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Charlie Wong Turns to AEM's Subaru Impreza WRX Cold Air Intake and Strut Bar for His Custom Ride

Aug 12, 2013

Owner Charlie Wong plans to take his modified 2013 Subaru Impreza WRX to the track later down the line.

Charlie Wong, of San Gabriel, California, is all about optimal performance and is no stranger to modifying his vehicles to suite his expectations. The car enthusiast equipped both of his previously owned Nissan 240 SXs with AEM cold air intake systems and also tweaked a Honda Civic Si in the past.

Charlie Wong bought a 2013 Subaru Impreza WRX in December of 2012. At the time of purchase, the vehicle fit all of the requirements of what Wong wanted in a car; all-wheel-drive, four-door, and a factory turbo. However, looking back at the car enthusiasts's track record, change was eventually on its way.

It didn't take long for the car owner to grow restless. In fact, within a month, he had already embarked upon his next modification. Having already experienced the quality of AEM products, little thought had to go into what changes needed to be made. A cold air intake would boost the engine's performance, and AEM strut bars would prove useful during high speed turns.

Charlie Wong's custom Subaru Impreza WRX is equipped with an AEM cold air intake and an AEM strut bar.

In reference to the modification to the car's suspension, Charlie Wong said, "This is my first time to own an AEM strutbar (part 29-0004). I plan on taking the car and entering a couple of track events later down the line," he continued. "So a strut bar was definitely going to to be purchased. It improves the front of the vehicle under turn-ins and makes the car feel more solid."

With intentions of entering his car in future track events, AEM's Subaru Impreza WRX strut bar was an obvious choice. However, it was equally as important to make changes that would increase the performance of his engine.

Having previously experienced the benefits of adding a cold air intake into the equation, this modification was a no-brainer. Knowing first hand how well this particular AEM product performed there was no need to look any farther. The AEM cold air intake system for Subaru Impreza WRX (part 21-478WR) was proven and easily accessible. It was dyno tested and shows an estimated gain of 36 horsepower.

"The price was right, and AEM has always been known for their quality intakes," shared Charlie Wong. I had AEM cold air intakes on my two previous cars and couldn't have been happier with their performance." With the modification behind him, Charlie Wong has experienced ample time to come to a conclusion - was it worth the efforts or not?

According to the vehicle owner, with the change came some noticeable differences. As suspected, there was a noticeable increase in throttle response. Although there was not much change in the sound of the engine, Charlie Wong could definitely hear the air intake gathering air during acceleration.

These characteristics would have been more than enough to deem the modification a success, but it seems he was treated with another benefit that was icing on the cake - a noticeable difference at the gas pumps. "It seemed to have improved fuel economy," he shared. "So that was an added bonus." At this point in time, Charlie Wong is satisfied with his recent modifications to and the performance of his vehicle. However, as do many who are accustomed to turning their own wrenches, he is always excited to embark upon another project.

That in mind, Charlie Wong already has plans that will take fruition a little farther down the road. And as one might suspect, AEM will play a role in his plans for improvements.

When asked if he had intentions of modifying the next vehicle he purchases, Wong said, "Definitely. . .Without a doubt I would. Judging from his satisfaction with AEM products, one would suspect that they will be a sure fit for his next project. In reference to the benefits of their cold air intakes and strutbars, he shared, "They increased performance and livened up the car. AEM products are one of the best bangs for the buck and are very well made."

Use the AEM Product Search to find AEM performance products for your vehicle. To find an AEM dealer near you, use Search for AEM Dealer or simply visit AEMintakes.com.

AEM Articles about Subaru Impreza WRX

Full list of AEM Cold Air Intakes for the Subaru Impreza WRX models
Full list of AEM Dryflow Air Filters for the Subaru Impreza WRX models
2008-2013 Subaru Impreza WRX and Subaru Impreza WRX STI Air Intake System Gains Estimated 36 Horsepower

AEM's David Waterworth Holds First Place After Round 3 of British Drift Championship

Aug 6, 2013

The AEM sponsored driver says he used the Teesside contest as more of a competition/tire testing event.

