About drop-in engine filters and aftermarket air intakes.

[Fred 930]

I think it's criminal that we let aftermarket equipment suppliers "convince" us to buy upgraded products, without demanding at least some basic technical / engineering measurements to show why their stuff is superior to OEM, or to each other. Obviously, there are a number of parameters that apply to most products, but in the case of air filters I'd at least expect to see things like:

• pressure vs flow characteristics
• particle sizes captured
• flow versus service life
• typical expected life
• intake noise
• cost versus expected life
• other stuff that would add to the sales pitch comparisons.

Kinda makes you wonder how many automotive "upgrades" actually do just the opposite?
Looking cool only goes so far .....

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[UWU-mancer]

I think it's criminal that we let aftermarket equipment suppliers "convince" us to buy upgraded products, without demanding at least some basic technical / engineering measurements to show why their stuff is superior to OEM, or to each other. Obviously, there are a number of parameters that apply to most products, but in the case of air filters I'd at least expect to see things like:

• pressure vs flow characteristics
• particle sizes captured
• flow versus service life
• typical expected life
• intake noise
• cost versus expected life
• other stuff that would add to the sales pitch comparisons.

Kinda makes you wonder how many automotive "upgrades" actually do just the opposite?
Looking cool only goes so far .....

I’m with you. But in prl’s defense. It was all of the type r guys that convinced me

I caved. Peer pressure sucks.

 

[egxflash]

I’m with you. But in prl’s defense. It was all of the type r guys that convinced me

I caved. Peer pressure sucks.

100%

And really....looking cool goes pretty fucking far in auto enthusiast circles

 

[Ktrw]

The AEM filter is like a nice sweatshirt compared to the PRL filter is like an old thin worn t-shirt. Definitely a big difference.

I will say the intake noises are slightly, maybe 10% quieter with the AEM on now. Still a million times better then the stock intake noises. lol

Dammit, I want my swooshes LOUD.

 

[Victorofhavoc]

I think it's criminal that we let aftermarket equipment suppliers "convince" us to buy upgraded products, without demanding at least some basic technical / engineering measurements to show why their stuff is superior to OEM, or to each other. Obviously, there are a number of parameters that apply to most products, but in the case of air filters I'd at least expect to see things like:

• pressure vs flow characteristics
• particle sizes captured
• flow versus service life
• typical expected life
• intake noise
• cost versus expected life
• other stuff that would add to the sales pitch comparisons.

Kinda makes you wonder how many automotive "upgrades" actually do just the opposite?
Looking cool only goes so far .....

Oem spend so much money on engineering to build their designs. I don't believe the aftermarket world has the ability to spend millions like that and still make a profit... If they did, your aftermarket intakes would cost $5k.

It's unreasonable to set that high of an expectation on them. It's also unreasonable to expect the dealer to warranty anything the aftermarket part touches or effects.

 

[jaypinto]

Chiming in here boys, I’m curious how the infinity design intake compares to PRL?

 

[nikw91]

100%

And really....looking cool goes pretty fucking far in auto enthusiast circles

Lol it is just one tiny tick quieter for A LOT better filtration! It’s worth it! I PROMISE!

People can hate all they want about aftermarket intakes but my PRL intake paired with my HKS SSQV sounds AMAZING. I have received multiple compliments on the streets and at Sebring Raceway.

 

[nikw91]

Check out this guys Instagram. He tests the efficiency and compares different brands of intakes. Pretty neat setup he has.

According to his tests, AEM Dry Flow has 99.5% filtration efficiency.

 

[UWU-mancer]

Check out this guys Instagram. He tests the efficiency and compares different brands of intakes. Pretty neat setup he has.

According to his tests, AEM Dry Flow has 99.5% filtration efficiency.

Good info. Thnx.

 

[egxflash]

i

Lol it is just one tiny tick quieter for A LOT better filtration! It’s worth it! I PROMISE!

People can hate all they want about aftermarket intakes but my PRL intake paired with my HKS SSQV sounds AMAZING. I have received multiple compliments on the streets and at Sebring Raceway.

I believe you. I actually was planning on swapping out to the AEM filter next interval change because I never liked/trusted oiled filters.

 

[dkzk21]

I switched to the AEM dry flow filter about 7,000 miles ago since the PRL filter was letting a lot of dust inside.

Just so everyone knows, the PRL filter is just one single thin piece of cloth that is see through.

I was running the Spoon/Sprint drop-in filter for about 8k miles, it's about as see through as this if not even more. Checked it recently to clean it, ran a clean finger against the inside and pulled back dust that was definitely not there when I first installed it (car already had about 11k miles on it with the Oem filter at that that time).

I've since switched it out for another oem. I'm curious about the 27Won Hybrid intake but I've struggled to find a single detailed testimonial on it.

