[MD99SiR]

AEM has went through extensive testing to ensure that their products have the right flow, bends and quality. They have dyno tested their products to give the max airflow and reliabilty. A generic brand CAI has not and will probably end up heating up the piping which will heat the air and be no better than a stock airbox. The AEM has a special coating that will reject the heat and keep the air inside cool which is less dense and give better performance in the combustion chamber. If you want to get the most performance out of your car or plan on going to shows or anything like that then get the AEM. If you just want to have an intake and look cool then the generic brand would be your answer. You don't want to spend $100-150 on a generic brand just to find out it is a piece of crap or falls apart in a month and you have to replace it again and then you decide to get an AEM after you've waisted $100-150. So think about what you want to do and then you'll find your answer.