Applicable to: '99-'05
Blue AEM Performance Short Ram Air Intake System
I have had my 2003 Midnight Blue Miata LS for a little over 3 years now driving it only in the April to November time period (brutal Chicago winters and salt). Since it has a 4 year warranty due up in April of 2008, I have been a bit reluctant to do any performance upgrades. Oh, I did take the sun visors off and put in the Moss Motors visor plugs and I had my dealership install the self dimming mirror with compass and temp. Both worthwhile minor adjustments, but long for something to make a real difference. After reading all the reviews on MiataNet and the AEM website, I decided that the warranty was not in jeopardy after all and took the plunge. I ordered my blue (goes well with my blue exterior) AEM Short Ram system from the TireRack.com and received it in a couple of days. Now I am car knowledgeable but by no means do I consider myself a proficient mechanic. The last real work I did was change a water pump on my 1973 Fiat Spider in 1975. However, after reading the step by step instructions provided and comparing the photos with eyeballing my engine compartment, I decided I could tackle it. I started by gathering tools (a 10" and 3" socket extension is a must)and disconnecting the battery. Everything came out easily and found the instructions right on. Like the other reviewers, I was amazed at the size of the OEM air box, hoses, and other parts that came out. The size of the air inlet off the filter box is only about 2" by 3". The installation of the Short Ram system was even easier! The instructions are correct in advising not to tighten up the hose clamps until it is all together. Once the short section of pipe is screwed down by the power steering pump, all of the other pieces around the MAF sensor need to be adjusted for a neat fit - but by no means difficult. I took my time, took a couple of breaks, and decided to wash up all the open areas left behind by the removal of the old system and still managed to finish up in an hour and a half. I knew from reading the reviews that the real sound performance would not kick in until WOT, but I was pleasantly surprised that it was as deep and loud as it was. Not "boy racer" loud but attention getting. To early to tell of any real performance gains in horsepower or mileage but worth my money in enhancing and cleaning up the looks of the engine bay and additional smile size on my face.
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to: '99-'05 1.8 liter
Chrome AEM short ram intake with filter to replace stock air chamber/filter
Received and immediately unpacked the AEM intake. Every piece is carefully wrapped in a plastic bag inside a huge box filled with industrial peanuts packaging. It comes with a 3 page B/W printed instruction guide. The pictures that reference the installation/removal parts could be better. Still, if you're a novice try to read the instructions several times by comparing the guidelines with your engine. Make sure to have al the needed tools at hand. Don't forget a towel because you will get your hands dirty. With all the tools at hand removal of the old air chamber/filter and installation of the AEM short ram intake took me close to an hour. Now that I've seen and done it once I can probably do it in 30 minutes. At low rpm I don't hear much of a difference but around 3000+ the intake kicks in and a pleasant growl emits from under the hood. At the higher RPM there's even a deeper/louder growling. Subtle but present. The engine seems to breath easier and I can definitely feel! a somewhat better acceleration with my A/T.
Is it worth the $180 I paid for it. I think so. It did for me. I've wanted to buy this for a very long time. I'm glad I did. Now I ordered an Enthuza exhaust to complement the sound/performance of the car and will be able to give a review about that too. AEM does definitely get my 2 thumbs up.
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to: '99-'05 1.8 liter
This is a replacement filter for the AEM Short Ram air intake. They actually make sizes to fit other intakes. I have on on a K&N for my truck.
The AEM site gave me the dimensions of the filter that would fit. I was concerned about gumming up the air flow sensor after re-oiling. This replaced the original oiled filter and come complete with a new clamp. I've been running it for three months, now.
No loss in throttle response or that fun sound. according to an AEM video, cleaning them is much easier than the oiled filters. Works great on my K&N truck intake too.
Under 5 minutes to remove
Applicable to: '99 + 1.8 liter
Air intake system to replace the Miata's factory airbox & filter
Very good quality construction. It took about 1/2 hour to install with only a few tools. You will need a few socket wrenches with an extender bar to reach everything. Most of the installation was done intuitively using the supplied pictures. The toughest part is figuring out how to remove all the existing mass-air sensor stuff; not hard to get through, though.
Definately gives the car a more 'sport-car' attitude. The engine breathes easier & it definately picks up a few horses. Nice raspy sound when it's punched hard; normal driving requires less clutch & throttle but doesn't draw undue attention to the car...so it doesn't sound 'hot-rodded'. An all-around nice performance & aesthetic improvement. They should have come from the factory like this. This is a very nice upgrade at a reasonable price. Highly recommended.
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to: '99 + 1.8 liter
AEM Short Ram Intake system with reusable filter
Installed this intake on my '99 last Friday. I've had it on the car 3 days now and I love it. The sound isn't changed much during easy driving, but I notice a significant difference at higher RPMs and WOT. I would describe it as a growl and I'm happy that it doesn't sound tinny. There is a noticeable improvement in throttle response. The gas pedal feels more free, for lack of a more technical term. It cleaned up the engine bay nicely, too. Mine is the polished version (which I think looks very nice), they also make red and blue. I can't believe how much junk came out with the stock airbox!! Installation was easy. I performed the installation at night with only a flashlight and the flourescent lighting that made it from the garage to the driveway. AEM includes a step-by-step install guide that walks you through the install. I would estimate that the installation took me about 1 hour, being VERY careful not to damage anything.
