Trying to choose between AEM and ICEBOX
03-19-2003, 11:17 AM
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Chicago area
Age: 44
Posts: 217
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Trying to choose between AEM and ICEBOX
I know all the differences between the 2. I just wanted to ask your opinion on the followig: I can have AEM for $188 shipped, and ICEBOX for $255 shipped. I would prefer the ICEBOX, but Considering the price, it is really difficult for me to make this decision. So, do you guys think that the ICEBOX is worth $67 over the AEM? Thanks.
03-19-2003, 11:41 AM
#3
Where is my super sauce?
I've been trying to make the same decision too, for maybe six months (obviously it's not a big priority 
).
I don't think the money difference is an issue.
I'm listing some pros & cons below in no particular order, but highlighting in bold what I consider important.
Icebox:
For me, I was excited by the Icebox, but now I'm leaning back to the AEM. An independent dyno on the Icebox may shift my thoughts again.
Where did you find the AEM for $188? Is that with the bypass? Ist that for 21-509 (the manual tranny model)?
).I don't think the money difference is an issue.
I'm listing some pros & cons below in no particular order, but highlighting in bold what I consider important.
Icebox:
For me, I was excited by the Icebox, but now I'm leaning back to the AEM. An independent dyno on the Icebox may shift my thoughts again.
Where did you find the AEM for $188? Is that with the bypass? Ist that for 21-509 (the manual tranny model)?
03-19-2003, 11:47 AM
#4
Coolant line needs to be re-routed on the AEM too, as well as the INJEN. I wish mine would come already. I'd have a dyno of it when I get it. Been on backorder for close to 3 weeks, & Comptech claims they will ship at the end of next weeks, so that's over a month wait. 
03-19-2003, 11:47 AM
#5
Instructor
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Chicago area
Age: 44
Posts: 217
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by Slimey
For me, I was excited by the Icebox, but now I'm leaning back to the AEM. An independent dyno on the Icebox may shift my thoughts again.
Where did you find the AEM for $188? Is that with the bypass? Ist that for 21-509 (the manual tranny model)?
For me, I was excited by the Icebox, but now I'm leaning back to the AEM. An independent dyno on the Icebox may shift my thoughts again.
Where did you find the AEM for $188? Is that with the bypass? Ist that for 21-509 (the manual tranny model)?
I think I will wait untill I see some ICEBOX Dynos, and then make up my mind. I would prefer the ICEBOX, but I don't know if it is really worth the extra money.
03-19-2003, 12:18 PM
#6
Where is my super sauce?
Thanks for the link.
I think I'm waiting for the Icebox dyno too. I'm not in any hurry.
Damn that slyraskel for getting us so excited and then disappearing from the board.
I think I'm waiting for the Icebox dyno too. I'm not in any hurry.
Damn that slyraskel for getting us so excited and then disappearing from the board.
03-19-2003, 01:04 PM
#7
Banned
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Somewhere between here and there, yet neither.
Posts: 9,151
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Take into consideration, after the initial install, the filter on the CT is right there, whereas the AEM you have to virtually remove and reinstall (minus the lower resonator box removal) to clean the filter.
Trending Topics
03-19-2003, 01:18 PM
#9
Where is my super sauce?
Originally posted by moomaster_99
Take into consideration, after the initial install, the filter on the CT is right there, whereas the AEM you have to virtually remove and reinstall (minus the lower resonator box removal) to clean the filter.
Take into consideration, after the initial install, the filter on the CT is right there, whereas the AEM you have to virtually remove and reinstall (minus the lower resonator box removal) to clean the filter.
03-19-2003, 01:20 PM
#10
Where is my super sauce?
Originally posted by ABreece
Do you lose the VTEC roar with the icebox, or does it just not give you any more of a roar like the AEM?
Do you lose the VTEC roar with the icebox, or does it just not give you any more of a roar like the AEM?
03-19-2003, 01:24 PM
#11
Instructor
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: MN
Posts: 180
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Here's the real question... Do you want the VTEC roar? I think 15 hp is a bunch a BS for the dyno run on the icebox. I'm going with AEM for sure. It looks nice and I want the nice growl. Personally I won't get the bypass valve unless I get a used one from this list. Many people have told me don't worry about getting the bypass... Just don't drive through the local river is what I heard...
PS--I've posted this before, but anyone that's going give up their AEM for a Icebox, let me know I'm in the Market...
PS--I've posted this before, but anyone that's going give up their AEM for a Icebox, let me know I'm in the Market...
03-19-2003, 01:29 PM
#12
Instructor
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Since I have not heard the AEM yet, all I can say is that there was a definite "roar" increase over stock w/the icebox at WOT. My carpool buddy noticed the difference. I got a dyno done, but it was on different days, with no gain over a drop-in Comptech. I just can't devote the time to uninstall and dyno the same day as install. Comptech says they have to see the same day dyno results before they can comment.
