is there a difference between the cold air intakes. aren't most of them all the same. whats the difference between one that is $70 and one that is $20.

thanks, Mike

 

A true cold air intake will run you 200 + dollars and that runs to the outside of the engine compartment. They have short ram intakes and then they have just upgraded filters by themselves. the order in which i stated goes from best performance to least performance. Short ram intakes still suck in a little bit of hot air from the engine.

 

but the $70 air intakes u see on ebay for sale... aren't those better than having just an ordinary stock one for a 2001 dodge neon?

 

i bought a 25$ with s/h CAI generic brand off ebay and i still get the same performance u would with a AEM or INJEN, its mostly brand name and the filer. check my cardomain and ull c the CAI, same as AEM just 150$ cheaper love the sound too

 

The problem with the cheap ebay CAI's is you do not get a quality K&N or AEM filter, you will be getting a cheap low quality filter. The piping is the same for the most part, i've heard of the pipes coming apart at weld points and what not, but it is a cheap alternative.

 

the "stainless" cheapies will rust at the welds due to stainless rod not being used while welding.

 

Actually, you can find CAI's off Ebay that come with K&N Filters and they are only like 70 bucks......that is what I have on my car and I get just the same power and/or sound as the typhoon.......I have never had any problems with the welds at all.

 

I dunno. I prefere having a name that I know wont fail me and i can trust to give me performance.

Plus if you have to worry about emissions... CAI's from AEM and K&N have stuff to prove they are emissions legal.

 

true CAI > Short Ram. only because your only drawing in hot air with the ram from the engine bay. although it does have to go through more piping to get there. there are good deals out there but as already stated be careful with the cheapies. most times you get what you pay for but there are exceptions. just know what your buying.
there are intake systems out there that are short ram intake but there is a 'box' constructed that isolatees that corner of the engine bay and actually seals against your hood. dont recall who makes it though. plan on spending around 200 for a decent intake.

 

brand names is the only ones i trust or from the dealer, some product can fool you in to buy, ebay it seems they your getting all the info from them, but what do i know i haven't gottan anything from them.....