I test 4 Air filters with my Honda on a Dyno. Do they even work? | AEM vs aFe vs OEM
In this video I put my Truck on the Dyno to find out if after market air filter improve HP.
Truck running 87 octane regular fuel. I did not use K&N filter because I personally don't want to use Oiled Filters. This is a personal preference.
We can see that having the hood open and hood closed does not really change the results significantly enough to skew results for all but the aFe takeda intake system. So personally I don't think its a big issue to run with hood closed or open on the Dyno. Realistically the hood open probably is more realistic because you have many nooks and crannies that air can come in from at much higher volume compared when driving outside. I think It would be more closer to real life because the fans cannot fully replicate the air flow that would be experienced under real driving conditions.
Amazon Links:
AEM Drop In Filter: amzn.to/3qkoSUr
AEM Performance Intake: amzn.to/3fWoIxU
aFe Takeda intake: amzn.to/3ln7FpH
OEM Air Filter: amzn.to/36KU8mD
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Big thanks to Dylan from Countersteer for helping with this video!
Thanks for watching!
I love this dude. Instead of most you tubers he actually dynos things. Nice.
Fantastic video. Some vehicles have real gains from swapping out the air filter, but the Ridgeline ain't one of 'em. OEM from here out for me.
Yuriy, you are incredibly fair and professional! Thank you for all the hard work and unbiased investigation for those of us interested in real world performance/efficiency from our everyday vehicles. So many Honda’s have this engine and this sort of testing really helps.
Thank you very much! Because I want to know this information for myself and find it useful I do this for everyone. I hope to be able to continue doing projects like this moving forward. I really enjoy it.
Thanks for the great info. I’ve been running an aem drop in in my ats 2.0t and seems to work really well. Thank you for clean video unlike many tubers who can’t seem to speak without four letter words every other sentence. God bless you
Thank you for making videos about the Ridgeline. there's not enough of these out there!
Exactly why I started. Wanted to find out how the truck would do towing and there was nothing useful so is how my channel morphed into Ridgeline oriented content.
Wow.. the so many sensors and drivers aids these cars have prevent it from doing a proper dyno test unless you really know what you’re doing.. if that’s with a 6 speed, imagine with s 9 speed. I’ll the the AEM drop in filter eventually, better performance and reusable! Thanks for taking the time to do this video!
This very informative video! I drive a Honda Odyssey with the same engine as ridgeline and thinking of getting the takeda air intake, this video change my mind and would stay with my drop in aem dryflow filter for now. 👍 I subscribe!😊
Easily binge out on these- well done! You got a subscriber!
Thank you for the comment! I appreciate the support.
Just bought my 1st Ridgeline. Traded in my 2017 F150 (which I loved) but it was time for a more fuel efficient truck. Your videos are amazing. Learning so much from watching these videos. Thank you so much for the time you have invested in all of this. Your attention to detail and practical knowledge of this vehicle is on point! Great production quality! Amazing job!!
Thank you!
Honda pilot or a Ridgeline will last almost forever with regular maintenance! I'm a huge fan
And THIS is why I subscribe to your channel. Thanks for this video!
Man, great review. I will be sharing this on my social media no doubt!
Thanks! 👍🏻 Glad you enjoyed it.
Great video man!!!
Vtec kicked in yo!
Great data. Thank you!!
Thanks for the video. Very interesting
Thanks for the info!
You can hear the vtec crossover! Thats fucking awesome
With these results, it seems to me that I might as well just keep the stock filter! Thanks for your detailed reports.
Once I take it to the Track and have the final numbers to see if there is any improvements in acceleration then I will be able to say with confidence which one I believe is best. If I have to recommend an option right now I would get a drop in AEM filter with the stock air box. This is the best all round item. Best MPG, comparable low end HP and most high end HP. Now if I can get faster trap speeds with the the AEM Performance filter then for sure that would be my choice as a daily. Over all I personally want same or better MPG with added acceleration time if possible so hence these tests.
