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.

 

I'm not sure if we have seen a dyno for the icebox yet, but it is supposed to put down more hp than the AEM.

 

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:

AEM CAI:

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)?

 

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.

 

It is for Manual. i got off a site where you had to e-mail them for a quote. I waited for 3 or 4 days, and finally got the reply for $188. I e-mailed them the the part #21-509. So, I am pretty sure it does not come with the bypass. The site iswww.importcarpartsplus.com

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Do you lose the VTEC roar with the icebox, or does it just not give you any more of a roar like the AEM?

 

Very good point that I did not think of. Add to list of Icebox pros:

 

People have described the latter and not the former.

 

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...

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

is it really a fact the icebox gives 0 sound at VTEC. Some people have said that after 4rmp you can hear it.

 

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.

 

I have not seen one yet?

 

never mind my last post....

 

There's a "shutdown sound?"

What's it sound like?

What causes it? I knew a girl that had a "shutdown" sound once


Ian

 

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!

 

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.

 

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.

 

I'd love to see it. Honestly.
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).

 

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 )

 

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.

 

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.

 

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 never posted the raw dyno data or the dyno graph. When other members pushed him for the actual data he seemed to disappear from the board. In my mind, this created a lot of doubt about the whole scenario.

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.

 

that makes sense, did you check out the Comptech Dyno? Or is that not enough proof?

 

Well, not that I don't entirely believe them, but they're a little biased .

AEM posts a nice dyno of their own product as well.

 

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.

 

Hmm. so what. If you can't handle going under the car to get the CAI filter out, you have no business ever opening the hood of a car. Who the fvck really can't clean the filter on either intake system.

 

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

 

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...

 

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.

 

You have a $30K luxury coupe. Do not rice it, with a colorful, loud Intake. You might as well put a folgers on the ass end while you are at it.

 

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 .

 

Thank you.

 

This will be a true test of which one is better. I will wait for your posts, man. thanks.

 

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