Latest News

From Track Car to Show Car, This “bugeye” Subaru WRX Will Make Your Head Spin!

Mar 6, 2017

Eric's WRX made an appearance at SEMA 2016

What do you think of when someone tells you they own a Subaru? Do you see a rally car, or soccer-mom wagon? A daily commuter, or a heavily modified track car? In the case of Subarus, all answers are correct. There are so many “types” of Subaru owners out there and styles definitely vary, but they all have one thing in common; they are passionate about performance.

Subaru is a 63-year-old company founded near Tokyo, Japan, in the early 1950s. Subaru started off under their parent company Fuji Heavy, a major manufacturer of aircraft for Japan during World War II. During the late 1940s, a small part of the Fuji Heavy company was involved in scooter manufacturing. In fact, in 1946 the company created the “Fuji Rabbit” scooter with spare aircraft parts from the war! No, the scooter couldn’t fly, but it could top out at 60 mph, which was considered high speed during that time.

The WRX is equipped with a 2015 Subaru Engine with 2.35L displacement

After WWII, Kenji Kita, CEO of Fuji Heavy Industries, wanted to be involved in auto manufacturing and started working on building a car that would be known internally as the P-1. Kenji wanted to name the car and had his company give their suggestions, but none were to his liking. He eventually decided on a name himself; Subaru, which is the name of the Pleiades star cluster in Japanese. Now you know why Subaru has the stars in their logo!

Subaru has evolved considerably over the years and one of their most loved and popular vehicles is the Subaru Impreza. The Impreza has been around since 1992, but has grown to be one of the go-to vehicles to own for auto-enthusiasts all around the world.

Model Haleigh Ann Graham takes a moment to pose in Eric's WRX at SEMA 2016

Eric Guerette of Quebec, Canada, is one of those many enthusiasts that cherishes his Subaru like it was a member of the family. Eric has invested over $150,000 into his build and logged over 1,000 hours as well.

So what’s so special about Eric's 2002 WRX? We’ll tell you! Starting with the engine bay, the WRX is equipped with a 2015 Subaru Engine with a custom 2.35L displacement. The engine is armed with 2002 WRX custom machined heads, BC 272 lift cams, Manley pistons, and a GTX35 turbo, all tuned with a Wtech tuner. An AEM intake not only protects, but allows this precious motor to perform at its full potential.

Moving on to the drivetrain, Eric went with a 2006 JDM Subaru SPEC C transmission and driveshaft. Headers and exhaust are made by Perrin Performance and an Optima Battery keeps this Subaru starting every time. Two-piece Rotora brake rotors and dual-piston Rotora calipers also give this WRX the stopping power it needs.

Eric used AEM’s universal air filters search tool to find a cone filter to fit the intake

The body style is a replica of a Subaru Impreza WRX 2002 WRC and is made of aluminum and fiberglass. A JDM spec C grille leads the way with a custom aluminum hood atop. The classic “bugeye” headlights are JDM version 7 lights and OEM taillights in the rear. Front and rear bumpers are the OEM JDM lip style adding to the great stance of this WRX. Niche Wheels wrapped in Toyo tires put this mean WRX on the road.

Eric used to take this car to the track but now has retired it to shows only. He attends shows all year long and takes home first place trophies regularly. Just last year alone, he took home “Best Subaru” at Importfest, “Best Body” at SCP 2016, and 1st place for 1997-2007 Subarus at Importfest. A few upcoming shows he will be at are Salon de l’auto sport in Quebec as a featured car, Importfest, and the DMCC show series. Eric also has a scheduled shoot with Performance Auto & Sound Magazine (PASMAG).

So when you take a look at Eric’s outstanding Subaru WRX, don’t forget the humble beginnings of the Subaru company in the 1940s and 1950s. It’s amazing how Subaru has evolved from a scooter manufacturer into one of the leading automotive manufacturer’s in the world. Just goes to show, that the smallest inspirational idea can turn into a dream come true.

Two-piece Rotora brake rotors and dual-piston Rotora calipers keep this WRX stopping every time

Before and after shot of 2002 Subaru Impreza WRX

Before and after shot of Eric's 2002 Subaru Impreza WRX “bugeye”

An AEM intake not only protects, but allows this precious motor to perform at its full potential

Just last year alone, Eric took home three first place trophies from various car shows

AEM PRODUCT SEARCH

WHERE TO BUY AEM

Behind the Scenes of the Research and Development Department at AEM

Feb 27, 2017

A lot goes into the design and development of AEM cold air intakes systems

Do you ever wonder what goes into designing an intake system? Why do some companies offer different styles of intake for the same vehicle? Why did the engineers build a system the way they did? These are just a few of the questions that are asked by enthusiasts like you.