@@YuriyMotso , that's information we can really use! Thanks so much for your diligence.
@@YuriyMotso what's the verdict?
I feel the same. Track results done?
Exactly Right ☺️
is it only me or that VTEC is hitting hard 😁👌🏻
Hard enough that the neighboring tuning shops called and were saying that they were hearing the Vtec kick in and were all excited. This shop usually only has Nissan skylines on the dyno, so a Vtec gets the boys excited.
as soon as i heard honda ridgeline on the dyno i had to finish watching this video!
The trucks make great power to the ground.
The video I wish I had made. Excellent, subscribed, like, and notified..
Awesome! More to come.
I've always gotten great results with changing the rubber accordion intake hose with a solid silicon one
It makes sense
Great video as always!! I know the ridgeline uses the j35y6 engine but honda has the slightly more powerful j35y4 engine ( 2014+ RLX/Honda Legend) comparing the 280/262 vs 311/272 ( premium) how come they couldn't use that engine in the ridgy?? I'm no engineer but from what i researched the engines are practically identical!(swap?!) Looks like most of the differences are tuning for premium for higher compression...pretty sure they could have tuned for torque instead right? Idk the J series engines have so much potential
HP & torque improvements are performance criteria. Typically, high air flow filters allow more dirt particles to enter the engine. Suggest adding filter particulate test.
Agree, but at least no K&N filter, actually I dont know why they call it a filter bc they dont filter at all LOL AEM-D is like a WIX filter in mine opinion, but a WIX is way cheaper. If its about to filter (micro) dust, I should say take a Hengst or Alco and to be honest, its all what a filter should be for, its all about to filter (micro) dust, bc that a filter must do and should be made for.
Seems to be about the same power. But the sound you get from the AEM intake is amazing when the v tec kicks in. That’s what I’m ordering for my Pilot👍
For my 2019 Sport. I'd like to have a lower loading level, heated driver's seat, transmission paddle type shifters. A lower loading level would make it easier to push my dirt bike up my auxilliary loading ramp.
4 years ago, I did the test on a 2016 370 Z (stock) on a MD 250 Dyno, and just swapping the OEM vs the aFe panel filters gave a gain of 4.77WHP from mid to red line (twin intake on the VQ 3.7)
It’s possible. Every vehicle is different and the Honda Ridgeline built behind mine could have made power but mine didn’t. This is not to say that these filters don’t work but testing them and showing the numbers helps validate the claims for everyone else. In this case more specifically for just the Ridgelines.
Personal experience it’s better to change the filter but keep the stock intake, stock intakes seem to work really great and upgrading flow is a win win.
K&N drop in filter FTW.
BINGO!
@@ErwalDeeas if you want to drop in some dirt
I'd love to see this paired with a test of how well they actually filter.
I would say the AEM would filter the best as it allows the least airflow.
@@mikebates4815 likely. But I guess I'd like to know how much filtering is actually beneficial to the car too.
@@lern2swim I don't know if you'll ever be able to find that information. There's going to be a line where it affects performance of the car but filters great of course the best filtration is where nothing gets past but that will only happen with no airflow.
Awesome video but I'm confused. I thought your first video when you went there you had a 20hp gain using the aem performance filter vs stock. Was that a fluke?
So I do not think there is a fluke. Everything is exactly the same except temperature. What I think happened was what allows AEM to claim HP increase. We got a reading that is real but I don’t think it’s frequently consistent, we must have had some sort of ideal condition in fuel and air mixture. It’s what you can see but realistically you will probably see lower HP gains. The technician said that he always sees AEM products producing more power than OEM. If the truck was boosted or forced air, we would probably get much higher or consistent numbers along with a tune. I asked the tech and the numbers are good for both days it’s just the truck possibly calibrating. We also did have many more runs last time about 20 runs so the truck had a good time to calibrate to the filter. This time it was a bit shorter.
