I was just wondering, Is there any REAL difference between the generic CAI's sold on Ebay to say CAI's sold by AEM or Nismo... would HP really be the only set back from a generic one? or should i also be worried about any harm to my engine from a generic CAI??

Thanks for any advice!!

 

They might use a cheap filter instead of K&N?

And if some random particle make it into your engine, who know what kind of damage could happen to your engine.

Why risk it? The price difference isn't too big right?

Also a name brand CAI might have better mounts for the CAI, so it doesnt wiggle around.

 

i bought one off of ebay and the place that installed it said it was made just as good if not beter than some of the leading brands...

 

^ main reason why I wouldn't go with ebay..

 

I dont think the fitment should be THAT big of a deal??

 

depends on the CAI kit...a bad kit would probably require some modification to your car, or some funny inventive way to install it....you really can't tell from the pictures....

maybe some other Z owner here can recommend you a good seller on ebay that sells CAI....

 

I bought a generic CAI from ebay for my '91 integra, but for the Z, i made sure i bought a trusted brand, so i went with the JWT popcharger. If you spent ~30k for a car, dont try to save just a couple bucks on an intake, or for any other part. The Z deserves better.

 

not trying to scare you but my friend bought a generic cai for his 02 wrx and after installing it " SES " light came on and stayed on until he changed the cai...

 

he probably didnt install it right....

 

umm how do you mess up on installation ?
its wasnt his first CAI and there were 3 guys with him ...

 

what's the SES light?

i agree with adrianko43. By going generic you save what 30-40 bucks? If you want to use generic stuff, do it on exhausts where your'll save hundreds of dollars. Then again, w/ a generic exhaust you probably will LOSE hp....

 

SES = Service Engine Soon.

 

No, you can save about $200 on a generic CAI. I've seen them on ebay for about $50, and what's a name brand one cost about $280. The only difference I can tell is in the filter, other than that it could be tube lenth, size and where they locate the bends. I couldn't imagine it causing any problems, accept maybe not as much HP.

 

Exactly what I was thinking...