEM, it comes with a filter sock that stops most debris. Just don't go through any touchless car washes, unless you tie a plastic bag over the filter .

tamz273

So you think puddles wont affect an AEM filter??

DarthRX8

I let you know after this winter. From what I have RESEARCHED on this site, before I got mine, as long as you don't drive through anything huge you are good. I have had mine on for almost a month now with zero issues.

tamz273

cool cool, and how is it sounding?

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

AEM, even with sock on, will suck water. even when you completely stay away from car washes.

How I know? Cuz I have one

Been driving it for 2-3 months and I just took it apart couple days ago, there were water marks all over(inside). almost up to the MAF part. no good. I rarely drive over water puddle, even I do those are really low ones.

Next week or so I am going to swap my winter tires back on, by then I probably gonna change it back to K&N for now.

tamz273

wats the diff between the AEM n K&N? just sound and location? (since both dont change performance much)

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

AEM's intake pipe extends all the way to the Radiator area, so it can get colder air when idle/not moving.

K&N is a short ram, the filter is located where the stock airbox is, it sucks hotter engine bay air when idle/not moving.


I wouldn't use K&N with stock VFAD, thats just a total waste of time.

AEM/Mazdaspeed looks good, I just dont like the water up there.

tamz273

Does K&N with stock VFAD make the sound any better?

mysql

K&N is a hot air intake. You may as well stay stock since stock is an all around better designed intake.

The AEM is a true CAI. Also Mazda sells it as a mazdaspeed accessory.

Water isn't harmful to the engine. Unless you submerge the intake in water, you won't have any issues with it. I drive it in the FL rain without issue. Before I had the AEM, I had two other CAI's that had the filter in similar locations. No issues. I even clean out my engine once a year by having it suck up a gallon of distilled water into the engine via intake manifold.

tamz273

well im in boston and driving my 8 in the winter isnt very pleasant... snow + rain constantly... puddle everywhere... should i still go with the AEM?

mysql

If you're worried about rain splashing onto the intake, you can get an intake heat shield and position it so that the shield blocks air from blowing directly onto the filter, thus water would also not hit the filter directly. CAI just needs to be in an unheated airstream, so it wouldn't need air blowing on it to function.

tamz273

im worried about going in a puddle deep enough to cover my WHOLE filter... yeh, they DO get that deep here in boston...

mysql

At what point do you worry about your carpets getting wet? Cause the filter is placed something like 16" off the ground.

tamz273

oh... :D haha! so a "splashgaurd" shud be fine then..! i just placed an order!

mysql

the AEM filter is located just under the low impact bumper (the metal bar above the radiator), just so you can get an idea of it's location.

tamz273

ah ok... i guess ill be fine then.. hoping for the best!! my first winter driving in boston... lots of people say its the wrong car to learn to drive in the winter... will find out soon!

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

I took these pics while removing my AEM for the Racing Beat.

always.anthony

sorry a bit off topic but this is just an engine flush right?

invictus320

i dont know about the question right above me...
but from what ive been hearing so far, im really not so sikked to get either of these haha
i would want to lean more towards the K&N, but it doesnt seem to be so great.
for a first engine upgrade? what would be a good candidate?

VS8

iTrader: (4)

when i first got my aem intake i forgot that i had it on and i sucked water in a little at a car wash...but there was no problem it dried out pretty quickly because that cloth type object that came on it blocked most of the water

toneskii707

I have a k/n and it seems to heat soak pretty easy, but the k/n sounds sick sounds like a street bike at high rpms, AEM is better its a true cold air intake if I were u I'd go with AEM

mysql

It doesn't matter if water gets on the filter or into the filter. The piping goes to the left, then up vertically. It's not like you're pouring water into the engine directly.

I will concede that if the filter is wet and you're driving, moisture will likely get into the engine, but that's harmless. In fact, if you had a way to drip water into your engine when it operates, that would keep it better clean and healthy than if you didn't. You wouldn't want a buttload of water though, as that would cause the engine to not run optimally, but it still wouldn't damage the engine.