AEM vs. Apex'i Dry Filters
#5
I have a BERK short ram and I have run both the AEM Dryflow and the Apexi "power" filter.
IMO:
AEM (+)
-very durable (you can wash the filter in warm soapy water to clean it)
-very reasonably priced (it is about half the price of the Apexi)
(-)
-not as loud as the Apexi
-I have noticed that my intake "whistles" more with the AEM vs. the Apexi
Apexi (+)
-the noise above 3,500 rpm is INSANE and it is a very deep growl
-I felt that it performed slightly better than the AEM in terms of airflow
-The apexi has smaller length dimensions than the AEM meaning it takes up less space in your engine bay
(-)
-not durable at all...it is not ever supposed to get wet and there is no real way to clean it other than using a high pressure air hose.
-high pricing (~$80)
-Mine was toast after only 2 summers b/c it was clogged with dirt etc...
If you have $$$$ to burn get the Apexi and you willl NOT be disappointed...if you are on a budget and want a great filter get the AEM dryflow...IMO the Apexi is priced about 2 times as much as the AEM but it is NOT 2 times as good so that is why I went with the AEM when I was replacing my fiter last summer.
IMO:
AEM (+)
-very durable (you can wash the filter in warm soapy water to clean it)
-very reasonably priced (it is about half the price of the Apexi)
(-)
-not as loud as the Apexi
-I have noticed that my intake "whistles" more with the AEM vs. the Apexi
Apexi (+)
-the noise above 3,500 rpm is INSANE and it is a very deep growl
-I felt that it performed slightly better than the AEM in terms of airflow
-The apexi has smaller length dimensions than the AEM meaning it takes up less space in your engine bay
(-)
-not durable at all...it is not ever supposed to get wet and there is no real way to clean it other than using a high pressure air hose.
-high pricing (~$80)
-Mine was toast after only 2 summers b/c it was clogged with dirt etc...
If you have $$$$ to burn get the Apexi and you willl NOT be disappointed...if you are on a budget and want a great filter get the AEM dryflow...IMO the Apexi is priced about 2 times as much as the AEM but it is NOT 2 times as good so that is why I went with the AEM when I was replacing my fiter last summer.
#6
I replace my Apexi filter every 2 years regardless. Yes, it's 2x expensive, but if you mine through all the comments in this forum regarding pop-chargers, you'll see Apexi at the top of the list.
However, if you drive off-pavement regularly, get a filter you can clean.
#7
M1RAG3 wrote up a real good assessment.
I replace my Apexi filter every 2 years regardless. Yes, it's 2x expensive, but if you mine through all the comments in this forum regarding pop-chargers, you'll see Apexi at the top of the list.
However, if you drive off-pavement regularly, get a filter you can clean.
I replace my Apexi filter every 2 years regardless. Yes, it's 2x expensive, but if you mine through all the comments in this forum regarding pop-chargers, you'll see Apexi at the top of the list.
However, if you drive off-pavement regularly, get a filter you can clean.
![laugh](https://maxima.org/forums/images/smilies/laugh.gif)
#8
I have a BERK short ram and I have run both the AEM Dryflow and the Apexi "power" filter.
IMO:
AEM (+)
-very durable (you can wash the filter in warm soapy water to clean it)
-very reasonably priced (it is about half the price of the Apexi)
(-)
-not as loud as the Apexi
-I have noticed that my intake "whistles" more with the AEM vs. the Apexi
Apexi (+)
-the noise above 3,500 rpm is INSANE and it is a very deep growl
-I felt that it performed slightly better than the AEM in terms of airflow
-The apexi has smaller length dimensions than the AEM meaning it takes up less space in your engine bay
(-)
-not durable at all...it is not ever supposed to get wet and there is no real way to clean it other than using a high pressure air hose.
-high pricing (~$80)
-Mine was toast after only 2 summers b/c it was clogged with dirt etc...