We sat down with the Product Development Manager, George Hsieh, here at AEM Induction to ask these questions and more. We hope this will help people understand just some of what goes into building the great intake systems that you have come to love from AEM. For more information about what AEM makes, visit aemintakes.com.

AEM: Good morning, please tell the readers a little about yourself.

George Hsieh: Good morning, my name is George Hsieh, and I am the AEM product development manager here at AEM

AEM: In your own words, what does AEM Induction make?

GH: AEM Induction makes performance air intake systems, turbo charge pipes, intercoolers, and strut tower bars.

AEM: How do you decide which vehicles to make kits for?

GH: The AEM product development team is made up of car enthusiasts, just like the customers that we make products for. Each one of us comes up with a list of vehicles then the lists get combined and refined based on feasibility. I then study industry data, historic sales data, and competitor products if available to put the final list together.

AEM: What goes into designing, engineering, and building a complete intake system from start to finish?

Here is an example of a 3D computer model that is made during the design process of a build

GH: Most of the time a project starts with us physically having the vehicle in the shop, sometimes we will start with vehicle CAD data. But either way, we will study the space available to us and the geometry of the factory air intake to come up with design concepts. From this point on, we’ll digitize the engine bay or transfer the CAD data into our computer to start the design process. Then we will move on to prototyping and testing/validation. Once finalized we work with manufacturing to create work instructions before the product goes into production.

AEM: How long does that process typically take?

GH: The R&D process takes 2-3 weeks.

AEM: What types of modeling programs or systems do you use during prototyping?

GH: We use Solidworks for design and simulation.

AEM: What considerations do you have to take into account during the design and engineering process?

GH: Function/performance, styling, ease of installation, cost/price, and manufacturing lead time.

AEM: For the 2011-2014 Ford Mustang, you offer several different intake systems. Why are there different versions of intakes for the same car?

GH: The major difference between the 2 versions of intakes is one retains the factory air box while the other one provides an enclosed performance air box. The intake that retains the factory air box keeps the factory hydrocarbon absorber intact so it can be granted an E.O by the California Air Resource Board.

AEM: Are there any special design elements or features used in this intake in particular?

GH: On the 21-8122 and 21-8123 intake system, the enclosed air box is CAD designed and simulated in CFD to ensure laminar air flow around the oval conical air filter. This not only increases air flow, it allows the filter to utilize 100% of the surface area and promote uniform dust loading. The air box interfaces with the factory pressurized fresh air duct to take advantage of the pressurized air flow into the air box as the vehicle picks up speed.

AEM: What makes this intake different/better than all the others?

Thanks to extensive design and development, the AEM 21-8122DC looks and performs better than stock

GH: The above and the “no compromises” attitude is what separates AEM from the competition. The result is a consistent gain over stock with estimated gains on this kit of 8 horsepower and 10 ft-lb of torque, with the hood closed, which simulates the real world driving conditions.

There you have it. A lot goes into making the intakes that will help your car breathe better and make more power. And that is just the beginning. From there the kit has to go into production and be manufactured. So next time you pop the hood of your car and see that cold air intake sitting in there, maybe you’ll have a little better idea of what exactly went into building it. If you don’t have a cold air intake yet, visit aemintakes.com to see all the great products we make for your vehicle.

AEM PRODUCT SEARCH

WHERE TO BUY AEM

AEM Cold Air Intake Adds Horsepower and Torque to 2014 - 2016 Infiniti Q50 Sedans

Feb 27, 2017

The AEM Kit Provides Maximum Airflow By Seperating The Incoming Air Streams

The AEM Intake Kit for 2014-2016 Infiniti Q50 provides two seperate intakes each with filter

The 2014-2016 Infiniti Q50 was the replacement for Nissan’s luxury subsidiary’s previous compact sports sedan, the Infiniti G37. The name of the model was changed to fit into the brand’s new nomenclature. With the new name came new body styling and a reworked chassis. The drivetrain was mostly a carry-over from the previous G37: the 3.7L VQ37HR V-6 producing 328 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque.

If that’s not enough power for you, and really, when is it ever, AEM has the solution you seek.

The AEM 21-774DS performance air intake system is a free-flowing, induction system designed to replace the restrictive factory air filter and air intake tubing on 2014 – 2016 3.7L V6 Infiniti Q50 models. The intake system consists of two roto-molded plastic intake tubes, two precision dimensioned steel heat shields, and two conical AEM Dryflow air filters.

