Testing
AEM Cold Air Intake vs Focus Short Ram
The vehicle used
for testing the two intakes was a 91 Honda CRX SI with a D16A6. The car
had a DC 4-2-1 header, thermal exhaust, and a high flow cat. Ignition
timing was set at stock and the ECU was reset before each test. We also
used the same air filter to ensure that there were no differences between the
two intakes due to the filter being more dirty than the other or filter design.
Keep in mind that these tests were conducted with the vehicle stationary, so the
benefit of the AEM's ability to draw colder air from outside the engine
compartment is not realized. You gain approximately 1 horsepower for every 11
degrees in intake air temperature you reduce. Also, the tests are
conducted with the hood open, so this may have also lead to the focus drawing
the same temperature air as the AEM. Which may not be accurate under
normal driving conditions. These comparison tests were made to analyze the
difference between intake designs and lengths as well as the power gains
associated from each.
Here is the focus
intake
Notice the enlarged
area before the throttle body
Here is the AEM
Cold Air Intake
Conclusions
The focus intake
made slightly more horsepower and torque than the AEM under 2700 RPM. This
may be due to the AEM not building as much air velocity until 2700 RPM.
After 2700 RPM the AEM makes more power at every RPM. Especially note
worthy is the range from 5200-6400 rpm. The AEM made between 2-3.5
horsepower and 2-3 ft-lbs of torque more from 5200-6400 over the focus.
The gains should be even more substantial on the street or track, where the AEM
should draw colder air.
Many thanks to
Aaron for providing the test vehicle!
