Why is it that I heard dynoflash Al say that open element filter was good for 15whp with a tune, and everyone here is saying they aren't worth it till higher hp levels?

drop in is fine, if you like to hear the turbo or bov i suggest a buschur cone filter , not the full intake just the filter. the stock intake is a great piece and like is was stated already its good for just about anything (power) you throw at it.

Most of it is from the tune, and that's only stationary with the hood up. Things are different on the road with the hood closed and the intake sucking in hot engine air.

i think you are talking a thread on Buschur's filter that AL have posted. When he dyno it the hood was open.

DAMN warrtalon beat me to it

I have the Injen intake on my car and it did indeed make a difference. I also have Al's base flash. Everyone on here tells me that I'm full of it and that what I'm feeling is "lean spikes" in the tuning but I disagree. I find the car pulls way harder on the bottom end especially and just all around feels smoother. My gas mileage has also improved a little, maybe 1 1/2 more mpg. It's not much, but every little bit counts these days.
I am not an Evolution expert. I have no dyno or any hard facts to back myself up. All I can say is that I know my car and the Injen intake system was a worthy investment. I like the way it made my MR feel over the stock airbox with K&N drop in filter. I actually felt no difference, let me repeat - NO difference, with the K&N filter in either performance or gas mileage. The only thing I would suggest is to at least get Al's base flash before installing the Injen or any other intake.

Like some of the others have said, Stocker with K&N Drop-in is good for up to 500WHP...

STOCK unless your pushing 400awhp...

Just to note - when my customer member Most Wanted went 11.56 in the 1/4 with his Buschur Stage II and Dyno Flash with same Buschur air filter I recomend his hood was closed

there is only one advantage of an aftermarket setup for <400whp kits and thats weight. i've heard u can lop off around 4lbs easy with the stock air box and snorkel assembly. combine this with a lightweight battery, and this would help the front heavy bias of the evos.