@@YuriyMotso so in the end do you think there's not really any gains or would you have to take samples multiple times and take the average to know for sure? I was really hoping there was a legitimate hp gain bit that last test you did made me cry lol
Can someone please clarify... which one is ultimately the best for horsepower?
That 4f made such a big difference 😂
Stock is the best!
Just as a side note, if an engine is getting too much air, it can be inefficient and lower power. Without a tune, messing with the air filters isn't typically a good idea for this reason. However, with a tune is where you will see the improvements. Otherwise, results will always be what you see here, almost nothing or a loss of power.
Yep. However most people buying these products are assuming there are increases and won’t be tuning their trucks. So this is to put to bed any concerns or questions.
@@YuriyMotso I understand that, but just like the videos that show which air filter flows the most air, there should be something showing the other side as well. Too many 1 sided videos on KZhead.
3.5” AEM 21-204DK DryFlow Cone Air Filter OR AFE Pro Dry S Cone air filter for turbocharged engine?
Also why the different performance results for the AEM Performance Filter from the last dyno. Both your 0-30,0-60 and 1/8 mile time shows it performs the worst.
My guess is that since we were not able to get a good reading under 4000rpms because the vehicle won’t stay in gear long enough on this mode with out paddle shifters the AEM performance intake makes most power above 4000 but could be producing less below 4000 hindering its acceleration time.
All in all keep it stock.Honda knows what they’re doing.
When the cAr is actually moving wouldn’t the air intake actually bring in more air ? Wouldn’t this also affect the air filters intake
This fan simulates driving pretty well. Also remember that when the hood is closed, less air is getting into the engine anyways.
So I know you tested the AEM drop in but have a question. I typically bought K&N drop in filters for my vehicles, would u recommend AEM over the K&N?
that comes down as a personal preference. For me Personally I choose to go the easiest route. First off K&N bought out AEM. Second off all K&N Filter require oil from what I know. Thats an extra step I don't want to deal with. AEM is dry so all you do is spray it down with the cleaner and then dry it out. No oiling to do after. Third there are rumors and people who claim that Oiled filters can mess with your MAF sensor. K&N has since posted a claim stating this is false and not true however I am not interested in taking the risk. Most likely it will be just fine and you will never have an issue. I just like the convince of the dry filter over the oiled filter. Either way you go you will over the course of the life of the vehicle save money by never buying another filter again. In my tests the AEM filter is typically equal and in many cases better than the OEM filter. Not guaranteeing its going to be for everyone but in my specific vehicle this has been my experience. Hope this helps and thank you for taking the time to reach out, communicate and watch the video. Be blessed!
@@YuriyMotso thank you! I noticed that the DROP in AEM filter got best performance numbers and better fuel economy so that’s the one I’ll be going with. Just got a 2020 Ridgeline black edition. Love it. Although it’s brand new and I have a little bit of a clunking in the right rear with less than a thousand miles, gotta take it in to have checked.
@@travelingrailfan4634 Congrats and welcome to the community.
I have a 2015 Lincoln MKC 2.0L AWD. And if you own a Ford or Lincoln with the turbo ecoboost engines. It's ABSOLUTELY essential to get an AEM dryflow filter to help your engine breath better. You results will obviously vary from vehicle to vehicle. But you should experience a boost in; HP, Torque, and MPGS. They are every bit as good as an oiled K&N without the need to be oiled. Which as was already mentioned can eventually ruin your mass airflow systems. So do your engine a service by getting one of these AEM dryflow filters. It will pay for itself in the long run BIG TIME...!!!
Next dyno check. Regular vs Premium fuel. To see if the ecu advanced the timing when higher octane is used.
@RA Wang not necessarily, it helps it run as efficiently as it can. With my 2013 g37 I put in regular fuel and the fuel economy was horrible and also the performance since the ecu pulled timing. It was a lot slower and sluggish. Once I switched back to premium gas and the fuel economy went back up and the performance was significantly a lot better
I changed from regular to plus in my pilot and the difference was immediate. All sluggishness went out the window
Question about the previous video done with the aem performance dyno. What was done differently on the dyno where you previously got some odd 13hp and 27ish hp with the performance intake.
