Are aftermarket intakes worth it?

[wbsrazzle]

Installed my AEM electronically tuned intake. I unhooked the negative battery terminal to reset the ECU.

How long does it take your ecu to relearn the new intake?

Main question: are aftermarket intakes, like the Perrin CAI, AEM tuned intake, etc etc really worth it? I definitely feel more power from 5k to redline. The powerband is faster from 5k, and there is a surge of torque. Definitely notice a difference between stock.


I'm considering selling this $$$ intake because of the fact it took away torque in the low end plus I want to get my exhaust finished up before I do the intake. Should have thought of that in advance.

Update: Sold

[jflogerzi]

Originally Posted by wbsrazzle

Installed my AEM electronically tuned intake. I unhooked the negative battery terminal to reset the ECU.

How long does it take your ecu to relearn the new intake?

Main question: are aftermarket intakes, like the Perrin CAI, AEM tuned intake, etc etc really worth it? I definitely feel more power from 5k to redline. The powerband is faster from 5k, and there is a surge of torque. Definitely notice a difference between stock.

However, I ALSO notice a difference on the low end from stock. Stock airbox gives great response. With the aem, it almost seems like a half second lag when you rev it. Also I lost torque on the low end, and can notice a decrease in torque from about 2-3.5k which is a sweet spot that I enjoyed.


I'm considering selling this $$$ intake because of the fact it took away torque in the low end, and the response is not instantaneous like the stock airbox.

2 OPtions: 1) get a drop in filter.
2) wait a week or however long it takes the ecu to recalibrate and then make a call.


Thoughts??

IMO an Intake is not worth it. Best option is the stock airbox with a dropin. Now the new TRD Intake looks to be a good combination. Retains the stock system throttle response, while still making some power. I am looking to replace my aFe with one soon. It will take the ECU to learn. What you might be seeing is the dead pedal in the throttle which should go away after 100-250 Miles of driving

[Grip Ronin]

the response issue is from resetting the ecu it takes couple days for it to relearn the TPS. it will go away dont worry bout that. i got the same issue when i first bought the car and after doing my custom intake with drop in filter, it just about made me stall for a few days lol. imo name brand intakes dont make power for the prices they are. drop ins make 1-2 whp less?

[Lytheum]

It took a few days before my car felt normal after installing the fa20club CAI. Haven't really noticed a power increase or decrease...maybe a little more on the top end. I just love the sound the thing makes.

[cfusionpm]

Drop-in filter = 5 hp for $30-50.
Full intake = 7-9hp for $300-500.

What's more important to you? I got a drop-in.

[ramiram1984]

I think people think by installing an intake that they expect their cars to go lightning fast...

[StormTrooper]

Most of the hp gained from an intake is in AFR.... They make almost nothing added to and exhaust and custom tune.

I have a drop in because I can wash it and reuse it. I bought the silicon tube because I wanted to get rid of the noise generator. Not for power. Headers and full exhaust with a custom tune will get you power.

[jflogerzi]

Originally Posted by StormTrooper

Most of the hp gained from an intake is in AFR.... They make almost nothing added to and exhaust and custom tune.

I have a drop in because I can wash it and reuse it. I bought the silicon tube because I wanted to get rid of the noise generator. Not for power. Headers and full exhaust with a custom tune will get you power.

Listen to this man. I regret buying my intake. Thats 1/3rd the cost of good headers that make alot of power

[m.wood0213]

Ive go them aem and its nice I didnt notice the ecu "learning" it but it is a hell of a lot easier to maintain than oem.

[StormTrooper]

For that last 1-2 HP sure or if it's easier or you like the look/sound just don't expect huge gains.

In order to have huge gains it would need to be a restriction and well it's just not.
I have read hundreds of threads and seen dozens of dynos. It was the same with the wrx.

[Fast_Freddy]

I notice that many people here believe that a drop-in filter adds about 5hp. I know that this is sometimes possible but just as often a drop-in filter adds nothing so I'm wondering if anyone has performed an independent dyno test or seen such results for the FA20?

Nothing against the drop-in manufacturers but I don't trust their dyno results.

[cfusionpm]

Originally Posted by Fast_Freddy

I notice that many people here believe that a drop-in filter adds about 5hp. I know that this is sometimes possible but just as often a drop-in filter adds nothing so I'm wondering if anyone has performed an independent dyno test or seen such results for the FA20?

Nothing against the drop-in manufacturers but I don't trust their dyno results.

There you go!

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?p=349361

[Sellout]

Why are people resetting their ECUs? The time it takes for the ECU to recover from that is the same as the time it would take the ECU to respond to the change. Waste of time imho.

[campy]

The guys on the youtube show Mighty Car mods made a couple videos about this.

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCi2yo4UqPI"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCi2yo4UqPI[/ame]

TL;DW: Keep, the stock airbox and just use drop ins. An aftermarket intake in the engine bay will cause you to lose power, and you will see slight gains if the intake is outside of the engine bay, but you won't really notice it.