If you have $$$$ to burn get the Apexi and you willl NOT be disappointed...if you are on a budget and want a great filter get the AEM dryflow...IMO the Apexi is priced about 2 times as much as the AEM but it is NOT 2 times as good so that is why I went with the AEM when I was replacing my fiter last summer.
IMO:
AEM (+)
-very durable (you can wash the filter in warm soapy water to clean it)
-very reasonably priced (it is about half the price of the Apexi)
(-)
-not as loud as the Apexi
-I have noticed that my intake "whistles" more with the AEM vs. the Apexi
Apexi (+)
-the noise above 3,500 rpm is INSANE and it is a very deep growl
-I felt that it performed slightly better than the AEM in terms of airflow
-The apexi has smaller length dimensions than the AEM meaning it takes up less space in your engine bay
(-)
-not durable at all...it is not ever supposed to get wet and there is no real way to clean it other than using a high pressure air hose.
-high pricing (~$80)
-Mine was toast after only 2 summers b/c it was clogged with dirt etc...
If you have $$$$ to burn get the Apexi and you willl NOT be disappointed...if you are on a budget and want a great filter get the AEM dryflow...IMO the Apexi is priced about 2 times as much as the AEM but it is NOT 2 times as good so that is why I went with the AEM when I was replacing my fiter last summer.
Thank you. And yea I mean the reason i made this thread is cuz im upgrading to the Berk Intake from having just a cone filter on the Oem intake and I've been looking at the apex'i filters in general for some time but its $30 more than the AEM on Berk's Website.
http://www.berktechnology.com/shop/p...story=category
its tough because i love the growl of my intake now and i can only imagine how much better the apex'i would sound like especially now with the berk piping. Maybe i'll go apex'i now and see what works out since is just a $30 difference
what color is the AEM? and how does it sound?
#10
I have a BERK short ram and I have run both the AEM Dryflow and the Apexi "power" filter.
IMO:
AEM (+)
-very durable (you can wash the filter in warm soapy water to clean it)
-very reasonably priced (it is about half the price of the Apexi)
(-)
-not as loud as the Apexi
-I have noticed that my intake "whistles" more with the AEM vs. the Apexi
Apexi (+)
-the noise above 3,500 rpm is INSANE and it is a very deep growl
-I felt that it performed slightly better than the AEM in terms of airflow
-The apexi has smaller length dimensions than the AEM meaning it takes up less space in your engine bay
(-)
-not durable at all...it is not ever supposed to get wet and there is no real way to clean it other than using a high pressure air hose.
-high pricing (~$80)
-Mine was toast after only 2 summers b/c it was clogged with dirt etc...
If you have $$$$ to burn get the Apexi and you willl NOT be disappointed...if you are on a budget and want a great filter get the AEM dryflow...IMO the Apexi is priced about 2 times as much as the AEM but it is NOT 2 times as good so that is why I went with the AEM when I was replacing my fiter last summer.
IMO:
AEM (+)
-very durable (you can wash the filter in warm soapy water to clean it)
-very reasonably priced (it is about half the price of the Apexi)
(-)
-not as loud as the Apexi
-I have noticed that my intake "whistles" more with the AEM vs. the Apexi
Apexi (+)
-the noise above 3,500 rpm is INSANE and it is a very deep growl
-I felt that it performed slightly better than the AEM in terms of airflow
-The apexi has smaller length dimensions than the AEM meaning it takes up less space in your engine bay
(-)
-not durable at all...it is not ever supposed to get wet and there is no real way to clean it other than using a high pressure air hose.
-high pricing (~$80)
-Mine was toast after only 2 summers b/c it was clogged with dirt etc...
If you have $$$$ to burn get the Apexi and you willl NOT be disappointed...if you are on a budget and want a great filter get the AEM dryflow...IMO the Apexi is priced about 2 times as much as the AEM but it is NOT 2 times as good so that is why I went with the AEM when I was replacing my fiter last summer.
