I recently installed my AEM CAI myself. It's not as hard as you think. The instructions says it takes about 2hrs to install, i did it in about 4. It took me longer to install due to the fact that i have the DC strut bar installed and to take that out, i had to remove the windshield wipers, etc. It's the first real installment i did myself besides the HID's. It's not as hard as you think, just follow the instructions and you'll do fine. As far as water is concerned, I believe it was Yanki who said it, the filter is tucked behind the front fender well, so unless u drive through a river, you'll be ok.

 

Why did you remove the wipers for? I have the same bar and I didn't have to do that. Also about the water issue, put it this way, by the time you hydrolock your engine, you'll probably be sleeping with the fishes. Now there have been some freak cases, well, at least one that I have heard one...but for the most part, you're good. Actually, my little "fog light vents" are gone, and it's been raining like hell and I've had no problems since I've had it on. So go for it and buy it!

 

lmao i ordered my BC2 front bumper and my new kaminari hood came in the other day, just waiting for the bumper to come in, and the vents are big where the intakes filter is, it should be fun to find out how well it does against rain and crap

 

OMFG, I can't believe what i'm reading... this is like an open PM. Ok... first of all, $400+ for a TRD intake is a little rediculous. Second of all AEM and TRD are not the same. At all.

Injen is the best intake system on the market right now. To clarify even further, a Cold Air Intake has two pipes, one that attaches to the throttle body, and one that, (on our tC's), run's into a space between the bumper and fender well. A Short Ram intake has one pipe and the filter stays in the engine bay.

And if you live where it rains, don't drive thru puddles, period, the problem is if your wide open on the throttle and sucking in all that air and water gets sucked into the intake and into the engine thats where the problems occur.

Install is easy as hell. AND for the love of god you don't have to take the battery off. You do need to take the left wheel off and unsnap the clips for the fender well so you can manipulate the second pipe into the small @$$ space that scion leaves for you to put the CAI pipe.

Another piece of advice... if you know nothing about car's and DIY's then get someone who does to help you. The last thing you need is to get stuck and have your intake setup in pieces on the floor. I can't remember if I had to take off my Engine cover when I did my install. Might help to get the old intake system out...

 

And scion_jon, some advice if I may... if toyota is always asking you to work for them in parts and service (doubtful it's as a mechanic)... it would behoove you to take a job for the simple fact you can get discounted parts, straight from the dealership with warranty on parts and install. It's extra money, and you can use the wonderful invention of an airlift. If I had the time, I'd take that $hit in a heartbeat... just so I could use the lift after hours...

 

TRD is a rebadged AEM, i wish i hadnt deleted a site i had saved to my favs just o i can prove that to you, but ask anyone and im sure they will tell you the same.


lol im still debating on working for the dealer, im a full time student and i have like 0 time for anything

 

^makes sense then. i just think your paying waaaay to much for your stuff.

 

then you obviously havnt read my other post since your a noob and all, intake is the only highest priced thing ive payed for, all other parts have been under plus the free install on them

 

just becuase i'm new to the forum doesnt mean i'm a n00b there buddy. I'm not going there with you tho.

 

 

uh oh!

 

what now yanki lol

 

oh oh! tensions runnin high there ppl. hahaha

 

 

I had to take the strut bar off to get into the bay. I wouldn't have been able to secure the intake to the engine if i didn't. Also, during the install, i did not remove the battery. I just disconnected the negative terminal.

 

ya your right, when i was watching my intake being installed lol, they took of the wiper cowl

 

ya no hi water