03-19-2003, 01:38 PM
#13
Wha Happened?
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Wilmington, DE
Age: 45
Posts: 389
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Actually there are independent dynos for the Icebox on this board, and comptech dynos on their website...
The IceBox is about a 14-16 HP Gain AT THE WHEELS
And it's easier to clean
And it doens't look to ricey
And it's comptech, have we ever ever ever heard of a "bad" comptech part? (little plug for Dean and Mike B there...)
AEM I believe is around 9 WHP.
Can look ricey (totally subjective)
Not easy to clean
To avoid hydrolock, you have to by the bypass valve anyway.
for an extra $67 bucks I ordered the IceBox...from Dean...
Ian
The IceBox is about a 14-16 HP Gain AT THE WHEELS
And it's easier to clean
And it doens't look to ricey
And it's comptech, have we ever ever ever heard of a "bad" comptech part?
(little plug for Dean and Mike B there...)AEM I believe is around 9 WHP.
Can look ricey (totally subjective)
Not easy to clean
To avoid hydrolock, you have to by the bypass valve anyway.
for an extra $67 bucks I ordered the IceBox...from Dean...
Ian
03-19-2003, 02:10 PM
#14
Team Owner
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Hellertown, Pa. USA
Age: 57
Posts: 20,014
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by moomaster_99
Take into consideration, after the initial install, the filter on the CT is right there, whereas the AEM you have to virtually remove and reinstall (minus the lower resonator box removal) to clean the filter.
Take into consideration, after the initial install, the filter on the CT is right there, whereas the AEM you have to virtually remove and reinstall (minus the lower resonator box removal) to clean the filter.
All you need to do is undo the fasteners under the bumper and ONE clamp under the hood.
The entire pipe w/filter comes out the bottom for cleaning.
The fact that the IceBox produces ZERO sound at VTEC means I would never buy one.
I love that SCREAMING BANSHEE sound and wouldn’t give it up for a few HP increase.
Shawn S
03-19-2003, 02:23 PM
#15
Instructor
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Chicago area
Age: 44
Posts: 217
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by Shawn S
Cleaning the filter is TEN TIMES easier then doing an entire install.
All you need to do is undo the fasteners under the bumper and ONE clamp under the hood.
The entire pipe w/filter comes out the bottom for cleaning.
The fact that the IceBox produces ZERO sound at VTEC means I would never buy one.
I love that SCREAMING BANSHEE sound and wouldn’t give it up for a few HP increase.
Shawn S
Cleaning the filter is TEN TIMES easier then doing an entire install.
All you need to do is undo the fasteners under the bumper and ONE clamp under the hood.
The entire pipe w/filter comes out the bottom for cleaning.
The fact that the IceBox produces ZERO sound at VTEC means I would never buy one.
I love that SCREAMING BANSHEE sound and wouldn’t give it up for a few HP increase.
Shawn S
03-19-2003, 02:23 PM
#16
Drifting
I agree with Shawn S. I just cleaned my filter over the weekend and just like he said, undo a couple of fasteners and the filter is right there. Easy job to do.
And the VTEC scream is unmatched. Not to mention the "shutdown" sound.
And the VTEC scream is unmatched. Not to mention the "shutdown" sound.
03-19-2003, 02:32 PM
#19
Wha Happened?
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Wilmington, DE
Age: 45
Posts: 389
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by cmark
And the VTEC scream is unmatched. Not to mention the "shutdown" sound.
And the VTEC scream is unmatched. Not to mention the "shutdown" sound.
What's it sound like?
What causes it? I knew a girl that had a "shutdown" sound once
Ian
03-19-2003, 02:54 PM
#20
Black is a ***** to Clean
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Hollywood, California
Age: 39
Posts: 1,218
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
ok guys, if u missed my video showing off all of AEM's greatness, go here !
Includes roar and shutdown noise!
http://www.acura-cl.com/forums/showt...hlight=awesome
BTW, AEM is 15 WHP on Auto!
Includes roar and shutdown noise!
http://www.acura-cl.com/forums/showt...hlight=awesome
BTW, AEM is 15 WHP on Auto!
03-19-2003, 03:01 PM
#21
Instructor
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Chicago area
Age: 44
Posts: 217
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I am seeing that everyone is leaning towards AEM. Are there any ICEBOX users opinions. I've read a lot of posts, no one has complained about the ICEBOX yet. If the ICEBOX is not more powerfull than the AEM, but is 60$ more, than it's not worth it.
03-19-2003, 03:04 PM
#22
Wha Happened?
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Wilmington, DE
Age: 45
Posts: 389
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
FPAEP It depends on what you want, I went for the IceBox, it's on backorder, I have a 6-speed too, and I have heard nothing but good things about it...talk to lou, I think he or someone else has done a dyno on it.