The definition of consistency is the ability to maintain a particular standard, or repeat a particular task with minimal variation. The word aptly describes the 2013 British Drift Championship, where after three rounds, the level of competitive fervor hasn't varied one iota. The term also fittingly applies to AEM's David Waterworth and his Nissan Silvia s15 with the behemoth Viper V10 engine. Although David Waterworth has yet to finish on the top tier of the podium, his level of consistency in the Super Pro class has been second to none, his fourth place finish in the third round earned him enough points to remain in first place overall.

Waterworth thanked AEM for the continuing support which helps him to stay on top.

Round 3 of the 2013 championship marks the series' return to the birthplace of the British Drift Championship six year ago, at Teesside Autodrome, on the outskirts of Middlesbrough in the North East of England. Teesside is a drivers track and a favored venue for many of the competitors and round 3 once more had it all, brilliant weather, a fantastic track and absurdly entertaining drifting.

AEM's David Waterworth continues to hold onto first place in the BDC Super Pro class.

"The track was fast and technical, and with us trying out numerous brands of tires for this event, we had placed it as more of a competition/testing event," David Waterworth remarked. "Which did see us out in the top 16 unfortunately, but in the championship as a whole, we are still in first place in the highest and most competitive class."

With so many fickle variables in motorsports where a failed three-dollar bolt or an ill-timed sneeze can determine a win or DNF, Waterworth's evenness continues to be exemplary.

"I believe a lot of it is luck," says Waterworth, "but also natural ability has to be mentioned, as we get very, very little in practice time due to other commitments and the high cost of the tires. So this is where the natural ability comes through, as from one race to the next you may not drive at all, then have to learn it all again in the qualifying sessions. The car is holding up well and I can't thank the sponsors that we do have enough in helping us to achieve what we are doing."

Round 4 sees the Championship head back down south for its second visit of the year to Lydden Hill. "I am excited to be going back to Lydden hill again," David Waterworth says. "With a 3rd place finish last time, and learning what we did from that event, we are going back with the knowledge to hopefully achieve an even better result this time."

David Waterworth uses AEM Tube bends, AEM Universal Clamp-on Air Filters and AEM Pre-Filter Wraps on his race car. Use the AEM Product Search to find AEM performance products for your vehicle. To find an AEM dealer near you, use Search for AEM Dealer or simply visit AEMintakes.com.

AEM Articles about David Waterworth and British Drift Championship

AEM's David Waterworth In 1st Place After 2 Rounds of 2013 British Drift Championship
AEM’s Chris Forsberg Finishes 3rd in Round One of 2013 Formula Drift Championship
AEM's Dillon Van Way Starts 2013 Rally America National Drift Championship with a 2nd at Sno*Drift Rally
Fredrick Aasbo from the 2011 Formula Drift Championship World Finals

Platinum VIP CEO Kennedy Nguyen Trusts AEM for His Loyal and Prominent Customers

Jul 29, 2013

Kennedy Nguyen and Platinum VIP transformed this Lexus IS250 into a one-of-a-kind creation.

Renowned American designer Charles Eames said "There is no line where art stops and life begins." Eames made major contributions to modern architecture and furniture and he understood that life is undeniably art, and that the things we choose to fill our lives with are the expression of that creative process. Yet another American designer, Chris Bangle has a philosophy that car design is one of the most ubiquitous, yet taken for granted art forms today. And Kennedy Nguyen, the hands-on visionary behind Platinum VIP in Irwindale, California, is leading the frontlines of that artistic, automotive void and without fail - he's redefining and elevating it to its rightful stature.

Kennedy Nguyen and Platinum VIP's attention to the slightest detail made this Lexus LS460 owner a lifetime Nguyen fan.

"I see car modification as a mix between beauty and brains because you have to have the best of both worlds," Nguyen states. "The car's appearance (body kit, paint, and wheels) need to look good while the mechanical aspects (engine, drivetrain, brakes, and suspension) have to perform well. If you are lacking one or the other then it is not a complete car.

