What made AEM so expensive?
12-Nov-2002, 12:28 PM
#1
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Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Mak Sai Sha Ga
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What made AEM so expensive?
Was looking at the intake for my 4th Gen,
AEM cost as much twice as the other like Ractive or those you found in Pac Mall.
Anyone knows why? Are they better or you are basically paying that much $$$ for the brand.
regards,
Mugen C
AEM cost as much twice as the other like Ractive or those you found in Pac Mall.
Anyone knows why? Are they better or you are basically paying that much $$$ for the brand.
regards,
Mugen C
12-Nov-2002, 02:11 PM
#7
CARB is the California Air Research Board, which is the clean air authority for the state of Cali. That is, the emissions on your car will not be affected by using a CARB exempt product. You know how some stuff says "For use on non-emissions controlled vehicles only" or "Off-road use only". Well, CARB exemption ensures that the emissions ppl won't hassle you.
12-Nov-2002, 02:38 PM
#9
Originally posted by SiR-Racer
of course it's not all that hard to get a "CARB exempt" sticker and stick it on one of those no-name intakes.
of course it's not all that hard to get a "CARB exempt" sticker and stick it on one of those no-name intakes.
A CARB sticker isn't a sticker per se. It's not like you can buy a Type R sticker and make your car a Type R....so a CARB Exempt sticker doesn't make the part CARB exempt. Rather it's a certificate, a legal document that has records kept at the CARB office. It is assigned an exemption number that is to be quoted on the emissions certificate if applicable. Plus, the no-names are real crap, they'll give you that noise, but will rob you of the power you most use -- the midrange. Why the hell are you trying to save a couple hundred bucks anyways...this is your car you're talking about...if you can't do it right, why do it at all? I'm not knocking you for asking, it's a valid question, but as you know, you get what you pay for. In my experience I've spent too much money on "cheaper" parts, and then even more money to get it right...so in other words, I've spent double what I had to...I've learned my lesson, and am trying to pass it on for you to avoid my mistakes.
12-Nov-2002, 02:44 PM
#10
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Originally posted by ryanhook
Nope... sorry boys, I think the major factor that makes them expensive is the CARB exemption certificate. That's something you will probably not find on other intakes.
Nope... sorry boys, I think the major factor that makes them expensive is the CARB exemption certificate. That's something you will probably not find on other intakes.
12-Nov-2002, 06:09 PM
#12
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Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Streetsville
Posts: 2,290
'AEM cost as much twice as the other like Ractive or those you found in Pac Mall.'
Nearly 3 X the price. A complete and utter rip. Understanding the exemptions Ryan suggests, it still is a just a pipe and a sticker. Dyno, shmyno! The AEM definitely fits without any jury rigging -- that's its primary benefit. My knockoff from Pac Mall was $99.00 from Formula with fake sticker. Fits with a little help from your friends, sounds great and offers an amazing improvement in acceleration smoothness.
I thought the only snake oil was in high end audio!
I cannot recommend the Formula knockoff high enough. If I had bought an AEM, then tried the knockoff, personally, I would feel ripped off. A good dose of buyer remorse.
Nearly 3 X the price. A complete and utter rip. Understanding the exemptions Ryan suggests, it still is a just a pipe and a sticker. Dyno, shmyno! The AEM definitely fits without any jury rigging -- that's its primary benefit. My knockoff from Pac Mall was $99.00 from Formula with fake sticker. Fits with a little help from your friends, sounds great and offers an amazing improvement in acceleration smoothness.
I thought the only snake oil was in high end audio!
I cannot recommend the Formula knockoff high enough. If I had bought an AEM, then tried the knockoff, personally, I would feel ripped off. A good dose of buyer remorse.
12-Nov-2002, 07:26 PM
#15
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Join Date: May 2002
Location: Cambridge
Posts: 1,520
CARB makes no difference to us since we're in Ontario.
Don't get me wrong AEM is good stuff but I also can't justify paying triple the price for what a no-name brand costs.
As for the "noise" comment, maybe I'm just lucky but I haven't experienced and "noise" with my intake. Also mine fits in perfectly although some ingenuity had to be done to make it fit since my bumper didnt come off(but thats a dif story...)
If you're after the performance though just strap on a K&N filter and it'll help since the filter ya get with the no-names sucks.
But if that extra horsy makes that much of a dif then by all means get the AEM!
Don't get me wrong AEM is good stuff but I also can't justify paying triple the price for what a no-name brand costs.
As for the "noise" comment, maybe I'm just lucky but I haven't experienced and "noise" with my intake. Also mine fits in perfectly although some ingenuity had to be done to make it fit since my bumper didnt come off(but thats a dif story...)
If you're after the performance though just strap on a K&N filter and it'll help since the filter ya get with the no-names sucks.
But if that extra horsy makes that much of a dif then by all means get the AEM!
12-Nov-2002, 10:30 PM
#17
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Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: REDLINE
Posts: 2,759
Originally posted by bbarbulo
A CARB sticker isn't a sticker per se. It's not like you can buy a Type R sticker and make your car a Type R....so a CARB Exempt sticker doesn't make the part CARB exempt. Rather it's a certificate, a legal document that has records kept at the CARB office. It is assigned an exemption number that is to be quoted on the emissions certificate if applicable. Plus, the no-names are real crap, they'll give you that noise, but will rob you of the power you most use -- the midrange. Why the hell are you trying to save a couple hundred bucks anyways...this is your car you're talking about...if you can't do it right, why do it at all? I'm not knocking you for asking, it's a valid question, but as you know, you get what you pay for. In my experience I've spent too much money on "cheaper" parts, and then even more money to get it right...so in other words, I've spent double what I had to...I've learned my lesson, and am trying to pass it on for you to avoid my mistakes.
A CARB sticker isn't a sticker per se. It's not like you can buy a Type R sticker and make your car a Type R....so a CARB Exempt sticker doesn't make the part CARB exempt. Rather it's a certificate, a legal document that has records kept at the CARB office. It is assigned an exemption number that is to be quoted on the emissions certificate if applicable. Plus, the no-names are real crap, they'll give you that noise, but will rob you of the power you most use -- the midrange. Why the hell are you trying to save a couple hundred bucks anyways...this is your car you're talking about...if you can't do it right, why do it at all? I'm not knocking you for asking, it's a valid question, but as you know, you get what you pay for. In my experience I've spent too much money on "cheaper" parts, and then even more money to get it right...so in other words, I've spent double what I had to...I've learned my lesson, and am trying to pass it on for you to avoid my mistakes.
dude, you really think a cop is going to check the authenticity of a CARB sticker?? hellll noooo, he's just gonna look under the hood and if he sees the sticker then no more hassles. done BTW, i own an AEM so CHILL
13-Nov-2002, 02:48 AM
#19
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Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Stoney Creek & Burlington, ON
Posts: 1,891
Originally posted by MartinGouda
i still think that the stickers and plate holders are where your money goes
i still think that the stickers and plate holders are where your money goes
