K&N vs AEM
There really isn't that much difference that I know of, I'm pretty sure the AEM is a dry flow filter though and I know the K&N needs oiled when you clean it. The Fipk kit from K&N does basically the same thing as an MIT tube except it utilizes a cone filter instead of the stock panel filter. The same goes for the AEM kit you could also easily build your own and save some green and have the same gains and sound increase.
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 347
Likes: 0
From: Boonsboro MD
i only have experience with the AEM brute force, but not with the dodges. i had one on both of my xterra's. the oiled filter was extremely hard to keep clean doing all that off road driving i was doing. if i get another, it will be a dry flow. i had to clean it about once a month with the oiled one. i eventually threw it away and got a cheap ricer one from autozone.
Veteran
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 410
Likes: 0
From: Strawberry Fields
I have an AEM CAI on my ram and I like it a lot. To clean it you need a specific kind of liquid, so I think it is about the same amount of hassle as a K&N. I have a K&N FIPK on my Magnum and it made a big difference as well. I would say they are both good quality. The AEM uses a powder-coated tube, while my K&N uses black plastic (i'm not sure if this is the same as on the other CAIs from them.)
Hope it helps
Hope it helps
Captain
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 599
Likes: 0
From: California
I had a AEM CAI on my 01 Civic loved on my Ram I have the K&N CAI love it. The difference with the tube is the AEM is a powder coated aluminum (I believe) and the K&N (57 series) is plastic which will stay cooler than a metal intake since it is directed directly over the motor. Both are great name brands but I'm sure you'd be able to achieve the same performance out of a cheap ebay brand with a good filter. Look for one with a heat shield. I got a great deals on both my intakes or I'm sure I would have gone the cheaper route seeing that both brands a quite pricey. Good luck.