Art, like life, demands balance and Nguyen gets that. "I started modifying cars at the age of 14. I hung out with older kids who had Supra's, Celica's, and MR2's and I would fix and install the aftermarket parts they bought. So basically, I've been modifying cars for 25 years. And I work on every single aspect of a car that comes through my shop - the paint, custom bodywork, suspension install, and wheels."

Kennedy Nguyen and Platinum VIP Chrysler 300c with attitude.

Nguyen opened his first shop, Premier Autoworks, in La Habra in 1996. On the forefront of the import subculture, word spread quickly about Nguyen and his deep passion for cars, his obsession for details, his dedication to craftsmanship and his relentless commitment to luxury. So, in 2007 he moved it on up to his current location in Los Angeles County, rebranding himself as Platinum VIP, and in the processes he comfortably donned the crown as the industry's modification benchmark. VIP also offers a complete collision center and "Auto Spa" featuring I-Car and ASE certified collision repair, and a certified PPG and a DuPont refinish center. Over the years Platinum VIP's exemplary dedication to their craft has seen them honored with a numerous automotive accolades, including in 2008 when Ford chose to display Nguyen's creation of the Flex at the SEMA show in Las Vegas.

The Platinum VIP style, according to owner Kennedy Nguyen, is primarily about modifying luxury sedans.

"The VIP style is mainly modifying luxury sedans. It derived from Japan and we in the states are just adding to that style with our own taste," Nguyen explains. "My first VIP car is my first Gen (Lexus) GS300, aka Aristo and in the 90's no one was fixing up luxury sedans, but rather only sport compact cars like Integra's and Civics. Even in the 2000's, I purchased the third Gen LS, and I was still one of the very few that modified that particular car VIP style here in the states."

Nguyen's creative process is wide open to all possibilities, rather than contracted and myopic, so he welcomes customers that have their own vehicular vision, as well as those that allow him to do his thing. "It's good working with both kinds of customers," he confirms. "Those that come with a vision already did their homework, so it ultimately ends up looking nice. And it's an honor when customers leave the modifying up to me, because it means they trust my vision."

Platinum VIP moved to Irwindale in Los Angeles County, California in 2007.

Nguyen is also business savvy and pragmatic, so he understands that his creations are ultimately only as refined as the palate of products utilized to produce them. Platinum VIP therefore only uses the best. Recently Nguyen invited AEM to stage a product photo shot at his facility.

"It was a privilege to have you guys use our facility for the photo shoot," he remarked. "It speaks volumes to customers that a quality brand like AEM is associated with a quality shop like Platinum VIP. I use AEM products because they have a history of making premium products. I only sell the highest quality products to my loyal customers so going with AEM is a no brainer."

Use the AEM Product Search to find AEM performance products for your vehicle. To find an AEM dealer near you, use Search for AEM Dealer or simply visit AEMintakes.com.

AEM Articles about Lexus IS250, Chrysler 300C

Simple Power Add-on for Lexus IS250 2.5L and IS350 3.5L with AEM Cold Air Intakes
Advanced ETI Air Intake System Available for 2006-2013 Lexus IS250
2011-2013 Chrysler 300C Models Benefit from AEM Drop-in Air Filter

2012-2015 Honda Civic Si & 2012 Acura ILX Models Get Performance with AEM's Cold Air Intake

Jul 1, 2013

Engine Bay with AEM Air Intake 21-716C

The Honda Civic is known as a reliable, inexpensive and easy to modify car. It is for these reasons that the Honda Civic has become one of the most popular cars on the market today. Most recently Honda decided to spice things up a bit by offering a more powerful version with the Civic Si. The Civic Si is the Civic to get if you are serious about horsepower and looking for a vehicle to modify without spending a lot of money. Due to the popularity of the Honda Civic Si, there are a number of aftermarket options available to do almost anything you can imagine.

