Header banner
Revain logoHome Page
Drew Gengler photo
1 Level
1313 Review
51 Karma

Review on πŸš— K&N Cold Air Intake Kit for 2000-2007 SUBARU (Impreza WRX, Impreza WRX STi, Impreza II WRX, Impreza II WRX STI) - High Performance, Guaranteed Horsepower Increase - 69-8001TS by Drew Gengler

Revainrating 5 out of 5

Worth every penny! for Ram Air Kit

I bought this kit because it got good reviews on the forums. Installation is incredibly easy, it took about an hour. Don't know if HP added it, but the turbo spin-up sound and BOV whoosh are worth it. My face cramped from smiling after the first ride! If you have a WRX, buy this intake kit. I believe it has a better heat shield than Amazon's SOA. Regardless of what the forums and product descriptions say, Subaru also says that the air filter on that intake should be replaced periodically. At around $50 each, I'd prefer one that I know can be reused. I've also read a lot about those short air intakes that suck hot air into the engine. So I used my Cobb APV3 to monitor and log intake temperatures for about 2 weeks with the stock intake before replacing it. Sure, it's still winter here, but if you're driving until the engine is 190F and you're stuck in traffic or idling, the intake air will quickly get hot regardless of the air temperature outside. Once you start driving, it takes some time for the hot intake air to cool down to ambient temperature. I need to analyze the recorded data, but at first glance I can't see any difference in the intake air temperature when stationary and idling - both the short piston and the stock air intake suck in hot air. Both seem to cool off once you get rolling and get some fresh air. They still use the standard K&N intake system. The only difference is that the tube coming out of the elbow is not enclosed in an airtight box with an air filter like the standard system. So when you're taxiing, you're letting fresh air flow through the standard snorkel system, and that air is vented right at the end of the K&N system's cone filter. This keeps the air fresh and cool when you move. Some people like to challenge the debate, but I've personally seen on my car that there isn't much of a difference in intake air temperature between the stock box and the K&N system. However, there is one big difference in K&N's amazing sound. Unless you're a performance freak or sharing a ride with a driver who isn't, you might find the sound annoying. I have a high flow 3" TBE system with a booming exhaust noise. In WOT, the sound of the exhaust drowns out the sound of the intake, but cruising around town I occasionally hit the gas pedal to hear it vomit and snort. Do yourself a favor, step away from the fence, put in your savings fund or your child's college fund and buy this and you will be happy.

Pros
  • Great for me
Cons
  • Appearance