I'm not sure. I've read about them damaging the bumpers. With the limited exhausts that fit the my06 I'm probably going to end up with the sparrow or the hks. I've only heard soundclips never in person tho. Everythings all up in the air right now but so far I'm leaning towards the sparrow. HKS is right behind tho.

 

If I had an AP2 I'd get the Sparrow. HKS would be my second choice.

 

Out of curiosity (really), if Alan's right that none of the CAI really add power, why are you guys all doing this? Is it that you like changing things to personalize the car? Or are you looking for a different sound? Or is it the bragging rights for saying, "oh, yeah, I just installed my intake this weekend?

 

According to the NA tuning thread it's the filter that results in more power and the K&N does work. If it's the sound you are seeking, the K&N filter in the OEM box does change things from the OEM filter.

The interesting part was that the OEM Honda air filter box worked as well as any of the aftermarket ones. The nice part about that finding is that you can go down to your local Schucks and order the K&N filter for the S2k.

 

For me it was mostly for sound and a little for customizing the car. IMO the S is "fast" enough so I am not really looking to improve the performance. To tell you the truth I have gone the very next day after purchasing a new car and bought an intake for it. I have done this since my very first car (89' Honda Accord). I love the sound and it is a cheap mod. Looking back now that I know more about the S, I probably would not have bought the AEM V2. I would have just got the K&N drop in.

You can't beat the sound of the AEM though. IMO it is one of the best sounding CAI out there for the S.

 

I appreciate the honest answer. I really was just curious. I don't have anything negative to say about anyone who does this sort of thing, provided they know why they're doing it. If you like the sound, and it's a feel-good mod for you, then great. Power's not the only variable in the satisfaction-equation.

FWIW, though, I'm not alone in the belief that the power gains from using a K&N come at a cost. The stock paper filter likely filters out smaller particles. That said, I suspect the difference would only manifest after a lot of miles (like 150K+), so it probably doesn't matter. But I just went through this with the Lotus and wound up deciding to simply buy another stock (Toyota) filter. $8 and it was done.

 

I have had a K and N for many years, no seat of the pants noticeable difference. I like the clean look of the AEM.

 

 

Is there a high risk of sucking up water with the AEM V2?

 

You will hear different opinions on this matter but here is mine

I have had cold air intakes in three cars now while living in the Portland Metro area. As we all know it tends to rain a little bit here and I have never had a problem. That does not mean that hydrolock will not happen but the odds are very low if you pay attention to where you drive. The odds that you hit a puddle and water "splashes" into the intake and you suck enough water into your engine that is causes an issue is very low. You pretty much have to submerge the intake inlet under water(i.e.- going through a very deep puddle)

Just be careful when there are large amounts of standing water on the road and you will be just fine

AEM V2 FTW

Brandon