AEM Cold Air Intake 21-716P for Honda Civic Si & Acura ILX with Polished Finish

One available power adding option is to add an AEM cold air intake. AEM's 21-716P and 21-716C cold air intake systems fit 2012-2015 Honda Civic Si and 2013 Acura ILX models with 2.4 liter engines. These cold air intake systems are designed to increase horsepower and performance while giving your Civic Si or Acura ILX a more customized performance-based look. These cold air intakes come in two different finishes. The 21-716P intake has a vacuum metalized â€œmirror typeâ€ finish and the 21-716C intake has a gunmetal gray powder-coated finish. Both tube finishes are durable to keep that great look for the life of the vehicle. Once the 21-716P or the 21-716C cold air intake system is installed, you can experience an estimated gain of 8 horsepower at 7000 RPM and 8 feet-pounds of torque at 3800 RPM. Along with the power boost the intake gives the Civic Si and Acura ILX a deep intake sound.

Both cold air intake systems come with all of the necessary components needed for installation including a three piece air intake tube, connection hoses, a large AEM Dryflow Synthetic air filter, replacement crank case vent hose, replacement coolant recovery hose and all of the nuts, bolts and hose clamps needed. The upper air intake tube has a welded-on mass air sensor adapter and crank case vent fitting. The mass air sensor adapter and tube have been engineered to keep the stock computer and sensor happy and not set a check engine light. All 3 of the main connection hoses are made from high-quality silicone which is also designed to last for the life of the vehicle.

AEM Air Intake for Honda Civic Si & Acura ILX

Dyno Chart for Honda Civic Si & Acura ILX Air Intake 21-716P

Increased Horsepower
Reusable Dryflow Synthetic Air Filter
Excellent Air Filtration
Cold Air Intake Design
High Quality Components
Lifetime Limited Warranty

When it comes to cold air, the 21-716P and 21-716C cold air intake systems have it in the bag. Both air intakes place the AEM high flow air filter down in the front bumper. By placing the air filter out of the heated engine bay cooler outside air can be brought into the engine for added power and torque.

Honda Civic Si & Acura ILX AEM Cold Air Intake 21-716C with Gunmetal Gray Finish

The 21-716P and 21-716C cold air intake systems come with AEM's 21-203DOSK Dryflow synthetic air filter. AEM Dryflow air filters have a low restriction design that provides great engine protection and a long service life. When it is time to clean the air filter, use AEM synthetic air filter cleaner. It is designed to help loosen and dissolve air filter dirt and road grime so it can be easily and quickly rinsed away with water. Once the air filter is dry, it can be reinstalled. Unlike other washable and reusable air filters, AEM Dryflow air filters do not use oil, so there is no chance of over-oiling your filter thus taking the guesswork out of servicing your AEM air filter.

Due to the design and high quality components, this air intake system and air filter will be the last air intake you will need as it is backed by AEM's Lifetime Limited Warranty.

AEM's 21-716P and 21-716C cold air intake systems will fit the following:
2015 HONDA CIVIC SI 2.4L
2014 HONDA CIVIC SI 2.4L
2014 ACURA ILX 2.4L
2013 HONDA CIVIC SI 2.4L
2013 ACURA ILX 2.4L
2012 HONDA CIVIC SI 2.4L

AEM cold air intakes for Honda Civic Si models can be found on the Honda Civic Si Cold Air Intakes page. AEM performance products for other vehicles can be found using the AEM Product Search. To find an AEM dealer near you, use Search for AEM Dealer or simply visit AEMintakes.com.

AEM Articles about the Honda Civic

AEM Cold Air Intake System Increases Horsepower of 2006 to 2011 Honda Civic Si
2012 Honda Civic 1.8L Models Gain Horsepower and Acceleration with AEM Cold Air Intake System
2006-2011 Honda Civic 1.8L Get 4 Horsepower with AEM's 21-686C & 21-686P Cold Air Intakes

Tien Wong's Performance Modified 2011 Lancer Evolution X is Amazing Daily Driver

Jun 25, 2013

Tien Wong's 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (EVO) X

Tien Wong had a sweet tooth for the Lancer Evolution (EVO) X long before he finally broke down and made the purchase. Upon choosing the 2011 model, there were no doubts of Wong's intentions. Although the car would prove adequate for most consumers, Wong has always been the kind of fella who enjoys making a few modifications here and there.

