Air Intake Question on DX

Ironliftr3 · 2 Weeks Ago

Hey guys, I've done a bunch of reading on air intake systems, and I'm avoiding the typical newbie questions (hopefully!). Decided the way to go is a Weapon R Secret Weapon, and I understand I should replace the provided filter with an AEM.

Question - I have a 98 DX, non-VTEC. I realize I'm limited with my options with this engine. Is upgrading the air intake a worthwhile investment, or a total waste of money on this case? I'm not looking to just 'sound cool'.

Thanks!

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gearbox · 2 Weeks Ago

no not in the case of secret weapon filter. it uses a dense oiled foam that flows more air and filters better than anything else available. the SW1 filter is THE BEST filter you can buy in terms of filtration and airflow. it actually has a velocity stack design to suck more air than an open pipe. get yourself a good foam filter cleaner kit like UNI and clean/oil it every 6 months for best airflow. ive had mine for several years and it traps even the smallest dust particles. the intake tube and all the idle/air components are still squeaky clean like new. and its one of the quietest filters also. you will still hear it, but not nearly as annoying as the other ones. the only problem with those filters is the mounting pipe is slippery (painted) so its a good idea to sand down the outer part that goes in the rubber coupler and wipe with alcohol. you wont see it anyway once installed. otherwise the filter may fall off.

Ironliftr3 · 2 Weeks Ago

Thanks Gearbox...your opinion is always valuable. So the install on a DX would be worthwhile?

gearbox · 2 Weeks Ago

usually dx is the best car for modding cause its much lighter and the engine always uses 16 valves (compared to ex which only uses 12 unless you are at full throttle, vtec). if you are modding for speed or gas mileage, dx is the best.

OCDjG · 2 Weeks Ago

Just know that replacing your stock air intake set up for a short ram one will not make a night & day difference when it comes to performance purposes. The greatest difference you'll get by doing this mod is a louder intake and that's about it. The HP gains, if any, are very minimal. That's why a lot of people usually say don't waste your time and money on such a mod unless you plan on changing out the headers and exhaust system as well.

What your goals performance wise for your car?

Ironliftr3 · 2 Weeks Ago

Not really expecting a day an night difference, but I'd like to do whatever I can to get a little 'boost' out of the engine, without spending a fortune.

What I'd really like is a little more low end 'quickness' rather than over all top end speed. The vast majority of my driving is done under 60 mph.

Again, not looking to spend a fortune, nor degrade the reliability of the vehicle. Always open to suggestions!

gearbox · 2 Weeks Ago

i like my weapon-r, compared to the 4 other intakes ive tried (aem, K&N, etc) the weapon-r performs best at lower rpms and about the same in higher rpms. i do most of my driving around 3-4k rpms to save gas. and its the quietest intake but still makes noise.