The construction and fitment of the Autotech intake was high quality, considering the less-than-$200 price. The unit is made of 6061-T6 aluminum and has a high-polished finish. Autotech also went to the trouble of welding in a bung on the intake tube so the stock hose from the air pump fits like factory. However, the hardware on the unit we received didn't quite fit the way we would've liked. The hose clamps appeared to be a bit small and we had to fully extend them to get around the throttle body. The silicone hose was also a tight fit and a real pain in the ass to slide on. Despite this, everything went together and looked spectacular when installed.
Euro Sport Accessories
Stock Horsepower: 162.2
Stock Torque: 161.7
Horsepower: 167.6
Torque: 165.1
Pricing: $209.95
Contact Info: Euro Sport Accessories, 714/630-1555, www.eurosportacc.com
Scoring
Power: 5
Price: 5
Fit: 5
Finish: 7
Euro Sport Accessories is known for its performance parts, mostly for the early cars. It does, however, have a lineup for late model cars as well. Not one to follow the crowd, Euro Sport was the only company that didn't use a K&N-style filter. Instead, the company uses a foam element from ITG Air Filters. The finish on the unit is outstanding, with a ball-polished effect to give it a haze. The intake uses a bung on the side to connect the factory air pump hose. Installation was flawless and all the brackets lined up without fuss. The installation did call for one extra step because there's a bracket that mounts below the battery tray - but it's only one more bolt.
It was no surprise to discover the Euro Sport intake tested about the same as every other intake. The curves followed along with the rest of the pack. Once again, it created most of its power under the curve, with a steady increase at the top all the way to the rev limit.
Evolution Motorsports
Stock Horsepower: 162.2
Stock Torque: 161.7
Horsepower: 166.6
Torque: 164.9
Pricing: $189.00
Contact Info: Evolution Motorsports, 480/317-9911, www.evoms.com
Scoring
Power: 4
Price: 7
Fit: 4
Finish: 4
On the dyno, the EvoMS unit put its best power to the ground below the curve. It made between 6 to 8 hp over stock at just under 3,000 rpm, whereas at peak, the number dropped to a reasonable 4hp separation. The fit of the CAI in the engine bay looked very snug, but at the same time, the bracket to the fender wasn't the best fit. We had no real issues with the installation, although the silicone hose to the throttle body could've been tighter.
The EvoMS unit is a great value at $189, especially since the cross-link plastic construction means the black plastic intake tube appears damn near factory to the untrained eye and will surely pass most visual inspections. Another bonus of plastic is it won't conduct heat like steel, so intake charge temps should be slightly lower. Our tests just missed the latest production run of EvoMS intakes with the bung on the intake tube to accommodate the factory air-pump line. The version of the intake we tested uses an external air filter mounted on the air pump itself.
Evolution Sports
Stock Horsepower: 162.2
Stock Torque: 161.7
Horsepower: 167.3
Torque: 163.5
Pricing: $255
Contact Info: Evolution Sports, 425/710-9200,www.evolutionsports.com
Scoring
Power: 5
Price: 5
Fit: 8
Finish: 8
The Evolution Sports intake looked the coolest by far, in our opinion. It's a true CAI, as it only sucks from the fender area, but it takes a totally off-the-wall approach and looks really intriguing. The adjustable flex tube that comes with it allows you to get air from wherever you think is best. We were going to try and face it directly at a duct, but the horn bracket got in the way, so we left it pulling air off the ground like the other intakes. It fit well, and once you locked the bracket down, the intake wasn't going anywhere.