"I can't help modifying everything I own," explained the car owner. So I've pretty much modified every vehicle I've had. This is my seventh car. All of the previous ones have been modified in some way. So I would say that I know my way around cars, but am no expert by any means."

Performance modified Mitsubishi Evolution (EVO) X

"I've wanted an EVO since I saw the VII. I originally planned to purchase a IX, but since the X was already out and I was in the market for a new car, I decided to pull the trigger on it. I decided that I had to buy a car that would depreciate the least amount during the time I would own it."

One would suspect that those who enjoy making modifications to their vehicles must first have an inspiration. Well, Wong is no different. He was most interested in a car that would prove functional.

Not a follower of the "Super Stance movement," Wong opted to go in a different direction. "I set up the car as a daily, that could handle everything I could throw at it. I set it up in a way that, basically, you don't have to slow down for railroad tracks. You could speed up and not bottom out when you landed.

This performance Evo X was set up as a daily driver that wouldn't have to slow down for railroad tracks and could speed up without bottoming out when you landed.

"Low enough to look nice, but still able to make it up driveways," he continued. "Since it was an EVO, it wasn't exactly a comfortable car to begin with. So I decided to go all out, yet still retain a sleeper look to it. I rarely get glances from cops, because the exhaust isn't particularly loud. In the end, I molded it to how I wanted it to be - for my own enjoyment."

As the build came to fruition, Wong composed several modifications that would lend to what he considered the perfect EVO. Focusing on esthetics, the car owner turned to OEM for a Aero Kit front lip, and EVO X RS fog delete kit. Wong also opted to attach a custom front bumper quick release kit.

Custom Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X owned by Tien Wong

Eager to improve the suspension, the car owner embarked upon several more modifications. In fact, he opted to install a Cusco rear sway bar and went with Hotchkis for a front sway bar. These modifications would likely have a positive effect on the overall ride. However, he also installed a GTSpec rear strut bar and an AEM strut bar to the front.

Prior to crawling under the hood, Wong had a few more modifications in mind. After a TWM Short-shifter + shifter cage replacement, he went with Underhood shifter bushings and a M1 Abrams Shift knob, also manufactured by TWM.

Eager to improve the overall look of the interior, Wong installed Genuine Alcantara shift boot, an armrest cover and an ebrake handle cover, all three produced by Redline goods. After installing a Custom black headliner and Alcantara A/B/C pillars, he was finally ready to divert his attention to the engine compartment.

Bolting on AMS motor mounts, he moved on to the fuel system. A DW 65-c fuel pump and RC 1200cc injectors would provide his build with dependability and enhanced performance.

Mitsubishi Evo X with AEM front strut bar, AEM intercooler and AEM performance air intake system

Acutely aware that quality was of utmost importance, he was quick to choose several AEM products that would enhance his cars capabilities. In fact, Wong considered the AEM intake as an essential component of the modification. He also installed an AEM intercooler and upper and lower intercooler pipes. Last but not least, he chose an AEM Failsafe/Uego Gauge.

"I went with the failsafe gauge, because AEM is the only one I know of who has two gauges in one. I wanted to minimize the number of gauges I had," explained Wong. "I know for a fact that AEM has been in the business for a long time and they put a lot of thought and engineering into the products they produce. They won't release a product quickly just to gain market share, but instead, focus on quality."

Recalling previous builds, Wong continued, "My first AEM product would be an intake I had installed back on my Mazda-speed-3.

Although Wong's Lancer Evoliution X has yet to be featured in any publications, one can only suspect that it will eventually earn notoriety. And the car owner gave no indication the project has reached completion. In reference to future plans, Tien Wong said, I plan on getting some new tires and getting the car corner balanced." In conclusion he ensured, "I plan on taking it to the track."

Use the AEM Product Search to find AEM performance products for your vehicle. To find an AEM dealer near you, use Search for AEM Dealer or simply visit AEMintakes.com.