Well, my vote goes for fake. But I could be wrong.

You don't need a "good" intake. eBay, RRM, RMR, Buschur, etc - all the same performance, most likely. But no one dynos them, so we don't know exactly.

 

i have a question that u might answer "go search", but i'll give it a try...

Is the metal pipe really needed? or i can i just buy a filter, replace the factory box filter and connect to the stock plastic pipe? that way i wont have rusting issue and can use all my $60 for a filter

 

I don't think Blacksheep is disagreeing with me.

The intake as a whole, is indeed not a K&N intake. In that respect, it is fake.

The filter by itself, looks EXACTLY like the K&N filter I had on my RMR intake. That includes the chrome ring and even the droopy black epoxy in the middle. K&N makes a wide variety of filters, but the one in that pic looks like an exact replica of the one that comes with the RMR intake. RRM uses a different (slightly smaller) model of K&N, and Pep Boys stocks even different models.

The end result: the piping is NOT K&N. The filter probably is.

On a side note, K&N is the first to make the washable filter but that doesn't mean it's the only washable filter out there. So yes, that would be a $40 filter there, but it doesn't mean the $20 ones don't work just as well.

The piping, on the other hand, is probably crap. Much engineering is needed to make sure the intake actually attracts the air to enter as quickly as possible (more air = more power). RRM, RMR, AEM, etc. have done extensive testing to ensure this, while cheap pieces of piping put together so that is happens to fit inside your engine bay is not developed. The piping is probably even made of the same material, but you're paying for engineering and R&D when you buy the name brand model.

And if you're waiting to get more money, why not just drive with a stock intake until you can afford a good one?

(edit for spelling)

 

The pipe is only really there to place the filter where it fits best. But you won't be able to just slap on a conical filter over your stock pipe. But you can buy an adaptor plate for $15 on ebay if you want. All it does it makes it so you can slap on a conical filter and toss the box. Or of you want to go even simpler than that, K&N makes a direct replacement for your box filter. It claims to be high flow and washable.

 

You can do that.

BUT

you'll need a MAS adapter and to create a bracket. The stock box is setup for the MAS. You'll need an adapter to attach the filter.
The stock hose is rubber. The box mounts to the car and holds it up. If you just get a MAS adapter and a filter, it will sag down. So you'll need some type of metal bracket to hold it up.

EDIT - Damn, Brian posted twice while I was typing my one message!

 

ooh.. YES IM LEARNING A LOT! i found a used bomz kit for like $20 shipped so i'll give that a try... for some reason, i dont think my cheapo lancer es is worth modding at all.... its just a better looking civic......

 

Not cool, man.

Most of us like our cars. And the "C" word is an insult!

 

^^^ agreed all the way.

I'm even putting a turbo kit on my ES.

 

HAHA sorry~ i love my car...its just not fast at all hehe

 

must...avoid...comment