i had comptech and the aem before...
performance-wise the aem was a lot better...
and with long tubes its more beneficial to a high revving engine due to resonance.
i have to admit the comptech one was hellava lot better looking

 

Spoon vs Mugen vs J's

I've had a few intakes over time and the best that I found is the J's Racing Tsuchinko Chamber pictured above. Why? A few good reasons, mostly in contradiction to those Mugen diehard lovers. Don't get me wrong, I have bought many Mugen products over time but not everything in aspect is exactly world class or the "best" out there no matter how much it costs. Those who want to argue that Mugen products are no doubt the best are simply trying to justify how much they've spent on something that isn't exactly the best and they know it.

Anyway back on topic, the Spoon intake + Spoon airfilter combo is perfect if you're truly running a N1 race that limits what you can modify but this isn't Japan. Otherwise it's much like a stock airbox design with better airflow, period. This isn't going to increase your heartbeat or make you feel a dramatic improvement but it most certainly does the job better than an OEM setup. Note though, you still carry excessive weight from the OEM airbox and the Spoon intake/filters are quite expensive. Or you can settle for knockoffs.

The Mugen is definitely much better but intakes are intakes. It may have great engineering but is highly overpriced for what it can do, truly unless you've deep pockets this wouldn't be much better than what the design has to offer. The filter is still small when compared to a similar design and the hood still needs to be cut to fit it. Unless of course you have the budget to pair it with a Mugen CF hood to complete the setup. This is the truly most expensive option bar none.

J's! Now why is this better IMO? Simple, J's tuning principals are like Mugen although not as big budget. J's however does do a very good job at times to improve on products made by other big tuners. In this example, the J's intake was engineered by and from the Mugen intake but further improved to maximize the potential of this "style" of intake. The use of CF like the Mugen for weight reduction/less heat soak, a bigger filter element (twice the size of the Mugen version) and a further improvement using an air bubble and extended air scoop not found on the Mugen. What you have is a much efficient race proven product and a much cheaper price when compared to the Mugen. Same deal on hood cutting or purchase a compatible CF hood but nothing beats further engineering improvements on an already flawless product.

So now I have the used Spoon and Mugen setup sitting in the garage useless after proving that the J's although much cheaper than one but when it comes to the crunch, it ultimately does a better job. Price is never an indication of performance.

 

"The stock airbox could also sound like that if didn't have the baffles. Those
are there to CONTROL those very resonances the die-hards love. Don't you
just love Honda for watering down intake honk?"

Is it possible to remove these baffles in the stock airbox... MY04 diffrent than previous?

Also, whats the best filter to replace the stock filter with?

Thanks

 

There is a whole thread regarding the physics behind intakes i.e. more info than just anecdotal BS and marketing.

It's in the UTH forum. So instead of falling prey to marketing ploys, look at the science behind the design.

 

Also, you really can't compare the AEM/Injen style intakes to the Comptech/PRM/Stock.... its comparing apples to oranges.
Read the physics thread, get some understanding how the intake works and make you decision.

 

i am learning alot here, alot of opinions, so here is mine, stay with the stock setup, it is free, it gives the best protection from hydrolock, it is the least noisy(if you like noise then get an intake for sure), there are minimal hp advantages with any other than stock intake(this i have had experience with and agree with 100%)...the factory took tiime and money to develope a good compromise intake of sound vs hp, etc...why not enjoy it.

there is little we can do short of fi to improve this engine setup...just my take. put your money somewhere else, again just my take.

 

what is the expected hp gain with a spoon snorkle and filter?

 

I'm not trying to flame anyone here, but I disagree with people who keep telling others to leave their cars stock because the stock system can hardly be improved upon.

The stock system indeed is quite nice from the factory, however, compromises have to be made to make the car appeal to more people. With a nice I/H/E setup and maybe some tuning, overall power is noticeably increased, not to mention the weight-reducing benefits of the parts. Of course, the consequences are noise, a lighter wallet, and sometimes, compromises in looks; therefore car modification is not for everyone.

There is no good compromise for everyone, but if the car is perfect for you in stock form, you may just be the luckiest person in the world.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by tenblade2001
Also, you really can't compare the AEM/Injen style intakes to the Comptech/PRM/Stock.... its comparing apples to oranges.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Russ