One key to the performance of the AEM 21-774DS air intake system is the Dryflow air filters made of non-woven synthetic filter media, a modern solution for controlling the quality of air that passes through it. Each 5.5-inch AEM 21-202DOSK conical filter helps protect your engine from harmful road grit, and both are mounted right at the front of the car where each can take full advantage of the cool incoming air, protected by a heat shield to keep underhood air out of the engine intake air.

AEM DryFlow air filters feature a synthetic media and no oiling is required

AEM Dryflow Filters provide excellent filtration, long service, and easy cleaning with filter oil

The precision dimensioned heat shields seal tight to the factory pressurized air feed to channel fresh air to the air filters, located in the original air box spaces, which results in consistent power gains throughout the RPM range. This air intake system was also developed to accommodate the engine’s factory emissions control devices including the mass air flow sensors and crankcase vent tube.

If the shortest, most efficient path between two points is a straight line, it makes you wonder what automotive engineers had in mind when they design intake air ducting. A duct with twists and turns creates turbulent air and turbulent air doesn’t flow or mix with fuel as well. A duct with minimal bends, on the other hand, allows for the smooth flow of air and thus a greater volume of air reaches the engine and helps to mix with the atomized fuel. That’s the concept behind the AEM 21-774DS for your 2014 – 2016 3.7L V6 Infiniti Q50.

Noting the opportunity, AEM engineers developed the 21-774DS cold air intake, which they tuned and dyno-tested to improve acceleration and add a nice raspy engine sound. Installation is a relatively easy process, adding an estimated 10 horsepower and nearly 13 ft-lb of torque to your Q50. The performance increases can be easily achieved with a DIY installation that takes around 90 minutes or less with tools found in most garages.

The AEM 21-774DS air intake systems come with the necessary boots, clamps, and hardware for an OEM-type appearance. The kit also accommodates all factory emissions and vacuum lines. Existing mounting points are used for simple installation.

Everything required to install the AEM Cold Air Intake System is included in the box

Installation is straightforward and the filters unobtrusive under the hood

Your AEM 21-774DS is good for around 100,000 miles (depending upon your driving conditions) between cleanings. Clean-up is easy with an application of AEM 1-1000 synthetic air filter cleaner that loosens and dissolves dirt and grime build up on synthetic filters. Then you simply rinse the unit with water and reinstall.

The 21-774DS is backed by AEM's Lifetime Limited Warranty.

The AEM 21-774DS is designed to fit the following vehicles:

2016 INFINITI Q50 3.7L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2015 INFINITI Q50 3.7L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2014 INFINITI Q50 3.7L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models

AEM PRODUCT SEARCH

WHERE TO BUY AEM

GoGoGear Race Spec Hyundai Genesis Turns Heads at the 2016 SEMA Show

Feb 23, 2017

Front three quarter view of hyundai genesis coupe racecar

The GoGoGear Hyundai Genesis made an appearance at the 2016 SEMA show

Since 2008, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe has been making its mark in the automotive scene. It is Hyundai's first rear-wheel drive sports coupe and shares its basic platform with the Hyundai Genesis luxury sedan.

There was a lot of excitement from auto enthusiasts all around the world when the Genesis coupe was first announced. Spy photos were leaked on the internet as early as May 2007 and fans speculated that the coupe would be a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, adding to the anticipation of its release.

The coupe eventually did come out and was in fact a rear-wheel-drive vehicle fully capable of competing in the legendary drift series; Formula Drift. Rhys Millen was the driver and coincidentally had a contract sponsorship with AEM Intakes as well. Rhys drove the Genesis in other races like the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and select Redline Time Attack Series events nationwide.

rear three quarter view of hyundai genesis coupe racecar

The GoGoGear Genesis Coupe Ies Equipped with a custom AEM intake, helping the 3.8L breathe

It seems the car had proven itself worthy in the racing world, and caught the attention of other racing enthusiasts also. In 2012, GoGoGear.com started racing in the United States Touring Car Championship and won the championship in 2014 in a 3.8 liter V6 Genesis Coupe, the very car you see in this article.

The Hyundai is equipped with a number of different of upgrades and custom modifications. GoGoGear went with Konig Wheels equipped with Hankook tires, Stoptech brakes, and a JRZ suspension setup. The engine is a 3.8L Hyundai motor equipped with Denso plugs, ARK performance headers, Flowmaster exhaust, and a custom AEM intake.

GoGoGear Race Hyunda Genesis Coupe on the racetrack.

GoGoGear became the first team to win a U.S. road racing championship ever in a Genesis coupe

AEM continues to prove it's “Engineered to Outperform” slogan true, especially when it comes to the support of GoGoGear’s Hyundai Genesis Coupe road-racing program. After all, you can’t argue with speed!

