I recently purchased a 2001 S2000 and would like a few opinions. I would like to purchase a cold air intake and I am not sure which company to go with. I am very impressed with the RM Racing intake as far as style goes, but has anyone used this, how does it compare to AEM or any of the others.

 

The RM intake hasn't been shown to create any power. The consensus is that it loses power because it pulls in hot air from the engine compartment.

Here is a thread showing dyno results for the Injen and AEM intakes, showing that they do give gains over stock:

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/showthread.php?...&threadid=32058

 

I'm interested on hearing CAI data from those who have them installed ...
what is good and not so good? what about water protection?

 

I made the mistake of buying an RM Racing CAI. It is worse than useless in many circumstances.

First of all, while the polished aluminum piping looks just wonderful, it is a terrible idea. Last summer I would drive home from work, pop the hood, and feel the pipes. They were almost too hot to touch, which means that heated air was going into the engine. The whole point of a CAI is the reverse. The reason it heated up so much is because it is sited right in front of the block.

I reduced the problem by dramatically insulating the thing (but not the filter itself, of course) and that helped a lot. Would drive home from work, move the insulation aside, and pipe was far cooler. That helped but did not solve the problem.

It is basically a bad design, tho very pretty. It works pretty well in the cold weather, but even then I doubt that it helps much below about 50 MPH.

No effective means to to a dyno on the CAI, since when being dynoed the car is stationary. Thus, can't really tell what it does.

Butt meter says does nothing below fifty.

I'm replacing my stock airbod, which I'll insulate as did somebody else on this board. Do a search. Also got a JR Filter from Mingster. Will add his (or Spoon's) CAI to it and see what happens. BTW, somebody put together a home made CAI that apparently worked well. Do a search for that too.

Good luck.

 

thanks for the response
I have changed to the J&R filter and like it
considering the Spoon / or Mingster CAI--- understand that the
Spoon's throat closes in pretty tight and that the Mingster does not-- however
the Mingster may require a bit of cutting.
Concerned about water getting into the system w/ any of them since in Western Tennessee and Arkansas it rains a lot -- like 12 inches during the past several days.
thanks again

 

Spoon/Mingster CAI are essentially the same. we've dyno tested the air ducts extensively and have shown no losses in power due to the design. There are no cutting required unless you want to fit the plastic air dam back in front of the radiator (i didn't bother). the stock airbox definitely help keep the bugs and dirt out. i suggest vaccuming your airbox with a hose once a month at the very minimum if you use an air duct like Spoon's or ours

 

i would stay away from any RM racing products. they made junk for the nsx and it looks like they also made junk for the s2000

 

thanks for the responses ... this helps

 

IMO the best bang for the buck would be the AEM.

 

I think your best bang for the buck is a radiator mat.. a CAI is already built in.. Do a search and you will find plenty of research to back up this solution.