AFE vs. K&N vs. Cosmo

[abyssvibeawd]

After a long trip across the midwest from Chicago to Rapid City, with my Vibe full of gear and two bikes on top, I've decided it is truly a dog on the highway. I have looked at ways to increase power a bit and have decided on a SRI. I decided against the CAI due to the deep snow, slush and salt in the winter months. I am having a hard time deciding on which SRI to purchase. I am leaning toward the AFE 54-10702 for $199 http://www.amazon.com/aFe-54-1...d=001or the K&N Typhoon 69-8600TP for $177. I like the idea of the heat shield on the AFE, but does it really make a difference or does it actually heat up and decrease power? My other concern on both options would be the oiling of the filters. I read that this could lead to oil damaging the MAF sensor and that is an expensive part. Then a dry filter would let more dust and particulates in. I feel like I have read every thread about SRI's and still can't make a decision. Does anyone have any insight to my questions? Thanks

[BlueCrush]

Any SRI will decrease your low rpm torque but increase your mid-high rpm hp. I have had both the Cosmo and aFe in the past and I liked the aFe due to the heat shield which really only helps when your in stop and go traffic all the time, once the car is moving especially at highway speeds. I'd save the money and go with the Cosmo.

[Kincaid]

I wouldn't worry about a dry filter - that's what you get stock and it seems to work well enough for every car that has one.

[vibenvy]

Quote, originally posted by abyssvibeawd »My other concern on both options would be the oiling of the filters. I read that this could lead to oil damaging the MAF sensor and that is an expensive part. Then a dry filter would let more dust and particulates in.Quote, originally posted by Kincaid »I wouldn't worry about a dry filter - that's what you get stock and it seems to work well enough for every car that has one.I agree with Kincaid. I have had the K&N intake with an AEM DryFlow filter on my '09 GT for a couple months now and absolutely love it. I wouldn't worry about a dry filter not trapping particles and all. The possible damage that could be caused by an oiled filter is way worse than a dry filter possibly not trapping stuff. Just be sure and use an air compressor to blow junk out of the dry filter at least once a month. That's what I do and I haven't had any problems.

[abyssvibeawd]

Well most of my driving is stop and go. I did find an AFE with Pro Dry S filter for a bit over $200 and free shipping, I think I am going with that. I was also considering the Secret Weapon, but it seems like hype and no heat shield. I do like the ram air option of the SW though. Now do you guys believe the throttle body spacer really does something or is it just hype? Thanks for your help genvibers.

[houseofbugs]

I would like to know about the throttle body spacer as well since I am looking at getting one if its worth it. Also will the cold air kits for the 2005 Matrix fit the 2005 Vibe?

[rollavvti06]

the matrix cai will fit its the same platform the throttle body spacer it a personal call some like it some dont i love mine i think it makes it rev faster and it whistles and people think im turbo lol thats the best partfyi vibe matrix and corolla all share the same intakes so all sri and cai will work between the three

[houseofbugs]

Thats good to know. I found a Cosmo CAI on ebay for $60 for the Matrix XR. And the Throttle body spacer for the 03/04 will fit my 05 right?

[BadBrew]

Quote, originally posted by houseofbugs »Thats good to know. I found a Cosmo CAI on ebay for $60 for the Matrix XR. And the Throttle body spacer for the 03/04 will fit my 05 right?Man that's cheap! bought my Cosmo CAI 160$ with local pickup this summer, but the spacer won't work on the 05 because the TB is larger or smaller (don't remember) than the 03-04.Trying to find my source on this...

[rollavvti06]

it wont work the throttle bodys are different cause one is a cable and one is dbw make sure if you get up its for the 05+ bodyfyi i got a buddy who will be selling a cozmo cai that he just put on this summer cause he is now getting an aem or some other brand i forgot which