I’m curious to hear, especially from some of the more seasoned members, about what I should do here. I’ve got an opportunity to get the cold air intake from AEM for free on my new 2011 IS350 if I let them test to see if their product fits for this model year. Naturally, several issues come to mind. First, this is California, and it appears that the AEM intake lacks the requisite CARB sticker to make it street legal in this state, despite the fact that AEM is headquartered here. Second, I know nothing about this company’s products and haven’t found many threads around here that relate, so I’m left wondering how their intake might compare with the likes of the F-Sport or Joez. Third, I think I’ve now read enough about cold air intakes and hydrolocking to make me paranoid about even driving in a light mist. I'm also worried what effect it might have on the warranty, lease, or passing a smog inspection. What does everybody think? Should I volunteer my car? Should I run the other direction? If anyone has some wisdom to impart here, I’d appreciate it.

 

I think you might have here one of the best brands out there. I dont know about the CARB certification but they do have en extensive line of products all approved by CARB for many cars.
I will go for it, they do make one of the best products out there. Check Car and Driver, Road and Track and all the magazines they all use AEM when possible.

 

It a free intake go for it. Intake won't cause no damage so don't worry as far as warranty goes. As for carb/inspection goes keep the stock intake to swap back for inspection. Your driving a Lexus CHP ain't gonna pull you over and pop you hood. Plus if your not happy sell it free money in your pocket.

 

I had an AEM v2 with an RSX-S I had a while ago. It was great. AEM, as mentioned already, is the leader in intakes.

 

Go for it... I'm curious to see what the design would look like... take pics too!

 

Can't go wrong with AEM, specially if it is free...

 

Yeah its free and its a great brand like AEM. I say go for it!

 

do it!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I would guess that it wont be a true cold air intake because the filter will probably be unshielded and INSIDE the engine bay....making it a warm/hot air intake.

The "cold air" intakes that AEM is famous for in some applications actually put the filter in the bumper area whereby flooding waters would have a chance of hydro locking the engine. However, they have also created this bypass valve that pretty much solves those issues too.

Regardless though, I wouldnt worry about any of that because its probably gonna be JUST like every other open element system on the market for the 2IS out there.

Get your free intake where you can!

 

Get the free intake and then later upgrade to the fsport.

 

I think this is an actual COLD AIR INTAKE their experimenting with, AEM already has a SRI for the 2IS, doubt their retesting it.

 

I have the AEM ETI cold air intake on my 06 is350 and I noticed when I run my ETI it kinda makes my idle all funny. But they noticed a little carbon build up on my car during my valve spring recall so who knows maybe its fixed I just havnt plugged my ETI I'n lately to test it

 

So you can bypass the ETI by simply unplugging it and then the whole unit just runs as a passive intake? Also, when you say it makes your idle all funny, are you talking about the sound? I'm leaning toward getting it installed, but still a little apprehensive. Overall, are you happy with it or should I just stick with my stock intake?

 

I am more then happy with it. it's a day and nite difference I love I'm gunna plug my ETI back I'n today and see how is go's I'm sure it will be ok. I'd take the AEM over stock anyday. I say go for it you have nothing to loose it's a free intake

 

Thanks for the feedback everyone. IS350rock, let me know how it goes if you plug the ETI back in.