I want an CAI for my S2k. Shopping on Ebay I have a couple of options... the cheap crap and the expensive crap!

cheap crap

Expensive Crap

Whats the difference??

 

You get a really cool $230.00 "AEM" sticker with the one.

On a serious note, someone posted here a while ago saying they bought the "cheap" variety. It turned out that all the pipe bends were in the wrong places and the mounting brackets weren't in the right places, either. A bit of modification was needed just to get it on the car. And who knows if the air filter will survive more than one or two cleanings. We all know that AEM uses good stuff like K&N. But then, he did finally manage to get it on the car.
With AEM, you know it will fit the car. With the other one, you won't know till you try to put it on.

 

I was the guy who got the ebay, then the AEM V2. In fact, The exact pictures you showed, are the exact CAI's I got. Do not get the cheap one. It is very true a pipe is a pipe, the cheap one has all the same bends as any high brand CAI. But it has no nipples, not enough hoses, and you will always worry about the quality. Instead of nipples for the hoses to go into, it just has holes and the hoses aren't even secure. They just sit inside this hole. So I had to fill the holes with a sealant. Also, the intake isn't nearly as secure, because the brackets are in the wrong places. So it doesnt bolt down anywhere, just sits there. Also, it's a two piece just like most other CAI's but the sleves that hold it together aren't as secure.
On the other hand, the much more expensive AEM V2 is perfect in every way. Looks better. Bolts down securely. Even has a bracket to bolt your sensor to. Comes with EVERY hose you will need to make the install very clean. Has nipples for a secure fit. And it comes with the new AEM filter(you don't use oil anymore, you just wash it in a solution). AEM V2 is well worth the money.

If you want cheap but what looks to me like high quality, go here, another s2ki member recommended this to me but they were on backorder so I ended up getting the AEM V2! Hope all this helps!

 

The main difference is the craftsmanship, quality, fitment, R&D, and CARB certification.

 

I have an Ottoman CAI on right now it's an AEM copy.
It comes with a real K&N air filter, fitment is good and it sounds
great. It comes with all the hoses and accessories.
I think it was like $60 and $30 for shipping from Pro Car Parts.

 

My friend got an ebay intake for his car. It was a complete POS. It had actual bolts in the intake pipe. The pipe had unneeded bends and nothing lined up. Not to mention it put a dent in his hood. Get the real deal, its worth it

 

The best intakes have been designed while on the dyno, to give a hp or 3. Not rob power like a cheap unit.

 

After reading your post,I think,you deserve this one.:

http://www.bulletproofautomotive.com/catal...ail.php?ID=2208

 

that must be your favorite site. they should pay you for all the times you have linked someone to their products. even if you are being sarcastic!

 

Or this one:
http://www.kingmotorsports.com/product.asp?detail=207