I was looking on ebay to purchase a CAI and came across a lot of them that were TOTALLY DIFFERENT in price. For example, the name brand ones (Apexi, Injen, Fujita, Perrin, etc.) $150.00+, as oppose to just the Ebay intakes and no name brands, $25.00+. They both have the same comcept and same features. Am I just paying for the name?
2006-09-11 13:21:31 · 4 answers · asked by DSGB4LYF23 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
Probably, but don't quote me...
2006-09-11 13:25:05 · answer #1 · answered by chazzer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I could get long-winded on this one, but to be brief:
Manufacturers spend quite a bit of money first on Research and Development, and then on Marketing, to bring to market a product that has been proven to perform and tested to appeal. You are paying for the proof that the product does what it claims to do, not just the shiny tubing and fancy filters. If a product is patented, there's generally a good reason why, and many CAI systems are. There are knock-off's available, and pieces do exist at your local hardware store to build a simple yet effective system should you feel adventurous and knowledgeable to do so, but know that you will be stepping in on the steepest portion of the learning curve, and may change your design many times to fit better, look nicer, and sound better before you ever see a real life test of whether or not it really works- i.e. Dragstrip or Dyno. In the end, you may end up paying the same amount (or more) for a homegrown intake that you would've spent on a Brand New system, and still be less effective. The bottom line- you be the judge.
2006-09-11 13:48:42 · answer #2 · answered by jussme 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you just want noise then just get a cheap one, but more expensive ones do add slightly more power and slightly even more power if you have a sports exhaust system.
Its the same with everything in life, you get what you pay for!
2006-09-11 13:28:06 · answer #3 · answered by Dano 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no, youre paying for fit and finish. I am not one to buy name brand specificalyl for the name. BUT, if you are tryign to get power out of your car, you want a product that was tested rigoriously and made to fit your vehicle.
If you want to save money, look for a used name brand one...
2006-09-11 13:26:56 · answer #4 · answered by Willis 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