#11
![+1](https://maxima.org/forums/images/smilies/+1.gif)
#12
I'm going Apex'i. i don't mind spending the extra dime for something i know i'm not gonna have any issues with. I just feel i wont be happy for some reason with AEM.
thanks for the help guys. much appreciated
thanks for the help guys. much appreciated
#13
I've tried several different filter which were all washable...I just can't understand buying a non cleanable air filter for $80 that you're gonna throw away...That's one of the reasons I went with a washble air filter anyway...to stop throw my money away! I'll find out the whp difference between some of these as soon as it gets cool! Presently using an AEM with a MAF adapter...
![](http://i406.photobucket.com/albums/pp148/just4guest/CarlsPictures016-2.jpg)
#14
#15
Apexi filter for $58.65. Pretty good deal, I think:
http://jdmultimate.com/apexiintegrat...1/i-35826.aspx
http://jdmultimate.com/apexiintegrat...1/i-35826.aspx
#16
Apexi filter for $58.65. Pretty good deal, I think:
http://jdmultimate.com/apexiintegrat...1/i-35826.aspx
http://jdmultimate.com/apexiintegrat...1/i-35826.aspx
yea but to my knowlegde its needs an adapter which is at least $30
#17
I've tried several different filter which were all washable...I just can't understand buying a non cleanable air filter for $80 that you're gonna throw away...That's one of the reasons I went with a washble air filter anyway...to stop throw my money away! I'll find out the whp difference between some of these as soon as it gets cool! Presently using an AEM with a MAF adapter...
![](http://i406.photobucket.com/albums/pp148/just4guest/CarlsPictures016-2.jpg)
![](http://i406.photobucket.com/albums/pp148/just4guest/CarlsPictures016-2.jpg)
#19
#20
#21
Got an idea with a 6" velocity stack/bellmouth like the JWT except it has a 3" tube outlet, instead of the the JWT MaF bolt pattern! Attached to the existing setup it should increase the flow velocity into the cylinder thus increasing torque/hp. Found an AEM 6" velocity stack dry flow to fit...this should allow the air to be even straighter than the JWT since now the MAF will be about 6-8" downstream from the bellmouth! Took some mock measurement and I should be able to fit this with a few small adjustments.
#23
Got an idea with a 6" velocity stack/bellmouth like the JWT except it has a 3" tube outlet, instead of the the JWT MaF bolt pattern! Attached to the existing setup it should increase the flow velocity into the cylinder thus increasing torque/hp. Found an AEM 6" velocity stack dry flow to fit...this should allow the air to be even straighter than the JWT since now the MAF will be about 6-8" downstream from the bellmouth! Took some mock measurement and I should be able to fit this with a few small adjustments.
#24
http://i406.photobucket.com/albums/p...tures016-2.jpg[/IMG]
http://i406.photobucket.com/albums/p...tures012-3.jpg[/IMG]
Last edited by CMax03; 09-13-2009 at 03:25 PM.
#25
As knight_yyz stated the original mid pipe was just fine until I added the BPI velocity stack and had to move up to larger 6" AEM dry flow filter ...In the first picture I have the full sized mid pipe with the velocity stack and larger filter, what you can not see in the picture is that close to 3 1/2" of the mid pipe is jammed into the rubber coupler at the TB, so the mid pipe is actually making contact with the TB. And the filter is very tight up against the cars front quarter panel
![](http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll320/Ghost_54/IMG_1527-resized.jpg)
The New 4" long mid pipe that knight_yyz has made up for me is so much more functional, there is only a small bit of pipe now in the rubber coupler to the TB allowing for full flexibility at that end and with the shortened length the velocity stack and over sized filter still have room and are not all jammed up against the cars quarter panel ... the deep rich tone and growl have once again been restored as the air flow is now far Superior now that the piping is no longer jammed up inside the coupler against the TB.
![](http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll320/Ghost_54/IMG_1527-resized.jpg)
The New 4" long mid pipe that knight_yyz has made up for me is so much more functional, there is only a small bit of pipe now in the rubber coupler to the TB allowing for full flexibility at that end and with the shortened length the velocity stack and over sized filter still have room and are not all jammed up against the cars quarter panel ... the deep rich tone and growl have once again been restored as the air flow is now far Superior now that the piping is no longer jammed up inside the coupler against the TB.