03-19-2003, 03:09 PM
#23
Where is my super sauce?
Originally posted by Korchen
...I got a dyno done...
...I got a dyno done...
Originally posted by De03CLS
Actually there are independent dynos for the Icebox on this board
Actually there are independent dynos for the Icebox on this board
03-19-2003, 03:09 PM
#24
Black is a ***** to Clean
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Hollywood, California
Age: 39
Posts: 1,218
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
It costs $60 more because it's Comptech 
I don't believe they would ever match or price lower than any other similar product (like AEM intake )
I don't believe they would ever match or price lower than any other similar product (like AEM intake )
03-19-2003, 03:11 PM
#25
Maybe 1, or 2 people here have an IceBox. Just because everything is a wait with Comptech.(backorder) I had the AEM on my 02. I didn't like the sound of it. I though it was very loud, & the hissing was really bad with the AC on. I would have kept it anyway, but it wouldn't fit on the 6 speed I have now. I have heard the Icebox is not nearly as loud, but you do notice it when at higher RPM.
03-19-2003, 03:16 PM
#26
Instructor
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Chicago area
Age: 44
Posts: 217
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ok. Now I am leaning towards AEM. Actually, I think I will wait for a couple of more weeks. I still have to Break In my car. Hopefully by that time we'll have more answers and more solid comparisons.
03-19-2003, 03:27 PM
#27
Wha Happened?
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Wilmington, DE
Age: 45
Posts: 389
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by Slimey
Can you please link me to the dyno? I've not seen an independent dyno posted yet (and slyraskel's seemingly made up dyno doesn't count unless the hard data is posted with it).
Can you please link me to the dyno? I've not seen an independent dyno posted yet (and slyraskel's seemingly made up dyno doesn't count unless the hard data is posted with it).
I don't have time to search for the thread at work, (although I can do all this posting, I know...) Also the search function isn't really working, but I swear I saw some out there, and I remember seeing slyraskel's, what was wrong with his again?
03-19-2003, 03:43 PM
#28
Where is my super sauce?
Originally posted by De03CLS
I don't have time to search for the thread at work, (although I can do all this posting, I know...) Also the search function isn't really working, but I swear I saw some out there, and I remember seeing slyraskel's, what was wrong with his again?
I don't have time to search for the thread at work, (although I can do all this posting, I know...) Also the search function isn't really working, but I swear I saw some out there, and I remember seeing slyraskel's, what was wrong with his again?
He said the gain was 16 WHP, but then rescinded and was unsure on how to read the dyno data.
It's not that I don't believe that he dyno'ed his car, but I won't be convinced about gains until I see the results myself.
03-19-2003, 03:58 PM
#30
Where is my super sauce?
Originally posted by De03CLS
that makes sense, did you check out the Comptech Dyno? Or is that not enough proof?
that makes sense, did you check out the Comptech Dyno? Or is that not enough proof?
.AEM posts a nice dyno of their own product as well.
03-19-2003, 05:09 PM
#31
Banned
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Somewhere between here and there, yet neither.
Posts: 9,151
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by Shawn S
Cleaning the filter is TEN TIMES easier then doing an entire install.
All you need to do is undo the fasteners under the bumper and ONE clamp under the hood.
The entire pipe w/filter comes out the bottom for cleaning.
The fact that the IceBox produces ZERO sound at VTEC means I would never buy one.
I love that SCREAMING BANSHEE sound and wouldn’t give it up for a few HP increase.
Shawn S
Cleaning the filter is TEN TIMES easier then doing an entire install.
All you need to do is undo the fasteners under the bumper and ONE clamp under the hood.
The entire pipe w/filter comes out the bottom for cleaning.
The fact that the IceBox produces ZERO sound at VTEC means I would never buy one.
I love that SCREAMING BANSHEE sound and wouldn’t give it up for a few HP increase.
Shawn S
03-19-2003, 07:18 PM
#32
Working with Lumberg.
Originally posted by moomaster_99
Still cleaning the filter of a CT is 10x easier than that. You still have to remove fasteners under the bumper, its a lot more work then you make it out to be.
Still cleaning the filter of a CT is 10x easier than that. You still have to remove fasteners under the bumper, its a lot more work then you make it out to be.
03-19-2003, 07:47 PM
#33
Banned
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: NYC
Posts: 3,335
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Ice box is a great intake and IMO should have come stock with the car. Here is my list of reason WHY... from my auto CL-S experience and by the way its the only intake going in my 6 spd:
Neat look it does look like stock but thats what I was looking for
super quiet at idle even with A/C on
IMO the foam filter in the Icebox filters the air better than the K&N, its debatable but looking at the Ice-box filter and looking at the AEM gives me that impression
No fear of Hydrolock
IMO will give you better gains throughout the powerband
Does have a nice sound when in upper RPM but sounds more like a deep growl instead of a high pitch scream. The Icebox sounds like a LIONS Growl while the AEM sounds like a domestic cat (friskie) after kicking it the butt.