I would recommend this product to anyone! This is my first Miata and I was warned not to expect too much from just an intake, so I was very surprised to feel the difference once I got this system installed.
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to: '99 + 1.8 liter
Reduced flow intake
Very easy to install. Combined with Racing Beat Power Pulse exhaust, provides significant improvement in midrange performance. Great sound as well.
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to: '99 +
AEM Short Ram Intake
I was somehwat disappointed with this product - maybe my expectations were too high based on reviews I'd read. My objective was a performance increase, but the AEM short Ram intake didn't make any difference I could detect. The new intake definitely makes the engine emit a throaty growl under hard acceleration. The sound is not unpleasant but seemingly less refined than stock to my ear. On the plus side, the intake is very simple to install, the parts are well made and look good, and the installation is 100% reversible (which I plan to do). If more sound and good looks under the hood are what you are looking for, this is a fine product. Just don't expect any significant performance gains.
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to: '99 + 1.8 liter
AEM Short RAM Air Intake
WOT A DIFFERENCE!! Installed at 78,000 miles. Immediately noticed improvement in throttle-response and engine sound, especially at WOT. For $150, this is the best performance mod you can do. OR, as my wife astutely noted, it's so much of an improvement for such a small price, why isn't it standard?
Over 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to: '99 + 1.8 liter
Polished Short Ram intake.
It took my about hour and fourty-five minutes to install. Got off work around 7 am, ate breakfast and started to read the instruction ( so I was a little sleepy). Instruction is simple and precise(for a mechanic wannabe). I am not sure about the horsepower gain but definitely much quicker trottle response, and not to mention clears up the engine bay and visually pleasing. There is this hissing sound when the engine is running that took a bit getting used to.
The instruction were simple but did not include instructions on how to clean the filter. Probably I need to consult K&N filter about that
Over 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to: '99 + 1.8 liter
AEM Short RAM Air Intake for 2003 Miata Replaces stock air filter
Very detailed instructions, pictures showed everything clearly. Hardware is top quality, everything fit perfectly. This was my first aftermarket install, and it was EASY.
LOVE the way it sounds, noticable improvement in acceleration as well. Be careful, right after I installed it, I took it on a test drive, hit the gas, listened to the roar and a police car immediately pulled a u-turn and followed me for the next 2 miles!
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to: '99 + 1.8 liter
Short Ram Air intake
This use a K&N oil base air filter. There has been discussion about the filtering capacity of these filter. This is not an issue for me but you may want to consider. Install is a piece of cake. I actually had ny 12 and 13 years old son doing the install! There is an immediate and very noticable gain in power. The highest reward still come from WOT drive. The grauling under the hood is one of a kind. Sound do not deteriorate at high rev. This is good way to geta fantastic sound on demand only
Very satisfyed about the performance...very high return on $ spent.
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to: '99 + 1.8 liter
Replaces stock air intake system and filter.
Ease of installation? Let's put it this way-I installed it at night with a street lamp as my illumination in about 40 minutes!! I got the red one for my red 2001. They also come in blue and "clear". The instructions included are nearly idiot-proof. Much room is cleared in the engine compartment for those looking for more invloved future mods (supercharger, etc.). I was shocked at just how much stuff was left over from the OEM intake! As far as the increased HP claim, I don't have a dyno so I can't say for sure. I do notice a more responsive throttle and a very throaty growl in the 3200-4500rpm range during acceleration. The car definitely "feels" different; more responsive and "freer". during downshifting and cruising, the sound isn't noticable, except for the slight vacuum noise, which I think is caused by the exposed filter element.
The entire system (including filter) is covered by a lifetime limited warranty and the only recommended maintainence is cleaning the filter every 30-50k miles with AEM's cleaner/oil system. Bottom line: for under $200, this is a no brainer!
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to: '99 + 1.8 liter
AEM Cold Air Intake for 2001 base Miata. Replaces stock air filter for power gains.
I installed the intake today in about an hour (it always takes me twice as long as expected to install things like this). Very straightforward directions, though they forgot to mention to re-attach the negative battery terminal. Wow. It really cleared out some space in the engine compartment.
I love the sound. The Miata engine has been bugging me a bit lately; the thrashing sound of the mechanicals has left me wondering what I could do to enhance the experience. This intake makes a HUGE difference... it has a BOOMING sound at WOT that reminds me of a subwoofer: it accentuates the deep acoustics extremely well, and covers up some of the annoying thrashing sound. Note that unless pushing hard on the throttle, you dont hear much. This (meaning cold air intakes in general) is not for everyone. I think it is quite "ricey" (hate that term), but heck, I'm kinda into that stuff. I can't tell you if there is more power - couldn't tell - 'cause I was having to much fun hitting redline. It's like a new car - with a better engine. Throttle does seem a bit more responsive too. Definitely worth doing, if you are into the idea of having a louder, more rich acoustical experience with your Miata. Can't wait to drive to work tomorrow!