![](http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll320/Ghost_54/IMG_1595.jpg)
#28
I'm using the Oem resonator section with a shorter silicon sleeve between it and the IM and the MAF housing> adapter>bellmouth>filter....It should fit even with this setup I'm running now....
http://i406.photobucket.com/albums/p...tures016-2.jpg[/IMG]
http://i406.photobucket.com/albums/p...tures012-3.jpg[/IMG]
http://i406.photobucket.com/albums/p...tures016-2.jpg[/IMG]
http://i406.photobucket.com/albums/p...tures012-3.jpg[/IMG]
#29
On a side, it's nice to see a picture of the nismo oil cap in the engine bay. I've been wondering how that would look. And always nice to see the old Cattman Ti-bar.
Last edited by Rochester; 09-13-2009 at 05:48 PM.
#30
the accordion tubing/coupler is the only part of the original air intake setup ... I guess one could swap it for a silicone coupler to make the attachment to the TB, but all your doing really is swapping a rubber coupler for a silicone one that will only serve the same purpose, not to mention add another 20.00 bucks to the over all cost of the Short Ram.
#31
the accordion tubing/coupler is the only part of the original air intake setup ... I guess one could swap it for a silicone coupler to make the attachment to the TB, but all your doing really is swapping a rubber coupler for a silicone one that will only serve the same purpose, not to mention add another 20.00 bucks to the over all cost of the Short Ram.
#32
the accordion tubing/coupler is the only part of the original air intake setup ... I guess one could swap it for a silicone coupler to make the attachment to the TB, but all your doing really is swapping a rubber coupler for a silicone one that will only serve the same purpose, not to mention add another 20.00 bucks to the over all cost of the Short Ram.
I think I'd replace it anyway. One of the design aspects of the Apexi filter is the inverse cone inside the filter. They make a big deal about the mechanics of airflow, or at least, that's part of their marketing. So if there's anything real to that concept, having the air pass over that accordion tubing doesn't seem optimal for air-speed, but probably has something to do with noise reduction.
#33
I may look into changing the accordion tubing with a proper silicone coupler in the future but for now it works ... I like the bracket you have right at the adapter and connected to the top of the strut tower was that a part that came with your unit or did you fashion it your self?
#35
I "designed" and built the short ram that is in Ghost's car. The reason I left the accordion piece in there was for flexibility and to lower the cost of the kit. Now that he has the urethane engine mounts the accordion piece isn't really necessary.
#36
I may look into changing the accordion tubing with a proper silicone coupler in the future but for now it works ... I like the bracket you have right at the adapter and connected to the top of the strut tower was that a part that came with your unit or did you fashion it your self?
I'm sure you could make one. And I think the bolt is the ubiquitous 9M found all over the car.
#37
I figured I could make up the small bracket was just interested if it came with yours or not ... as for bolts I have all the original ones from the stock air box so finding one is not a problem, I do like the way it holds the unit up instead of possibly flopping around inside.
#38
I figured I could make up the small bracket was just interested if it came with yours or not ... as for bolts I have all the original ones from the stock air box so finding one is not a problem, I do like the way it holds the unit up instead of possibly flopping around inside.
Frankencar made a real nice kit. A decent exhaust too, it seemed. Too bad their business sense wasn't as well developed.
#40
I must tell you Knight_yyz that's a nice Maf housing you've got there! Is it installed yet and is it installed with the bellmouth or just the regular hi flow filter? Ghost's setup is way longer than mine....Your bellmouth is plastic and it only looks smaller than 6", Knight_yyz..... the one I'm gonna use is Aluminum! My opinion on my setup is during cruisin in traffic @ part throttle should still be rather quiet with some xtra ughhhh!
Last edited by CMax03; 09-14-2009 at 08:44 PM.