GoGoGear became the first team to win a road racing championship ever in a Hyundai Genesis coupe in the USA while using AEM products. To find the right AEM product for your vehicle, use AEM's search by vehicle tool.

AEM PRODUCT SEARCH

WHERE TO BUY AEM

An AEM Cold Air Intake Adds Horsepower to Your 2016 Honda HR-V 1.8L

Feb 23, 2017

An AEM 21-800C cold air intake provides more power & superior engine protection

If you live in a world where space comes at a premium, then the 2016 Honda HR-V is an excellent choice. It's based on the subcompact Honda Fit, so the tiny dimensions make this little CUV shockingly easy to park, turn, and weave through traffic. Like the Fit, the Honda HR-V is teeming with novel ways to squeeze lots of stuff and/or people into its toddler-sized footprint. For example, the rear "Magic Seat" is situated to offer plenty of legroom, and the seatback can recline to accommodate even the lankiest of teenagers. The seat bottom can be folded up to create a separate cargo hold that can swallow items up to 4-feet tall. And the front passenger seat can even fold flat so you can haul stuff that's up to 8-feet long (Honda likes to reference the HR-V's tremendous kayak-toting capability in their brochures). To get all of your friends/stuff home from IKEA, they've given this versatile little crossover a peppy 1.8L EarthDreams 4-cyl that makes 141-hp / 127 lb-ft of torque. But since getting "more" is the mantra of the subcompact CUV segment, you should consider upgrading to an AEM 21-800C cold air intake system. This low restriction intake can add an estimated 5-hp and 7 lb-ft of torque, and the reusable AEM DryFlow air filter might help save you some money.

Like all gas engines, the Honda HR-V 1.8L has to inject fuel and air into the cylinders, then the computer tells the ignition system to trigger the appropriate spark plug to detonate the mixture. Since air serves as the catalyst, increasing the amount of oxygen molecules inside the cylinder will create a much hotter explosion, which consumes the gasoline more completely and forces the piston down with greater force. That piston then spins the crankshaft, and the resulting rotational energy can be used to turn the drive wheels. The force from the fuel detonation is where horsepower comes from, and the rotational energy from the crankshaft is where the wheel-turning torque figure originates. When you reduce the ambient temperature and flow restrictions that are placed on the air by Honda's stock intake system, the engine can extract more power from the same amount of fuel. And the AEM 21-800C cold air intake system is designed to do just that.

AEM DryFlow air filter removes up to 99% of contaminants from the air

In order to get air into the motor, the Honda intake system draws it in through a small opening in the bottom of the air box, then forces it through a thick paper air filter to remove any airborne contaminants. Once cleaned, the dirt settles between the folds in the filter, and the air that does make it through this restricted walls of dirty paper, gets sent to the cylinders through a narrow plastic intake tube that is riddled with tight bends and uneven surfaces. As the air bumps its way down that intake tube, the turbulence causes it to heat up, reducing the number of oxygen molecules, and thus the amount of horsepower / torque that it can be used to create. An AEM 21-800C cold air intake system on the other hand, pulls in air through an oversized round DryFlow air filter that's designed to flow significantly more air than an OE Honda HR-V air filter. To better protect the engine, this filter is made from a special 3D structured synthetic material that can remove up to 99% of the airborne contaminants, then store them deep inside a web of synthetic fibers. This "depth loading" performance air filter won't need to be cleaned for up to 100,000 miles (depending on road conditions), and the dirt won't cause airflow restrictions as the miles tick away. Plus, this entire AEM cold air intake system is backed by the AEM Lifetime Limited Warranty, so you'll never have to buy another expensive OE Honda air filters again.

Dyno chart for a 2016 Honda HR-V running a AEM 21-800C cold air intake system

To access an unlimited supply of cold air, that big AEM DryFlow air filter is positioned behind the front grille, and the factory radiator shroud keeps warm engine air from entering the system. The clean air then travels to the engine through a wide diameter aluminum intake tube, which has integrated sensor fittings to preserve the factory ECU settings. To eliminate air turbulence, wide-angle bends are created in the tube using a mandrel bending machine, and the aluminum actually soaks up heat so the air temperature gets reduced even further. The high volume of power-rich oxygen provided by the AEM 21-800C cold air intake system not only increases the horsepower and torque, but it will come in at lower RPMs. As a result, your gas pedal will respond faster, and engine strain will be reduced when you're towing/hauling heavy loads.

With more power, more engine protection, and more ways to save money on engine maintenance, an AEM 21-800C cold air intake System is the perfect way to get "more" from your little Honda HR-V.

The AEM 21-800C fits the following vehicles:

2016 HONDA HR-V 1.8L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models