Automotive Product Reviews: AEM V2 Cold Air Intake

Although there are many ways to get more horse power and performance out of a vehicle, many of these ways can consume large amounts of both time and money, and may substantially shorten the life span of the vehicle they are applied to. However, not all performance gains are necessarily complex. One such example can be found in the cold air intake. A relatively common modification, a cold air intake can add some punch to a vehicle without an expensive installation, a lot of time, or endangering the vehicle. However, like most products in the world, all cold air intakes are not created equally, and AEM has always been known for producing quality products. Thankfully, the AEM V2 intake for the 2000 through 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse is no exception to this rule, and may very well be one of the best air induction systems available for the Eclipse.

For those who may not be aware; the purpose of a cold air intake is actually fairly simple. A cold air intake works by taking in larger (and theoretically cooler) amounts of air from the engine bay than does the stock intake box. However, while these products do allow the engine to breath better, they can come with some downsides. Namely, they usually make the engine noise a lot louder, as one of the reasons the stock intake box is restrictive is to make the vehicle run quietly. However, for those who don't mind a little extra noise (or who actually want their vehicle to be a little louder) a cold air intake is a cost effective way to increase performance and provide a few extra vehicle modifications as well.

Keeping that in mind, one would think that all cold air induction systems are almost the same. However, this is not the case, and some products are significantly better than others. When talking about performance increasing intakes for the 2000 to 2005 Mitsubishi Eclipse, though, one of the best products out there is definitely the AEM V2 Cold Air Intake.

Representing a direct upgrade to the previous generation intake, the V2 is said to position the filter in a more beneficial location, and, through the use of the piping, allow increased performance. However, the AEM has supposedly been dyno tested to provide an extra 16 horse power and around 9 or 10 foot pounds of torque. While few have had a chance to independently test and prove those numbers, there is one simple fact that can be proved simply from driving the car after the intake has been installed: it really does work.

After the intake has been properly fitted to the car, the first thing one notices on the initial start up is a freshly created roar. Although it would be hard to notice any immediate gains in performance, there is a difference in the way that the car runs. No, the AEM intake will not make your Eclipse a sports car, but it will help it get some more air and breathe a little easier. The increased intake noise is nice as well, and although some may find it to be a bit on the loud side, for the most part, both the sound and performance are great, and it is definitely one of the best intake systems available for the Eclipse. Of course, it does cost a little more than the other intakes available, but at the same time, you also gain noticeable increases that are not available from other products.

Of course, there are a few drawbacks from the intake system as well. In order to get the most power possible, and make the most effective intake system, the V2 is positioned in the front grill. It takes only a few seconds of thought to realize that there a few major drawbacks associated with this. Namely, this makes the air filter susceptible to rain and snow. However, the problems associated with this can be reduced if one purchases the bypass filter along with the intake. Also, with a little modification, one can simply remove the second intake pipe, putting the filter directly in the engine bay, and reducing the chance of sucking water into the intake.

While there are a couple flaws with the AEM V2, for those who are interested primarily in the performance gains that can achieved with a cold air intake, the AEM V2 is the best choice possible. Although it does cost more than other intake systems, there are definitely noticeable gains in performance and sound that cannot be achieved with other intake systems. In the end, the AEM V2 is a truly great product, and it is worth every penny. For those who are interested in providing the best for their Eclipse, the AEM V2 may very well be one of the best products available.