Finally I had the time to install the CAI and it looks and sounds great!.

Now my question for those that recently purchased AEM CAI, did you guys end up use the 'pillow case' for the filter? It's not in the pics, but i used mine, i think it's to protect the filter from debris?? it's like a black, mesh, pouch you cover the filter up...what were your thoughts?


Anyways, the dry cone filter is awesome! no more need to oil it or anything. I'm happy with it.
:rock:

lookin good. Do you own a lift or did you take it to a shop?

i think the sock thing is for debris and water

I am using the sock, I saw no reason to leave it off. better to keep crap out.

lookin good. Do you own a lift or did you take it to a shop?


It's my friends Dad's shop, His dad lets us use it from time to time. We used it to install my buddy's turbo kit on his SI, and let me tell ya, having a lift is a HUGE help lol.



After following the instructions from AEM... we realized that we could have done it without removing the entire underbody carriage completely!... what a waste of time lol.



yea so keeping the 'Sock' on is a good idea then, *whew*

Glad to see you found some help Crazy 8.

Looks good.

Interested to hear how it sounds. :)

so how long did it take to install? you had to pull the front bumper.... hard?

does it feel any faster or is it mostly just a better sound but no more power/pull?

congratulation man!! i also have my 8 in yellow with the dark chrome rims.. those are hard to find...
how much hp gain u get wi the aem cai? is there any issue with water getting to the engine?

Your thread couldn't have come at a better time. I was just looking into getting one, but before I did, I wanted to see what it would look like. And yeah, just waiting to see what you say about the hp/feel/pull/power.

Glad to see you found some help Crazy 8.

Looks good.

Interested to hear how it sounds. :)

Thanks man! I Can't wait for more projects!


so how long did it take to install? you had to pull the front bumper.... hard?

does it feel any faster or is it mostly just a better sound but no more power/pull?


It took me about 45 Minutes with the lift. it took about 30Minutes to take everything out... but only 15 to install and reinstall everything else. AEM came with VERY Thorough Instructions.. there were 2 steps that you can skip.. 1. is removing the strut tower bar, and 2. is removing the entire underbody.... Just be careful to not damage the air bag Sensor when removing that steel bumper.. make sure you disconnect the battery lol.

As for water getting in, No issues so far, been driving it in the snow, and such.. no issues. AEM comes with a SOCK so it keep it from debris and other stuff. Unless you drive into 2-3 feet deep of water puddles then you're S.O.L, but nothing to worry about.


As for Hp Gains, and such.. I do not know. I Do have my stock Dyno charts, so I will be going to DB Performance up here in MN to get it Dyno'd and will post up new charts soon. it is a Dyno DYNAMIC so it is loaded and hp #'s will be lower compared to a Dyno JET.

As for the BUTT-Dyno, it pulls faster at 7K+ and I LOVE the sound! its kinda sexxy. :ylsuper:

I got my AEM when they first came out, and I didn't notice any power gains...if anything, I think you only pick up a couple HP. But I do like how it sounds. I think maybe it sounds kind of like an exotic with the AEM (although I don't remember what it sounded like before the AEM....and heck, maybe all new intakes sound like this)

where did you pick up your AEM CAI?

where did you pick up your AEM CAI?

Through AEM, they had a $100 off Sale promo for it awhile back so i jumped on it as soon as i had the chance to do so.

Thats looking good nice job man.