Variation as opposed to this day was temperature. All tests were conducted exactly the same. The Highest power output that we saw was that number. We did roughly 20 runs that day and that one stood out as the best. Now it does not mean it will be consistent. Sometimes this can happen. Like I said in that video we pulled the best results not necessarily average results. I have another video coming up soon in a head to head which filter actually makes your car faster in a way people can understand.
@@YuriyMotso so since u took the highest number 13 hp and 27 he. What was the average that day. Because I was so set on the aem performance but now I'm thinking about just the drop in aem filter. But vtec does crack louder in the performance one
@@HUBBSPEC I would have to go back to the shop and get all those data points. I only took the ones we recorded once we were confident with getting consistent compliance from the truck after Dylan figured out the Hondas perfect zone. I am doing a final wrap up video here which I hope to cover and answer any questions one may have about these filters. My opinion though is the best option is the drop in AEM filter. More on that in the upcoming video.
@@YuriyMotso cool thanks for the fast reply. Also I know u already did the test but were using 87 octane. Or 91 octane maybe difference maybe try in another video just a suggestion because I only use 91 in all my vehicles whether it does something or not its kinda just a piece of mind thing. Even if it doesn't do anything I would assume it would burn better and less chance of carbon build up
@@HUBBSPEC I plan on doing a video comparing 93 or 91, (which ever is available at Costco), octane to 87 because it seems to be a reoccurring question which octane is better as well as a ECO button test. I used 87 octane on all the tests because it's what the majority of people will use ad recommended from Honda. This way my test is relevant for the majority of viewers.
Are these results different than your Oct 2020 review of the AEM 21-795C? It seems like that review showed an above 10 HP gain with roughly the same torque compared to the OEM intake. In this review it's the lowest performer. ??
They are different however I don’t think the one with the 10hp is wrong. It’s within the estimated gain range that AEM is claiming. Difficulty is the consistency of the transmission without the paddle shifters on my model. I wish I would control it and have consistent results.
Oiled filters flow the best K&n drop in would of had a 5% increase over stock easy.
5% is a big claim. They also let through the most contaminates and oil everything up.
I do wish I tested the K&N but for the reasons you stated is why I rather go dry. Even if it doesn’t coat the MAF sensor with oil, I don’t want to risk it.
So if you were pulling a trailer it looks like the aem dry drop in filter is the better option.....and quite frankly the most costly option
Yes, in every test the AEM Drop in filter has been the best performing filter. My recommendation is that filter. Better fuel, more power, and saves cost long term on air filters.
In your opnion, AEM inbox filter, is best results than OEM filter? Value your money? Feel diferençe in torque and low rpm? Thank you bro
AEM drop in filter is the over all best product in all categories. Trying to get a wrap up video in place but have been constantly delayed.
I bought it g For the sound I have a Turbo Mk4 so?
Hello Yuriy, it seems from the data the drop in give the best numbers, but I see your running the aem performance. Is there a reason for this. Trying to figure out which (if any) to add to my 18 RL. Thanks
I run the drop in. My older videos I have the CAI “performance” AEM intake. Both are honestly good performers against what people keep stating in the comments. Multiple videos on my channel prove that they perform better than stock in general. However for me the drop in gave me the most desired gain which was fuel economy. So I run that in my vehicle. I haven’t made a follow up video about it because I lost some content due to a gopro crash. I may still get around to doing it but haven’t yet. I love the sound from the performance intake though. Many Smiles per gallon. Hope this helps.
@@YuriyMotso Helps tremendously and thank you so much. Your videos have helped me a lot.
Awesome! Glad I can help. Happy new year!
@@YuriyMotso and just ordered the drop in. Happy New Year to you also!
So did the stock filter make the most power in one of its runs 255hp ? Higher then any other filter ?
