Problems with my AEM V2 Intake

The allure of AEM's V2 Intake System is incredible. It features proven power gains, that roaring sound and its relatively inexpensive, definitely cheaper than most other air intake systems for the S2000. The Comptech is $400, a Spoon snorkel and filter costs $800, Mugen is around $1400, J's Racing is $1150, GruppeM (M's in Japan) is $1800 and the ASM intake in all its carbon fiber glory is... I hope you're seating down... $3000! The AEM V2 only costs $250 in comparison. I once thought yeah an intake is an intake and $250 for one that delivers proven gains and roars is an awesome deal. The disadvantage is of course the small risk of hydrolocking but from what AEM told me, as long as I avoid heavily flooded areas and submerging the filter, which I should anyways, I'm fine. As a precaution, I plugged my rain channel drain hole just in cause too. Wow the AEM V2 is a great intake!

Sure... until I almost hydrolocked... twice. Last year, around this exact same time, in my full post Tour de France bandwagon mode, I was looking at some road bikes to get back in the sport again. While going to different Trek dealers, it started raining. Then as soon as it started, it stopped. The sun came out and all was right with the world again until I stepped on it. At 4000 RPMs, it was like I hit a brick wall. My S2000 suddenly lost power, the revs went from 4000 to less than 500 RPMs in an instant. It almost shut off. I turned pale thinking hydrolock hydrolock hydrolock. The next day, I removed my AEM V2 intake filter and it was pretty moist. I let it sit in the sun to dry for some hours. Reinstalled it and took it for a test drive and saw 9000 RPMs with no problems. Whew!

For the past year, I've been considering different intake options - Mugen, J's Racing or M's. For the past year, I would check the Weather Channel before deciding if it was safe to drive the S2000 today. Any hint of rain, forget it. Being in Miami where it rains almost all summer long, I've barely driven my S2000. I was paying for something that I rarely enjoyed but OK, better safe than sorry.

Then last Sunday came. Weather was clear, the forecast looked good, its safe! By 8PM, we were at a friend's house celebrating her birthday and it started pouring rain. Pouring so bad that the rain went horizontal and when that happens people, its bad, very very bad. Eventually the rain let up, so I left. Driving home in the rain, I avoided the flooded areas. I got home safe and sound.

Tonight I was planning to go to my Youth Group then an S2000 Meet. Of course, you can't go to an S2000 Meet without the S2000. So I took it out. When the temperature reached 3 bars, I stepped on it. 4000 - 5000 - 5500 - lost power - 500 RPMs. Ah shit not again! Made an U-turn, headed home. Took off the filter and yes it was still moist, even after 4 days. The AEM V2 piping was a little humid on the inside. Everything else looked OK, its idling fine, oil looks good. Tomorrow I'm replacing the filter with a new one. No later than at the end of this year, I will replace and throw away my AEM V2 for a real intake.

When I ordered my AEM V2, I called AEM to ask them about the hydrolock issue. The AEM representative stated that it is not a concern unless you drive through a heavily flooded area and completely submerge the filter. Bullshit. Regular light rain can result in problems, which it did for me, twice.

The AEM V2 Intake is cheap piece of shit. I regret buying it; I should have purchased a real intake from the start. Any of the aforementioned above would have done and done much better. Hell, I'll even take a PRM intake right now. So if you are considering the AEM V2, Injen or some cheap replica cold air intake for your S2000 or whatever car, believe me, don't do it. Either stay with your OEM intake or buy a real one. Just say NO to AEM!

Update...

There was water in my intake pipe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Mind you I never drove through any flooded areas or submerged my filter in water as AEM said I needed to in order to get water into my intake or hydrolock.

I brought a new K&N filter and before I installed it, I stuck a towel inside the intake pipe to check. I took it out and it was soaking wet. I was absolutely shocked. I ended up taking off the lower intake arm and poured out 1/4 of a cup of water.

Afterwards I reinstalled everything, I took off the spark plug cover and spark plugs, no sign of water so I think/hope I didn't get water up into the engine. It started fine, idled fine, drove at low RPMs fine, VTECed all the way to 9000 RPMs fine. I'm almost due for an oil change, so tomorrow I'm going to take it to the dealer and have them recheck everything in case my mechanically challenged ass missed something.

Update 2...

I had the tech at Rick Case Honda double check everything and do a complete diagnostic and all is well. Looks like I dodged another bullet by AEM. However I don't think I'll be as lucky a third time. This damn AEM V2 is coming off as soon as my new intake comes and I cannot wait. I'm even considering reinstalling my stock intake for the time being if I can figure out what screws and bolts are missing.