Stock intake with K&N filter OR AEM short ram intake? - Honda Prelude Forum

Ferrari · 02-13-2002, 09:29 PM

What would be more beneficial for my 2001 Prelude? A stock intake with K&N filter (around CDN$80) or an AEM short ram intake (CDN$200)?? If it's the AEM, is it worth the price difference?

Thanks

BryanS · 02-13-2002, 09:51 PM

personally I use the AEM CAI, but if I wasn't and had to choose between the short ram and a drop in filter in the factory intake plumbing, I'd go with the drop in filter. I'd also remove the OEM resonator that is housed in the fenderwell so that the intake has the sound that people like from the intakes.

My reasons - the drop in filter with resonator romoved will take in cold air from the fenderwell, while the short ram will take in hot air from under the hood. It is a well known fact that the colder air is benefitial to performance. The drop in filter with resonator removed would be cheaper to do since all you need it is the filter. My guess would be that the sound would be similar, though the short ram may be a bit louder. I don't have any experience with this since I have only run the stock intake and the AEM CAI, but I hear that the short ram is louder than a CAI so I'd GUESS that it's also louder than stock with the resonator off. you decide if the sound is better when it's louder or quieter. That's dependant a lot on an individuals opinion.

I do like my AEM CAI and would recommend it over either of the previously mentioned options. The only drawback I see is that hydrolocking, through sucking water up the intake, may be more of an issue. Also, I hear that you lose a bit of low end power with one, but I didn't notice it... I did notice the increase in the top end though.

redlude2k1 · 02-14-2002, 11:03 AM

just do yourself a favor and get a aem cai...

do it for your car man

marcucci · 02-14-2002, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BryanS
My reasons - the drop in filter with resonator romoved will take in cold air from the fenderwell, while the short ram will take in hot air from under the hood. It is a well known fact that the colder air is benefitial to performance. The drop in filter with resonator removed would be cheaper to do since all you need it is the filter.

It's a fact that cooler air makes more power, but the stock system is constricting enough that a short ram does make more power, even in hot climates (like TX). I ran the car both ways, an Iceman short ram made a nitceable difference in performance (not just noise).

Dynamic EBP · 02-14-2002, 02:00 PM

between the two choices, definitely get an aem short ram, i have both intakes, and i like the short ram just fine, except for the ridiculous mounting bracket...
and for 125 overnighted, how could i go wrong?

djc · 02-14-2002, 02:07 PM

I run a Short Ram with the MonsterFLow filter. Man that filter rox. I've had it for over 2 years now, and the first year, i never took out the resonator, so it was sucking hot air from the engine bay. It still gave me power.

After I got rid of the res, i tilted my MonsterFlow right at the fenderwell hole. The way the filter works, it sucks most of the air from the tip. In any case, the colder air totally helped, and i got the best of both worlds. Low end short ram, and high end cold air.