We both have the AEM.

 

one of my guys hydrolocked his motor with the AEM and bypass valve failed. Insurance had to buy the new motor.

 

I think the Hydrolock issue is blown way out of proportion. I hydrolocked a bone stock '86 Civic by driving through deep water in a heavy rain storm. I was just too young and stupid to know better. I have been driving my S2000 with an AEM for a year, through lots of rain storms, and I haven't had any problems. I think the bypass valve is just a poor bandaid for stupidity.

I have my fake duct cut out as well, so my AEM filter is completely exposed. I know it gets soaked in the rain, but I haven't had any issues with it.

 

I've done the same thing gernby (cut the fake duct, and ram air to the filter), and have driven through heavy rain. No probs at all.

Did get blindsided in a flash flood though, and the filter was 50-75% (estimated) submerged for a split second or two. Sputtered like hell, but cleared out after a bit.

Hate to change the subject (not completely) but I have insulated my CAI as well. Definitly not something to do for the shows, but is IMHO, a superb way to ensure that engine heat isn't killing the intended funtion of the CAI.

 

What did you insulate it with? I used a insulator tube from Thermotec (I think).

 

Sweet!

I insulated it with the material that you line your hood with, kind of a tinfoil over "space age" padding. I cut it into paterns to fit the bends, and attached with tie wire.

Doesn't look as good as yours, but the whole thing came in at less than $20.

 

Best way to avoid water ingestion...go with the PRM intake...same dyno results as the others, less install PITA, and looks great (not many people around here have it)

Here is a pic....