Aftermarket intake reliability

[knickerbocker]

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but I'm a bit of a newb when it comes to modding.

I'm considering an aftermarket intake, I understand I won't see much performance gains and I'm honestly considering it just for the eye candy and the sound.

However I'm planning my mods with reliability in mind. For example I'll also be doing the charge pipes and the top mount cooler. So I'm wondering if aftermarket intakes are more or less reliable than the stock unit? I'm a bit conflicted because on one hand most aftermarket pieces are carbon fiber or aluminum which should be a step up from the plastic on the oem unit. But I'm also unsure if changing the shape/design from oem might cause reliability issues long term. Grateful for any insight from other members. Thanks in advance!

[SYT_Shadow]

Ask away, questions aren't stupid

I don't think there's such a thing as a more reliable intake that OEM. I've read about people getting CELs with intakes and eventually going back to the stock system.

[kwatkins12]

As the post above said, some have gotten CEL or a rough idle from aftermarket intakes. The stock intake flows decently well on these cars. I ended up going with a set of BMC drop in filters and removing the charcoal filters. I think it adds a small amount more induction noise if that is what you're after.

[M3nmotion18]

I've had VRSF Intakes and Now Eventuri and never had any issues.

[TopJimmy]

A good name brand aftermarket intake would be reliable (not break) and not give errors. Some brands (BMS I think) have the MAF very close to the filter and the air disturbance pisses off the MAF. Better brands have the MAF further down the tube where airflow has smoothed out.

For the money my pick is MST since it sounds good and uses the bottom OEM air box to help bring in cooler air from the grill. Any under hood intake is going to pull in warmer air than the stock setup.

Best are Project Gamma with the silicone tubes (no heat soak) and front mount filters (which get dirty and can be hard to access). They slide into the factory ducts so mo cutting is needed.

I run BMC drop-ins with stock air boxes for top performance (drag racing at the strip).

[knickerbocker]

Appreciate the insight. So I guess summary is nothing is better than oem (for reliability) but the good brands will be close or equal. Thanks, all. Got some decisions to make.

[hellokitty]

Remove charcoal liners, get a set of BMC filters and air scoops and you'll be golden.

My IATs were the lowest they've been on this setup… just 7 degrees above ambient while cruising on the highway.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by knickerbocker

Appreciate the insight. So I guess summary is nothing is better than oem (for reliability) but the good brands will be close or equal. Thanks, all. Got some decisions to make.

Correct, you are not replacing the intake for reliability but for the sound and look.

[JagR2611]

Originally Posted by M3nmotion18

I've had VRSF Intakes and Now Eventuri and never had any issues.

Originally Posted by M3nmotion18

I've had VRSF Intakes and Now Eventuri and never had any issues.

+1 - Can't speak to VRSF but have been running Eventuri w/o issue.

[Rokoz]

I've had a Turner one for about 8k miles and had zero issues. Car runs flawlessly and I've ever had any codes from it

[Fat Goose]

Originally Posted by hellokitty

Remove charcoal liners, get a set of BMC filters and air scoops and you'll be golden.

My IATs were the lowest they've been on this setup… just 7 degrees above ambient while cruising on the highway.

What air scoops are you using?

[hellokitty]

Originally Posted by Fat Goose

What air scoops are you using?

I run forge Motorsport but any air scoop will work. I would personally go with EAS/Macht Schnell