As times change. So does the quality of parts, new technologies and compatibilites found. Things are tweaked, tuned and all hopefully made better.
With that you get large companies who create products. In that you get advertising and promotion of these products. Claims, tests and independant bodies all saying this is #1, the best ever, 3 out of 4 use this.
Im sure you've all heard it before.
Just like, AEM CAI is the #1 intake. Just about every forum and community has a large audience supporting the CAI. Which is the main product that brought AEM about to be.
I have tested two different major intake systems from around this time. The first one, which was out before the CAI was even around. A short stack or standard intake, the DC Sports DAC Air. Which stood for (Direct Air Charger). Now within installing this system. I noticed an immediate gain over the stock system. Also with that I noticed just an amazing growl, these intakes sounded the best to me. I played many different clips of cars with DC Stuff from DC's Website and just loved the sound. DC was also pretty much the major player in Honda Tuning when it first started off. Mainly because of there mass support for headers.
The other reason I purchased this intake is because of one major factor, "Resonance Tuning." That sweet intake note wasnt just a well designed filter or otherwise. That sound is resonant sound waves created by a coupler right before the throttle body on the intake path.
Did it work? Yeah it did. What does it do? It helps speed the air by moving it along with the sound waves. It was also stated on DC's website at the time it helps mix the fuel and air.
Over time, the intake did me well and ran great times. Couldnt ask for more, except for maybe some cooler air.
Then along came the AEM CAI. Which stands for "Cold Air Intake." Knowing the simple sense that cooler air makes more horsepower and how many people were saying it was good. Then also seeing some pretty good times coming out of cars, all while the DC was getting older...
So, I switched.
Upon installing the new CAI system. I went out for an immediate test drive. Hmmmm, it feels like there is maybe more power. Or is that just my mind playing games...or maybe the power just came on differently. I just didnt really feel that much of a gain, if any overall.
With a long stack vs short stack you will have less throttle response. So it was probably not as good off the line. But on cool nights I believed it performs well.
Was it worth the money I paid for another system? I wasnt too sure. With more time with the AEM in the car. I kinda felt like the DC was stronger in a way.
But just forgot all about it and on I went with the AEM. Which always said it was #1 anyways and magazine tests I would see it always on top.
After some time DC's website stopped including the Resonance Tuning info. Dont know why. Maybe they just didnt update it correctly. Who knows why they took out that important detail.
Later AEM buys out DC. After that a new intake emerges, the AEM V2.
Now if you have read AEM's website youll notice something. The new intake has resonance tuning. Which im sure they got someone or thing directly from DC to put together.
In any event there saying the V2 intake is better than the CAI. And its non- CAI and it has resonance tuning. Is it hitting you now? My old intake, was a short stack non-CAI as well with resonance tuning.
Ok. Now it should have hit you. Its the same stats and setup. So im pretty sure my DAC did perform as well if not better than the cai.
So now the DC DAC is the AEM V2 with a little upgrade to the resonance tuning, its now meant to create resonance waves the entire time.
I figure I would share this, to just open your eyes. I guess I found it funny for a company to be selling something as new when the older intake system and company they bought out had this before.
So rather than just believing a company. Investigate the companies claims. Look at as many small independent sources as you can.
Then finally. Look into dyno testing these parts on your own vehicles and if they dont perform as well as your old stuff. Sell it or return it if you can. Also the best bet is to find a friend with that different part and just go and switch around during the test.
Dont just believe the hype.
Article: AEM V2 - Is it V2? or Old Technology?
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