If u keep watching he explains it’s a spike Coz of some reason so the stock filter didn’t make The most the AEM made the most I didn’t want it till the end
Well... I still like my AEM Intake haha 😅
Me too! The AEM drop in and performance intake system do really well in all my tests. Today on the dyno the performance held up really well against OEM air box in the peak power band. It also sounds way better and gets better economy in my tests. I am super curious to see how it does at the track.
@@YuriyMotso I can’t wait either. I almost bought the AEM intake on Black Friday but glad I didn’t. If your acceleration test shows a difference I still might buy it.
@@austinfrazier7325 It all comes down to what you want from the filter. AEM does produce better and more consistent results averaging better fuel economy for both the drop in and the performance intake over the OEM. Now that we have the HP average I will drive each one hopefully 2-3 times down the track to get their times. I want to do them all in the same day if possible because if I do not then it could skew the results and I don't know how many people will be at the track. So going to do my best to get the best most accurate results I can.
@@YuriyMotso Is it possible to have the Ridgeline Tuned to help with the Performance filter. Could Techs tune the Fuel/air ratio on the Ridgeline?
Well, if I want to buy the filter without the box, which is better is the filter aem or afe ?
Not sure I fully understand what you intend to do but in my tests the AEM typically performed the best. The aFe will not fit as it has a larger opening on the AEM inlet. The aFe will also not fit the open inlet tube as its to small as well. plus you would have a hard time getting a solid fitment.
@@YuriyMotso Yes, I saw that in the video and I was amazed, but I am talking about the filter itself without the box, which one is stronger, aem or afe, because I can replace the filter, for example afe, after its expiration date, with the aem or k&n filter. They are both the same size and flag, but the air intake is different.
@@YuriyMotso I'm talking about the filter only, without the antiques
@@YuriyMotso Excuse me, I am not good at speaking well
@@Mazen9294 well both me and my tuner do not like or recommend the aFe filter. I think there is some sort of design flaw but its the most inconsistent filter and the least producing in all categories usually. I would go with the AEM filter my self. I am not promoting it I just personally like this filter the best through all of my testing and depending on my next test coming up may only use AEM products moving forward. Hope this helps and answers your question
i just removed my AEM performance on my 2018 because I received "emissions system problem", checked the code and it was saying p0171&p0174, running lean. I think it maybe the AEM performance, cleared the codes and placed OEM back in, 50 miles later and Evap system still hasn't reported ready. anyone else having this problem after AEM performance install?
I have driven many miles with my AEM and heavily pushed the vehicle more than most people. I fortunately have experienced no problems but am aware people have run into this before. Sorry you have experienced this issue.
@@YuriyMotso looks like the AEM drop in maybe the way to go anyway, thanks for the video.
Rene the 2017 and 2018s have issues with the injectors from the factory. For some trucks its hit or miss. there's a list of vin numbers with the affected trucks floating around on the internet. might be related to your issue might not.
@@rackemmm1947 any idea where i can find that list? i just did a quick search and couldn't find anything....thanks in advance.
@@rene619sd after looking it up the tsb isn't for your error code of p0171 and p0174. The tsb I'm talking about is called 19-073. Regardless I would bring your truck in if you can't clear the code and just play dumb
Good tears thanks
The dyno video on AEM vs OEM showed a significant gain but losing power now?
Yes, it’s quite interesting to me as well. The test was done by the exact same technician under exact circumstances. I believe the numbers are accurate, however, I think this is a best case scenario. What I mean is this is a potential HP gain maybe not every single time you are driving. Ratios change with fuel you use, temperature and so on and so forth. So yes I believe the statement is accurate that the power can increase this high but don’t expect it to be consistent. AEM may have gotten numbers similar to this and as soon as they see numbers like this they can officially claim that you can see up to X amount of Hp gains and it’s not a lie. It’s just not probably sustainable for every driving condition. The technician told me that he’s been doing this for 14 years I believe it was and AEM products always produce more power. On a turbo or supercharged vehicle the gains might be more apparent than a naturally aspirated vehicle though. Hope this answers your question.