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to: '99 + 1.8 liter
AEM Short Ram Intake for 1.8 99-03 M2. Polished.
Very detailed instructions (Hardly needed), About 30 min to install. Hardware is top quality, everything fit perfectly, Throttle response improved, mid range is significantly opened up and little "Maggie" just breathes deeper. Nice rich sound; low growl, not 'TunerBoy Tinny'.
Forget the $240-$250: BrainStorm Performance, sale price, 157.00! With all the room left, it appears there will be no interference with aftermarket strut braces. Great Product!
Under 5 minutes to remove
Applicable to: '99 + 1.8 liter
Air intake, ordered from GoMiata.com.
Looks nice in the box, even better in the car! The one I ordered was the regular polished (as opposed to blue or red). Very easy install, great instructions included- the clearly labeled photos were a nice touch. Noticed an immediate (and sort of unexpected!) sound improvement (the rest of my exhaust system is stock, for now!). Sounds more aggressive, not ricey at all. Throttle response markedly improved, documented by extensive seat of pants testing. Probably around the 10 hp gain promised - definitely worth the $230!
Very happy overall with the intake.
Under 5 minutes to remove
Applicable to: '99 + 1.8 liter
Aem Short Ram Intake
Installation was beyond simple. Very detailed instructions.Hardware looks top quality, everything fit perfectly. Sound and power both increased. Notice more "pull" at 3800 RPM. The sound is rich and ballsy, not annoying at all.
Great Product. Great Sound. Great Performance.
Under 5 minutes to remove
Applicable to: '99 + 1.8 liter
AEM Short Ram Intake This one is good to go! The drive to Serious auto was worth it. Install is short and sweet, but there is one connector other than the head light relays has to be mounted to the wheel well (just keep it in mind). The over all throttle response is improved and the engine compartment looks functional. I will be looking at installing the cold air box from Goodwin after I finish busting my knuckles on the 4:1 header when I receive it from Racing Beat!
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to: '99 + 1.6 liter
If you have a civic si i dont recomend this product bc once you get to about 6,000 rpms it ruins the car. It makes your car sound like crap. It sounds good until that though. If i wasnt lazy i would take it off and put the stock one on there.
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to: '99 + 1.8 liter
AEM Short Ram Intake. Purchased from Serious Auto.
I give this well-crafted and attractive add-on five out of five stars. Being thoroughly inept mechanically, I was most appreciative of AEM's easy-to-follow directions for installation, which are augmented by photographs. Had I had the proper tools, I could have installed the unit in less than 30 minutes. But as it was, two trips to the auto supply for sockets and extentions, plus a pit stop at McDonald's, put my installation time at just over an hour. The bottom line is this: Easy installation; all the parts fit perfectly; beautiful, powder-coated finishes; and exhilarating, throaty roar when you get on it. Can you feel the 5.8 h.p. gain that AEM claims? The jury's still out on that one. The throttle response seems more immediate, but I haven't yet driven it enough to pass judgement on the h.p. gain. But what the hell -- it looks great and sounds ever so sweet.
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to: '99 + 1.8 liter
This is AEM's latest intake for the slightly revised 1.8 in the '01 and later Miata's with the variable valve timing. I'm not sure of the differences between earlier versions and this (if there are any at all), but I am seeing it marketed specifically for the '01 and later cars. The kit consists of everything you need to replace the stock intake system from the filter to the throttle body. I ordered the silver anodized version (also available in blue and red).
There is a bit more power at the higher end of the tach, even with the stock exhaust limiting the overall system. The thing to keep in mind is that this is the proper first step in any power based performance mod. If the engine can't get the air in efficiently, it won't matter much what you do to it afterwards... The sound. Wow!!! For lack of a better word, transformational. At low rpm's the car hardly sounds any different other than for the slightly louder hiss of the vacuum emanating from the pipe. Things change quite a lot once you open up the throttle. At roughly 3200-3500 rpm and right foot moderately planted, the sound that comes out of the front of the car becomes hypnotic. Kind of growly in a gooooood way. Most importantly to me though is that there is not a hint of the rice-boy sound anywhere. As a 34 year-old engineer, I am not about to start wearing my baseball caps backwards, nor do I want to.
I ordered the kit and got a very good deal from Jake at GoMiata.com. We talked about the different intake options that were available and he advised that I go with AEM. It arrived UPS Ground exactly when he said it would. His service and expertise were exceptional.
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to: '99 + 1.8 liter
Very nice product. Mine has a blue finish on it which is very nice. Everything is top notch.
Easy install. Great instructions. Very nice visual enhancement to the engine bay. Nice growl on acceleration. Not sure about the HP increase, but I'm sure it's right along the same line as all the other intakes out there. Did I say it really looks great.
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
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