AEM Air
Induction Systems
Quick Tips for Cold
Air System Installation:
With so many new applications available
through AEM, we recommend reviewing the instructions for your system
thoroughly prior to installing an AEM Air Induction System. This will
save you time.
Do NOT completely tighten the fittings and connections down for your AEM
Air Induction System until the end of the installation. Although each
system is precision engineered and fits exactly the same way on each
application, it is sometimes necessary to maneuver the system to its
mounting points during the installation process. Tightening all of the
clamps and brackets as you go will make this procedure difficult, so you
should make them snug enough to hold the position of the intake system
and only tighten all fittings and connections once everything is
installed and the position of the system is properly aligned.
What is a C.A.R.B.
E.O. number?
Most AEM intake systems either carry an
exemption or have been submitted to the California Air Resources Board
for an Executive Order (CARB EO) number, exempting them from the
prohibitions of California Vehicle Code (CVC) 27156, which states that
you cannot modify your car in the area of the emission control system.
The C.A.R.B. E.O. number allows you to legally use the AEM intake system
on your car.
What’s the
Difference between a Cold Air System (CAS) and a Short Ram (SRS)?
In most cases a CAS will out perform a
SRS. AEM emphasizes developing power in the lower to mid range of the
power band, since this is the area of the power band typically used in
daily driving. A CAS is typically longer and places the air filter
outside of the engine bay to achieve ambient inlet air temperatures. A
SRS places the air filter under the hood and uses a shorter inlet pipe
than the CAS. In some cases, the SRS is preferred over the CAS due to
inlet tract length tuning. The power advantage gained by using the
correct diameter and length of tube negates the advantage of cooler
inlet air in these cases. In these instances AEM only offers SRS because
there was no advantage to using the CAS.
Will an AEM air
intake void my new car warranty?
NO. The only time this can happen is from
improper installation that causes damage to a vehicle system. If a
service technician denies your warranty claim ONLY because the car is
modified with an AEM intake system and the vehicle system failure was
not a direct result of the installation and use of an AEM intake, please
refer him to the Magnusson Moss Warranty act.
What does the soft
mount do and how important is it?
The majority of AEM air intake system
designs mount to a vehicle in two locations. One mounting location is to
the engine at the throttle body and the “cold" or filter end of the
inlet pipe mounts to the body of the car. The movement of the engine on
the engine mounts allows it to rock inside the engine bay, so we
compensate for engine motion by using a soft mount that provides a
flexible link for the inlet pipe between the engine and the body of the
car. If you do not install the soft mount properly the inlet tube may
break at the bracket weld and void the warranty on the intake system.
Our instructions provide a detailed diagram of proper installation of
the soft mount, and are viewable from the search results page for each
application.
I have an engine
swap. Which intake should I use?
AEM manufactures hybrid intake systems
for some Honda and Acura models with popular engine swaps. These intakes
are a direct fit and fully warranted. For cars with other engine swaps,
we do not recommend using our intake because of potential fitment
problems. If you elect to purchase an AEM intake for your engine swap
application, we cannot guarantee proper fitment and any modifications to
the intake system will void the manufacturer warranty.
What is the
warranty on my AEM intake?
AEM warrants that its intake systems will
last for the life of your vehicle. AEM will not honor this warranty due
to mechanical damage (i.e. improper installation or fitment), damage
from misuse, accidents or flying debris. AEM will not warrant its
powdercoating if the finish has been cleaned with a hydrocarbon-based
solvent. The powdercoating should only be cleaned with a mild soap and
water solution. Proof of purchase of both the vehicle and AEM intake
system is required for redemption of a warranty claim.
This warranty is limited to the repair or
replacement of the AEM part. In no event shall this warranty exceed the
original purchase price of the AEM part nor shall AEM be responsible for
special, incidental or consequential damages or cost incurred due to the
failure of this product. Warranty claims to AEM must be transportation
prepaid and accompanied with dated proof of purchase. This warranty
applies only to the original purchaser of product and is
non-transferable. Improper use or installation, use for racing,
accident, abuse, unauthorized repairs or alterations voids this
warranty. AEM disclaims any liability for consequential damages due to
breach of any written or implied warranty on all products manufactured
by AEM. Warranty returns will only be accepted by AEM when accompanied
by a valid Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number. Credit for
defective products will be issued pending inspection. Product must be
received by AEM within 30 days of the date RMA is issued.
AEM DRYFLOW Air
Filters
What makes the
DRYFLOW filter better than oiled cotton-gauze filters?
DRYFLOW filters have several features
that make them better than cotton-gauze. Typical DRYFLOW air filters
have a better filtering efficiency than cotton-gauze filters. Also the
cleaning process doesn't include oil for DRYFLOW air filters. This
removes the mess and question of how much oil to put on the filter.
What is the DRYFLOW
filter made of?