I believe that its better to have a clean filter and the Icebox recommends cleaning every other oil change while AEM whats you to clean every 40k miles. Ill rather clean my filter more and its not a problem doing than less and it will be a chore. :thinking:
It is carb certified and will be admired by any Acura dealer you go to and will show that you went with nothing but the best. You show up with all the rest of the tin can aluminum painted intakes and the first thing the dealer will say is there's your problem you put in a Civic's intake.
here's a pic of it on my car
Neat look it does look like stock but thats what I was looking for
super quiet at idle even with A/C on
IMO the foam filter in the Icebox filters the air better than the K&N, its debatable but looking at the Ice-box filter and looking at the AEM gives me that impression
No fear of Hydrolock
IMO will give you better gains throughout the powerband
Does have a nice sound when in upper RPM but sounds more like a deep growl instead of a high pitch scream. The Icebox sounds like a LIONS Growl while the AEM sounds like a domestic cat (friskie) after kicking it the butt.
I believe that its better to have a clean filter and the Icebox recommends cleaning every other oil change while AEM whats you to clean every 40k miles. Ill rather clean my filter more and its not a problem doing than less and it will be a chore. :thinking:
It is carb certified and will be admired by any Acura dealer you go to and will show that you went with nothing but the best. You show up with all the rest of the tin can aluminum painted intakes and the first thing the dealer will say is there's your problem you put in a Civic's intake.
here's a pic of it on my car
03-20-2003, 08:22 AM
#34
Wha Happened?
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Wilmington, DE
Age: 45
Posts: 389
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by lou
(friskie) after kicking it the butt.
(friskie) after kicking it the butt.
Quick question, I have my resonator off right now, with the stock airbox...I bet the icebox sounds similiar to that doesn't it? My car GROWLS now when you gas it, I love it...
03-20-2003, 09:53 AM
#35
Where is my super sauce?
Today, I'm leaning back towards the IceBox. Yesterday it was the AEM.
I think I should just order one and get it over with. I'm overthinking this whole intake thing. If I don't buy something I'll probably waffle until summer.
I think I should just order one and get it over with. I'm overthinking this whole intake thing. If I don't buy something I'll probably waffle until summer.
03-20-2003, 12:15 PM
#37
Drifting
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 3,365
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I got my Icebox on order as of 3.18 and hopefully will be receiving it sometime early next week. Before then, I'll have videos with sound on how the AEM sounds and then rip it off and put the Icebox on and get the video and sound of that. Also I'll have a DIY guide up too .
.
03-20-2003, 12:17 PM
#38
Where is my super sauce?
Originally posted by peiqinglong
I got my Icebox on order as of 3.18 and hopefully will be receiving it sometime early next week. Before then, I'll have videos with sound on how the AEM sounds and then rip it off and put the Icebox on and get the video and sound of that. Also I'll have a DIY guide up too.
I got my Icebox on order as of 3.18 and hopefully will be receiving it sometime early next week. Before then, I'll have videos with sound on how the AEM sounds and then rip it off and put the Icebox on and get the video and sound of that. Also I'll have a DIY guide up too
.
03-20-2003, 12:21 PM
#39
Instructor
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Chicago area
Age: 44
Posts: 217
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by peiqinglong
I got my Icebox on order as of 3.18 and hopefully will be receiving it sometime early next week. Before then, I'll have videos with sound on how the AEM sounds and then rip it off and put the Icebox on and get the video and sound of that. Also I'll have a DIY guide up too.
I got my Icebox on order as of 3.18 and hopefully will be receiving it sometime early next week. Before then, I'll have videos with sound on how the AEM sounds and then rip it off and put the Icebox on and get the video and sound of that. Also I'll have a DIY guide up too
.
03-20-2003, 12:25 PM
#40
Wha Happened?
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Wilmington, DE
Age: 45
Posts: 389
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by peiqinglong
I got my Icebox on order as of 3.18 and hopefully will be receiving it sometime early next week. Before then, I'll have videos with sound on how the AEM sounds and then rip it off and put the Icebox on and get the video and sound of that. Also I'll have a DIY guide up too.
I got my Icebox on order as of 3.18 and hopefully will be receiving it sometime early next week. Before then, I'll have videos with sound on how the AEM sounds and then rip it off and put the Icebox on and get the video and sound of that. Also I'll have a DIY guide up too
.
Dude...if you do all of this...you are simply
DA MAN! 
(doesn't apply here, but I always wanted to use that smilie)
Ian