AEM Intakes and Filters
AEM Air Intake Systems & Air Filters
AEM was founded in 1987 by John Concialdi (J.C.) and Bob Sullivan as a tuning performance shop. The shop focused on vintage automobiles and the latest trends in street racing modified imports. With it's location in Compton California, AEM was embedded in the tuner market from the very beginning. It was a matter of being in the right place, at the right time, with the right technical knowhow. Between J.C. and Sullivan, AEM had two important advantages. Technical engine knowledge and massive creativity fueled by an unbridled passion to make things go faster. When it came to understanding air flow through an engine, few had more experience than Concialdi. He managed the R&D department for Weber Carburetors for North American aftermarket applications the previous 10 years. By 1993 when the shop relocated to Gardena California, AEM had the reputation as a modifier of choice. The business had grown so much that at times it ran 24 hours a day. Racers depended on AEM to have cars ready for the next street race or sanctioned event. Cars and drivers sporting AEM’s bright yellow logo became famous in the street racing scene for one consistent reason, they won races. AEM’s first glimpse of mainstream notoriety came when cars tuned by their shop won at the “Battle of the Imports”. This highly contested shoot-out landed AEM on the cover of Turbo Magazine and Sport Compact Magazine. Many of the most visible drivers in import street racing ran cars modified by AEM. This included names like Adam Saruwatari, Tony Fuchs, Brian Kim and Darin Ishitani, Archie Medrano, Russ Matuseavich, Abel Iberra, Miles Bautista, and E.T. Saffon.
AEM developed one of the first Packaged Air Induction Systems. It's design came from their experience in dyno testing, understanding intake energy dynamics and racing at the Battle of the Imports. AEM’s presence in the tuner movement and its proximity to Nissan, TRD and Honda allowed them a unique opportunity. There was an advantage to living side by side with racers and working with OES engineers. AEM was able to understand both the practical and theoretical side of engine performance. AEM's first air intake kit was offered for sale in 1994 as a "Do-It-Yourself" upgrade for the Honda CRX. This intake proved to be the beginning of a whole new tradition. People could suddenly purchase affordable cars and modify them for increased torque and horsepower. AEM has been a leader in the development of precision tuned induction systems since the Battle of the Imports. Today, the Company’s induction systems number in the hundreds. AEM is still the one to beat.
AEM Air Intake products are consistently put to the test by the industry’s leading automotive publications and websites. The reports of these independent tests consistently prove that AEM products are industry leaders. That is why you will find them under the hoods of many of the best racing teams and industry experts nationwide. Accesspeed is proud to offer AEM Air Intake products to our customers. With our lowest price match guarantee, you will always find the best combination of price and selection at Accesspeed.
Air Intake and Induction » Cold Air Intakes
When you install a cold air intake system, you move the air filter outside of the engine compartment so that cool air can be sucked into the engine for combustion. This cool air is denser with oxygen, which means there is more fuel for combustion and more power for your vehicle. So, yeah, cold air intake systems increase performance and fuel economy.
What does a Cold Air Intake do?
When you install a Cold Air Intake system, you move the air filter outside of the engine compartment so that cool air can be sucked into the engine for combustion. This cool air is denser with oxygen, which means there is more fuel for combustion and more power for your vehicle.
Do Cold Air Intake systems make a difference?
Cold air intakes reduce the air temperature of the air flowing into your engine and increases air flow. Most aftermarket air intake systems remove the need for a box surrounding the air filter and instead use large diameter intake tubes that are smoother, have less bends and are often wider than the original factory ones. Because air moves so quickly through the intake tract, your engine is pulling ambient air from outside the vehicle before you can think about it.
Is there a performance difference between a Closed Box vs. Open Box Air Intake?
Due to air moving so quickly through the intake tract, once you crack that throttle your engine starts pulling ambient air from outside the vehicle in less than a second. Unless you are a professional racer, it is unlikely that you will notice a difference in performance due to the proven physics.
Do Cold Air Intake systems increase horsepower?
Most Cold Air Intake systems increase horsepower and fuel mileage (assuming you can keep your foot out of it long enough) by replacing the restrictive stock air intake system with a system that is designed to increase air volume.
How much horsepower can a Cold Air Intake system add?
The horsepower and fuel mileage results will vary from vehicle to vehicle. For example, late model V8 muscle cars can see a 15-25HP gain, while some trucks may see more or less, depending on how free-flowing the OEM system works.
Is a Cold Air Intake worth the money?
Our customers love their Cold Air Intake systems. The cost per horsepower of a Cold Air Intake is a great value. As a bonus, you can see fuel economy improvements, as well.
Does a Cold Air Intake make your car louder?
In most cases, you will hear more engine sound at WOT with aftermarket Cold Air Intake systems. The sound of your car will be louder and more aggressive with a Cold Air Intake, but you will hear the increase in air flow.
Do you need to tune your car after Cold Air Intake?
A Cold Air Intake is a cost effective and easy upgrade that does not require tuning. While a tune can further optimize your air intake system, you do not need to tune your vehicle after installing most Cold Air Intake systems.
Is it illegal to have a Cold Air Intake?
Each state has different laws governing the installation of aftermarket auto parts that improve performance and/or fuel mileage. Check with your state prior to buying air intake products. Cold air intakes that have a CARB (California Air Resources Board) Executive Order (EO) number are typically legal in most states, as California has the strictest emissions requirements.
How much does a Cold Air Intake cost?
Replacing your vehicle's standard intake system with a Cold Air Intake system can cost $150 to $500, depending on the system. If you pay a mechanic to install it, you will need to consider the cost of an hour of label from the mechanic. The better question would be, how much horsepower are you gaining per dollar you spend?
Is a Cold Air Intake better than stock?
From a performance and fuel mileage standpoint, in most cases, yes. Cold air intake systems can increase both horsepower and torque and can improve fuel mileage, as well.
Can you drive a Cold Air Intake in the rain?
Most Cold Air Intake systems are designed to allow you to drive in the rain. However, if you run your vehicle through flooded streets and submerge all or part of your intake duct or filter, you may cause serious damage to your engine.