So it's time for me to change the air filter in my CT Icebox. Consequently, I've come up with 2 options:

1) Stick with my CT Icebox and get a drop-in K&N filter.

2) Switch to a blue AEM SRI.

While I like the CT Icebox, I have been eyeing the blue AEM SRIs for a while. I sometimes get annoyed that I can't really hear the whine of my S/C with the Icebox, and I think the AEM SRI would take care of this. Also, the AEM's blue finish would match perfectly with my engine bay's color scheme.

My only concern is heatsoak and overall loss of power. I wouldn't mind sacrificing a few hp (read: < 5hp) for the audible gains, but if I eventually end up increasing boost levels, I'm concerned that a SRI would significantly increase IATs compared to my Icebox which is something that I would need to avoid given how hot Roots blowers already run.

So, what do you guys think?

 

I say stay with the Icebox. I know you, you're not just thinking about increasing boost, you're going to end up doing it and would kick yourself for going SRI. I'll come over and paint your Icebox blue (like I did my engine cover and sparkplug cover) and call it a day. Seriously, I still have paint. We could just do the Comptech logo, even... that might look better.

 

get the gruppe M or j's racing intakes!

 

That won't really address his issue, though. He's satisfied with the Icebox's performance, but wants to hear the Supercharger whine better. Since I believe Gruppe-M and J's both use a similar enclosed design to the Icebox, that won't help him at all.

 

so the intake effect the sound of SC, didnt know that. SO i had an injen two piece in SRI for ahwile, and that thing was loud as F**K, sounded very muscle car like.

 

minus the other bank of 4 cylinders.

 

And minus any semblence of torque! SRI does sound really loud though, so I see what he was saying.

 

Interesting idea...I might actually take you up on that.

 

Yeah, I wouldn't go with the AEM if I where to switch intakes because you can't convert it to Cold air like the Injen or K&N. Being an owner of both an Injen and an Icebox, I always use my Icebox. In fact, I'll probably sell the Injen soon. The setup does sound really mean with the Injen though. I remember a lot more cars would move out of my way when I had the Injen installed.

With that being said I did notice some low end power loss when in CAI mode. I have an Auto though, so with the longer gearing I probably need the low power more than you do since you have a manual. My guess is that your exhaust is probably over powering the SC whine. I can still hear the whine and if I put my windows down I can really hear it.

So you mentioned more boost?

 

That's a good point. That catback makes a lot of noise (a good noise, but still enough to drown out the whine).

 

Between the Gruppe-M and J's Racing intakes, I'd take the Gruppe-M. I was actually thinking about the Gruppe-M intake, but I'm not sure I can justify the $675 for one. However, I know BigBen seems to like it quite a bit with his S/C...

 

The Gruppe-M would look sick with your cf sparkplug cover and the Comptech Supercharger shield. I say go for it (then again it's not my money, haha).

Seriously though, I think painting the Comptech logo on the Icebox would look hot. The most important thing would be really taking our time with the prepwork and really masking it off perfectly. After that a little sanding and a few coats of Cusco blue and that's a wrap.

 

I don't mean to take over your posts here, but I'm looking to put some sort of intake in my 2k5 6MT TSX... I haven't really done much to my car (besides fog lights) so I might be a little out of my league when it comes to mods... Anyway, just wondering what you think is the best intake to get (cold air, or short ram) for my car. I've heard cold air are good for high RPMs, but i dont drive my car THAT hard all the time... If I just throw a KN air filter on there and remove the box, would that increase my HP? Gas mileage? Is it really worth getting a an AEM, Comptech, or Injen? Thoughts?

 

with all this talk about the gruppe m intake and the j's, why not also consider the mugen one?

 

Well, the Mugen one is very similar in design to the Icebox so I don't think there would be any audible gains, which is the main reason I'd want to switch an SRI in the first place.

 

Blue AEM!!!!!

 

i say function over form, particularly b/c you have the supercharger. you spent all the time and money for the supercharger. you want it to work the best it can. if the SRI robs it of performance b/c of the heatsoak, i'd just stay with the icebox.