@@YuriyMotso I can CLEARLY say that if you have a Ford or Lincoln ecoboost engine. Your doing your turbo engine a GREAT SERVICE by switching out the stock filter with an AEM dryflow filter. Granted your results will vary from vehicle to vehicle just as this individual explained above. However, you WILL see a slight increase in HP, Torque, and MPGS no doubt about it. Plus, you DO NOT have to oil these filters stay away from those folks. They will eventually ruin your mass airflow systems. These AEM dryflow filters don't need cleaning until around 40-50k miles and cleaning is super easy. There are plenty of videos right here on KZhead on how to do it properly. Sure they are probably 2x the cost of a standard OEM filter. However, they will pay for themselves in a year of use. Bottom line is if you have a turbo engine your engine deserves to breath better period...!!! And this filter will do just that.
These dyno numbers seem awfully low compared to official Honda hp and torque numbers advertised
Having the Takeda Intake is turning into a bad decision. I've lost an average 2.5 mpg since install and notice no notable power above 4500rpm. I completely agree with these results and would not recommend purchasing the Takeda Intake. Its readily apparent that AFE did no real world testing with this product before putting it on the market. I will be putting my stock airbox back on and attempt to recoup my loss of this poor financial transaction. 🤦♂️
Sorry about that Eric. I am really disappointed myself. I think the big issue with the takeda intake is the cone design. Countersteer is a very reputable tuning shop in Georgia. Dylan is the owner and started the business in 2008 and is very knowledgeable. So I don’t doubt his skills in dyno testing the truck. AFe may have had more controlled environment and or did very many tests and used best test as result that you could in theory get as good as x increase in power which would technically be accurate but misleading IMO.
I wonder if you can return it? Say not as advertised or something.
Agree. I’ve been modding cars for 20 years and air intakes is one of the trickiest mods out there. In almost all cases nowadays the stock is best for power. Only trust independent dynos but those are hard to come by. So it’s tricky. People love to run out and buy an intake first mod (me included) but it’s just not that simple.
I remember back in the 90s when K&N stated that they don't make a kit that doesn't make a positive result. I've been using them since then.
That engine revs to 57,000 rpms?? 5:40
🤣😂🤣 oh yeah! You didn’t know! Lol my bad. 5700 rpms. 👍🏻
@@YuriyMotso I knew what you meant haha nice video btw!
I want power!
So do I. Aem drop in is my recommendation for everyone.
V tech yo ..
Those tests prove nothing. The ecm needs to learn after each filter swap. Anybody who knows anything about computer controlled engines knows this.
I was thinking the same thing. Maybe idle it for 10mins after each swap. Thats why the aem performance was so wacky.
im looking for hp gain at mid rpms
Basically just keep it OEM.
Good overall gains with the drop in AEM in real world testing for fuel economy as well. So fractional hp gains with better fuel economy = worthy upgrade when replacing the air filter.
Just as I thought, “performance “ air filters are a waste of money
I guess to each their own. not everyone really cares about efficiency. Thats quite evident when people add larger tires and raise their trucks. Some people do it for looks and in this case people will do it for sound and or the assumption of more power/MPG. If you have not seen my MPG test I recommend you taking a look and you may be surprised that there is a quite significant difference in Fuel economy. This is a three part series. Third part which is a track day will be filmed soon. Hope you can stick around and have all the information to help you make the best judgment for yourself if you do decide you are interested in upgrading in the future. Thats the main point of this video and test.
@@YuriyMotso so would you say aftermarket air filter intake is not any better then the stock oem one? I drive acura tl 2012 planning to instal takeda intake. Does install intake would get better mpg?
Can hardly hear ya
Why use this vehicle???
STOP saying RPMs.... RPM= revolutions per minute... so it sounds stupid when you say revolutions per minutes. Never put an s on the end.
Thanks for the tip.
@@YuriyMotso I apologize for sounding like an ass. I didn't intend that.