The DRYFLOW filter is made from a
single-layer of pre-pleated polyester synthetic filter media with a
nylon-reinforced internal cage for added structural rigidity. For
conical filters, the base and cap are made from polyurethane, which will
not shrink or crack. Our Brute Force HD Diesel oval filters use deep
pleats and Zytel 15% GF plastic for the cap and base. This construction
assists in the overall structural rigidity (oval Diesel DRYFLOW filters
use 12.5 square-feet of media for maximum flow, approximately 1350 CFM).
Will the DRYFLOW
filter affect my warranty?
DRYFLOW air filters will not void your
vehicle warranty.
How long will a
DRYFLOW filter last?
If you clean and maintain your DRYFLOW
filter, it will last for the life of your vehicle.
Does AEM make panel
DRYFLOW filters for factory air boxes?
Yes, DRYFLOW Performance Panel Filters
are now available for some models.
I have a competitor
intake or AEM intake with an oiled filter. Can I upgrade to the DRYFLOW
filter?
Whether you own an AEM intake system or
competitor intake system, we encourage you to upgrade to the DRYFLOW air
filter. The DRYFLOW delivers one of the highest filtration efficiencies
available in an aftermarket performance air filter, and because you do
not have to oil it, all the guesswork associated with servicing an oiled
cotton gauze filter is eliminated.
How well does the
DRYFLOW filter flow?
We design our DRYFLOW filters to exceed
the flow requirements for the size of the engine that we designed the
air intake for. Rest assured that we have taken flow into account for
all of our intake designs and our DRYFLOW filters will deliver more than
adequate flow for your vehicle.
Does the DRYFLOW
filter flow as well as cotton-gauze elements?
Our DRYFLOW filter flows nearly as well
as cotton gauze elements. In order to increase flow we add more pleats
that are ¼" deeper than much of the competition. Keep in mind that the
DRYFLOW air filter typically has a higher filtration efficiency than a
cotton-gauze air filter. It provides great filtering and provides air
flow well beyond the requirements of your engine.
How often should I
clean the DRYFLOW filter?
Frequency of cleaning for your DRYFLOW
filter will depend on the conditions in which you drive. As a rule, we
recommend that you clean your filter a minimum of every 30,000 miles,
inspect it during oil changes and regular service intervals, and clean
it if it appears to be reaching its dust holding capacity. If you live
in particularly arid, dusty climates or venture off road, we recommend
cleaning the filter every 3,000-5,000 miles.
How long does it
take to clean the DRYFLOW filter?
The DRYFLOW filter media is hydrophobic,
which is a fancy way of saying it does not soak up water. Under normal
conditions, cleaning will take about an hour.
Is it necessary to
oil my DRYFLOW filter?
NO! The DRYFLOW filter NEVER
requires filter oil to trap dirt. It typically filters at a higher
efficiency than oiled filters and blocks harmful dirt particles.
Will frequent
cleanings affect the DRYFLOW filter's longevity?
No. The DRYFLOW filter’s polyester
synthetic media can endure repeated cleanings without significantly
degrading the media’s filtration capabilities. If you clean and maintain
it properly it will last for the life of your vehicle.
What can I do if I
am on the trail and need to clean my DRYFLOW air filter?
DRYFLOW filters for all of our intake
systems exceed the flow requirements of the engine for extended service
and we highly recommend cleaning them per the instructions in our Filter
Cleaning System (Part number 21-110). If you feel you must clean the
filter and do not have a cleaning system available to you, we suggest
hitting it several times to knock the dirt off of the filter pleats and
servicing your filter per AEM specifications as soon as possible. If it
is absolutely necessary, use fresh water to rinse mud or heavy dirt off
the element from the inside out to ensure the dirt does not wind up
inside the filter, and clean the filter per AEM specifications as soon
as possible.
Can I use a
different type of cleaning solution on my DRYFLOW filter?
To ensure optimum performance and
filtering capabilities, use AEM’s Filter Cleaning Solution (part number
21-110) or a mild multi purpose cleaner.
What is the
warranty on my DRYFLOW air filter?
AEM warrants that its DRYFLOW Air Filter
will last for the life of your vehicle.
What is a DRYFLOW
Air Filter?
The AEM DRYFLOW air filter is constructed
of gradient non-woven polyester fibers that are several layers deep, and
as the name implies, it is a very efficient air filter that does not
rely on oil to capture airborne contaminants from the inlet air stream.
The DRYFLOW air filter is not a single layer barrier filter but rather a
depth loading filter where the contaminant is captured through several
layers of fibers.
How do we perform
filter efficiency tests?
We use ISO 5011:2000 with ISO “A-2 Fine
Dust" as the contaminant. Southwest Research Institute performs the
testing and determines flow rate criteria based on the average flow
requirements of a typical engine on which the filter to be tested will
be used. The concentration of the contaminant introduced into the air
stream is significantly higher than what would be encountered in normal
use in order to perform the test in a reasonable time. Typically, 2 flow
rates are used for testing. 160 CFM is used for smaller displacement
engines. 240 CFM is used for larger displacement engines. |
