Hey guys, I currently have an AEM CAI that requires me to take off my front left tire when I want to clean it. I like the intake but it's a huge pain. I'm thinking of getting a cheap ebay CAI for around $20 that is much shorter and wouldn't require me to take off the wheel when I want to clean it up. Do you guys have experience with these cheaper ones?

 

Chrome Intakes. Enough said there, $30 shipped for a CAI that doesnt go through the fender wall.

Ive had it on my car for close to a year now, very nice intake and it doesnt go through the fender. Its probably your best bet (plus its the cheapest CAI I found on ebay)

 

is it pretty easy to clean and take out too?

 

very easy

 

You'd be much better off getting the actual CAI. You're looking for a WAI. It's not a very good option for performance, you might be better off just removing the resonator.

 

If it's in the engine bay, it's not a CAI.

I've got an AEM and have never taken off my wheel to get to the filter.

Not once.

You are doing it wrong.

Besides, you only need to clean it what, every 10 to 15K miles? That's like 2 times a year TOPS at the MOST.

Get under your car,take off the 3 or 4 screws that hold the splash guard on, and push your splashguard out of the way.

There, no wheel taken off. BTW, what's the big deal about taking wheels off?

 

My AEM intake instructions say that it needs to be cleaned every 6 months, once a year at the MINIMUM. Doing it wrong? I've tried doing what you suggested but the filter itself is still a huge pain to remove even when the wheel is off.

I just want something that's easier to manage and takes less time. Since I'm in medical school now I don't have time to be doing much with my vehicle.

 

Lol I have an aem cai as well and I have never taken the tire off. My tib was like 2 inches off the ground and I was still able to take the filter off through the splash guard. Heck my new tib doesn't have the splash guard after the wheel so I can just reach in and take the filter off....



It sits way in front of the tire so it isn't really a problem.... as low as my tib was I was able to do it with out even jacking up the car....

 

I don't understand how it is hard to take off or clean at all, that's all. I live in the desert and I've only cleaned mine 3 times since I got it. Hell, it's rarely even dirty when I DO clean it.

Would you still clean it if you hadn't driven it for 6 months?

Think about it my man, AEM sells the intake and filter.

They say to only clean the filter with THEIR filter cleaner.

They say to clean it every 6 months, ensuring you buy a set of their cleaner 2 times a year. That stuff is $20 a set.

...

Get it?

If you are having trouble with the hose clamp, use a socket and ratchet instead of a screwdriver, off and on in a minute tops bro.

 

i had a similar problem with my AEM filter getting incredibly dirty. it depends where you live. we have so much dust, debris, leaves, sap, mud, dirt, grime, trash, you name it. it isn't difficult to take out. you just unclip the splash guard buttons and tilt it downward. then get a flathead and pivot the filter downward. it takes no more than two minutes.

the filter should not get dirty at all unless your splash guard is cracked or missing. in response to my filter getting filthy, i got a new dryflow polyester filter and i cut my AEM tubing so it is below the battery tray it gets cold air right from the side of the splash guard, behind the radiator. you can see it from the bottom, but not the side. because water is flowing downward and back, it never ever reaches the filter. i've driven it through everything at all kinds of speeds and the filter looks as good as new. no performance decrease from the CAI. i'll take some photos for you when it's light out.

i'm not sure about cheapo CAI's. i know they'll work, but AEM's are specifically made to work for us, plus carb approved. they're really stupidly overpriced though.