 

[Victorofhavoc]

I was running the Spoon/Sprint drop-in filter for about 8k miles, it's about as see through as this if not even more. Checked it recently to clean it, ran a clean finger against the inside and pulled back dust that was definitely not there when I first installed it (car already had about 11k miles on it with the Oem filter at that that time).

I've since switched it out for another oem. I'm curious about the 27Won Hybrid intake but I've struggled to find a single detailed testimonial on it.

Here's someone who did some testing for fun... Looks like spoon style robs you of a little power in the process. https://www.thedrive.com/features/dyno-testing-air-filters-9-to-90-in-my-civic-si-do-any-make-power

Spoon filters are made by sprintfilter, and aem dry is made by k&n.

Regardless of make/type/etc, no aftermarket high-flow filter will be better at filtration!

All of them, regardless of brand, are made by one of the 3-4 big makers out there, like sprintfilter, filtech, etc.

The benefit you get from a synethtic filter is the ability to wash and repurpose - that's it! There is no other benefit to them. They do not make more power. They do not filter better. They do not improve your throttle response. They do not do anything that they claim except be reusable. If you're fine with that trade off and you plan to pull it every 2-3k miles and tediously follow the cleaning process, then a few of them can he a good bet...

... Otherwise, if you're looking for more noise, start deleting the resonator and silencers in the intake path but keep the stock airbox and paper media. If you're trying to shield heat, it's a game of turbo blankets, reflective foil, or other insulating methods.

Given the primary flow restriction is the turbo, and not the intake, the "power additions" claimed by throwing on an intake are going to be found from how the intake screws with the sensor feed to the ecu. Move the airflow sensor left or right and you have different readings. This is also why tuners will tell you there's no benefit to an intake until you're going to a larger turbo, and therefore changing the flow restriction point... Even then, if the intake path is larger than the turbo inlet size, there is still no magical flow restriction.

 

[dkzk21]

I'm not looking at performance as much as just "cool noise" at this time. Eventually I am interested in some performance upgrades (custom tune, intercooler, reverse flow hoses, heat blankets, etc) but I'm OK capping out somewhere close to 400whp.

Its my daily and only vehicle so I do worry about reliability and I'd rather stay semi-conservative with it for that reason. I do love loud intake noises but if I can't get them without giving up decent filtration then I guess I'll be keeping it stock.

 

[nikw91]

Here's someone who did some testing for fun... Looks like spoon style robs you of a little power in the process. https://www.thedrive.com/features/dyno-testing-air-filters-9-to-90-in-my-civic-si-do-any-make-power

Spoon filters are made by sprintfilter, and aem dry is made by k&n.

Regardless of make/type/etc, no aftermarket high-flow filter will be better at filtration!

All of them, regardless of brand, are made by one of the 3-4 big makers out there, like sprintfilter, filtech, etc.

The benefit you get from a synethtic filter is the ability to wash and repurpose - that's it! There is no other benefit to them. They do not make more power. They do not filter better. They do not improve your throttle response. They do not do anything that they claim except be reusable. If you're fine with that trade off and you plan to pull it every 2-3k miles and tediously follow the cleaning process, then a few of them can he a good bet...

... Otherwise, if you're looking for more noise, start deleting the resonator and silencers in the intake path but keep the stock airbox and paper media. If you're trying to shield heat, it's a game of turbo blankets, reflective foil, or other insulating methods.

Given the primary flow restriction is the turbo, and not the intake, the "power additions" claimed by throwing on an intake are going to be found from how the intake screws with the sensor feed to the ecu. Move the airflow sensor left or right and you have different readings. This is also why tuners will tell you there's no benefit to an intake until you're going to a larger turbo, and therefore changing the flow restriction point... Even then, if the intake path is larger than the turbo inlet size, there is still no magical flow restriction.

Just my opinion.

I think for those of us looking for more sound then OEM, the PRL intake with the AEM filter is the loudest and the most filtrated aftermarket option.

 

[ElpacoSV]

I think it's criminal that we let aftermarket equipment suppliers "convince" us to buy upgraded products, without demanding at least some basic technical / engineering measurements to show why their stuff is superior to OEM, or to each other. Obviously, there are a number of parameters that apply to most products, but in the case of air filters I'd at least expect to see things like:

• pressure vs flow characteristics
• particle sizes captured
• flow versus service life
• typical expected life
• intake noise
• cost versus expected life
• other stuff that would add to the sales pitch comparisons.

Kinda makes you wonder how many automotive "upgrades" actually do just the opposite?
Looking cool only goes so far .....

All good stuf BUT....cars in genral are an impulsive buy...."performance " parts are even a bigger impulsive buy...we as enthusiast want confirmation bias that our impulsiveness is justifiable to our mind...

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