i've had both the rb intake and aem cai on my car (among others).

rb intake makes very minimal sound changes. it's almost like stock. It's really almost like OEM, so you might be better off getting a more free flowing drop in intake filter in the oem box.

the aem cai makes quite a bit of noise (Unless you have an aftermarket catback, then the sound is drowned out) over stock, and it's in a really nice spot in terms of getting cold air into the engine. I haven't had any issue with water and really no complaints with it.

 

I will never do a traditional cold air intake (that has the air filter down at the bottom of the engine bay) again, unless the MAF is very far away from the filter element (like it might be on a turbo car). I decided to give it a try with my Mazda3. At one point I drove through a fairly shallow puddle at high RPM (expressway ramp, and the puddle was not visible until I got close). It sucked enough water up to destroy the sensor. Total cost, including reflash of ECU by dealer and rental: $500.

 

alzorz-YUP
jedi- the ram duct can also pick up tiny rocks
I have the AEM, its not loud its perfect! and def cooler engine temps

 

Check out this link for problems with AEM

https://www.rx8club.com/canada-forum-35/ms-cai-through-car-wash-testing-theory-162481/

 

^ no problems

 

It is a problem with car wash.

 

I don't do carwashes..but I'd rather not risk it ever. I'd probably lean and get the REVi.

 

mmmm, I don't do car washes, just manual washing for my baby

 

couldn't we just use one of these for the AEM intake?...during rain

 

Think about it.

That wont stop the water.

 

Get a pre filter and you will be fine! I bought my AEM intake used and it didn't come with the sock. I bought a K&N pre filter and have never had one problem. Even in touchless car washes!!!

 

thanks for the help darth ... i love my aem and the concept seems perfect as all the air sucked up is from OUTSIDE the engine bay and i havent had trouble with water yet but ill be getting the cover just to be sure

 

Think about the fileter in the engine bay. Defeats the purpose of a cold intake.

 

exactly especially coz of how hot our bay gets

 

side by side the AEM does look better than the RB. One is nice shiny piping while the other is a somewhat plain looking plastic box. Now, when you install them. Among all those plastic boxes, you have one random shiny pipe with a rather unattractive grid patterned piece of plastic below it.. On the other hand, the RB box fits right in, occupying the space that the stock airbox occupied previously, while still looking a little nicer and more aggressive than the stock airbox.

If you're talking about a stock engine bay, then I think the RB fits in. It's better than the stock airbox look, but it doesn't just stick out or leave a random hole.





Ignoring the K&N sticker, I think the RB looks better. It's plain, but it fits in. Now dont get me wrong, I'm not saying it's bad to stand out or have something that grabs attention, but I just dont like the way the AEM exposes all that crap below and really doesn't dress it up enough to make up for it. I believe I saw somewhere that someone was working on a solution, but until then, I think the RB looks better.

 

i didnt know you could put the engine cover on when you have the aem intake!

 

i don't know why you would.. i think it looks better with it off

 

Not saying in your car this isn't true (since obviously you haven't had trouble) but a pre-filter generally speaking will not prevent water from splashing in. It just filters out more dust/dirt/contaminants from entering the filter. Water will still get in just as easy. So in theory if water can get in with the position and setup of the AEM with no pre-filter, using a pre-filter over it won't stop or minimize it if at all.

I prefer a touch-less wash contrast to manual one since I can get the entire underbelly washed which especially in winter time that's a huge plus. Besides, I clean it up after the touch-less wash anyhow to get rid of any possible water spots and areas left over.

 

I usually use the DIY washes and tie a plastic bag (from walmart) around the filter before I hit it with the pressure washer. The prefilter is more for debris (salt, dirt, whatever) during our CO winters. I drove around without it for about 3 weeks and had no issues (in the winter) and have had no issues since.

All I know is that it is on their and makes me feel more comfortable knowing that I have an extra line of defense. It has worked so far and that is why I recommend it.

 

yeah right

 

You are talking about this filter right (attachment)?

The prefilter slips right over the main filter and will do nothing to stop water from getting into your engine if it is 100% under water. If you are going 100% under water with an RX8 you are one of three things:

1. Crazy
2. Stupid
3. Both

 

AEM’s patented Air Bypass Valve virtually eliminates the chance of hydro-lock in the event the filter of your AEM Cold Air induction system becomes submerged in water. On most systems, the valve installs along the upper portion of the inlet pipe and shuts down induction at the filter when it becomes submerged, rerouting air through its external diaphragm to keep water out and air flowing in. Check with your dealer or call AEM for more information on air bypass valve installation locations.


i say 3 but this filter will help alot

 

Thats pretty cool. I don't think I will be taking my 8 through any puddles big enough for me to ever need that.

I guess AEM had to solve the hydro lock problem for people who do...

 

Even HMMWV's ("Hummers") have intake snorkles for river fording. The '8 is Not an all terrain vehicle.

 

It's not?...

*Goes to sell 8*