Mods Face Off Result: Airflow Innovations' Aria Mild Steel Intake

[CoolVanilla]

Mods Face Off Result: Airflow Innovations' Aria Mild Steel Intake

****Congratulations Junior for winning the silent auction for the Aria!!****
Thank you to everyone that bid, and a big time thank you to Airflow Innovations for donating the test Aria to help generate funds for the MFO6. Hats off to all you guys.

Airflow Innovations turned a lot of heads at the MFO with their Aria. The pewter plaque and black filter were drooled over repeatedly, and with a list price of $299 and immediate availability, I have no doubt this intake is going to generate a lot of interest.

Mod Tested: Airflow Innovations' Aria Mild Steel Intake
Date: 12/4/08 - 12/5/08
Dyno Location: SVS R&D, Sacramento CA
Track Location: Sacramento Raceway, Sacramento CA <--CANCELED DUE TO FOG

***Remember to always review and keep in mind the Mods Face Off Testing Methodology Q&A while reviewing these results.***

The Good:

• Only quality components are used that are at least on par (if not of higher quality) with other units I've seen, regardless of price point.
• We received a "base" unit Aria. For $299 retail, this really is a good value.
• The filter comes in various color options, allowing customization of your engine bay in a new and pretty cool way.
• The black filter was a real hit at the MFO6. Its the first time we've seen one like that, and it just looked flat sexy installed.
• On a stock SRT, the Aria gained 5 peak hp and 1 peak trq over stock. On a lightly modded 5.7 it gained 8 peak hp. That hp gain was the largest we saw on the 5.7.

The Bad:

• Those sensitive to cigarette smoke smell would have had a very hard time opening and unboxing this unit. I have an allergy so it hit me particularly hard.
  
  • The manufacturer saw my review and immediately sent me an apology as well as an assurance that all units shipping will now be done so with smoke-smell free bubble wrap and other packing materials. So this should no longer be an issue.
• Our unit did not come with installation instructions. Airflow Innovations warned me this was the case when they shipped it, and assured me this was an isolated incident.
• On a lightly modded 5.7, the Aria dropped 1 peak trq against baseline. On a lightly modded 6.1, it dropped 6 peak hp and 11 peak trq. That torque drop was the biggest we saw on the modded 6.1.

The Numbers:






The Graphs:
Baselines are in blue. Aria is in red






COMPARISONS:
The Aria is in mustard yellow:






COMMENTS:
The Aria has been the source of much controversy and discussion since it was unveiled. The MFO did its best to avoid all that stuff, and instead to focus on the unit itself. Thankfully when the actual event rolled around and folks got a chance to see it in real life, all the other stuff drifted away. There's simply no denying that this is a quality peice that performs. Its unclear why it dropped so sharply in power numbers against the AFE baseline, but speculation has it this filter is a far denser filter and in theory that should mean better protection for your motor. And given that you have a plethora of color choices, something that is to date unique to Airflow Innovations, this kit deserves serious consideration. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this based on its quality of construction, its supplied hardware and its dead sexy look when installed.

[CoolVanilla]

Click any of the pics for MUCH larger and up close versions. Be warned... clicking will NOT be 56k friendly.

Well boxed, although as soon as I opened it I got hit in the face with cigarette smoke smell.




This filter was new to me. VERY cool looking, to say the least. AI also offers these in other colors to help you coordinate.




Thats a polished top under a protective film










The fit and finish is top notch. The exterior welds are well ground and the powder coat is in good shape.








The pewter plate is a nice touch. Presumably each unit will be serialized, adding a very personal and professional feel.










Installed pics:

[The Unabomber]

When it gets installed on the test vehicles can you note if it rubs on anything? Things such as power steering/brake lines. Is it also possible to note fitment/rubbing issues with all of the other intakes as well? Thanks.

[nclimey]

Considering the vendor company's name, Where's the innovation!

[Super T]

Considering the vendor company's name, Where's the innovation!

the way it came about sure was innovative, lol

Irrelevant to this thread...

[1FST4DR]

I agree this is not the place...

[05Silver_C]

Irrelevant to this thread...

I agree this is not the place...

it will never be irrelevant as far as im concerned...

Your thoughts and opinions are appreciated, I have my own thoughts on this CAI as well, However this thread is not the place for another AirHammer/ARIA Pissing match... The sole purpose of this thread is for MFO Results and Performance/Technical data and questions pertaining to the ARIA.

Your thoughts and opinion are not irrelevant, but as stated above this thread is not the place for them.

[bookeem]

very well , carry on..thanks 05silver c

[Warlock]

yea, folks, this is to show the performance of an intake, not to show how it exactly matches the flow of the AH steel

[SCOTT57RT]

How was the fit under the hood on the R/T? I've seen some guys that have the filter rub on the hood with the Airhammer, and this seems similar.

[wheelife]

How was the fit under the hood on the R/T? I've seen some guys that have the filter rub on the hood with the Airhammer, and this seems similar.

We are aware of possible fit issues on 6.1 engines only due to a different placement within the engine bay, 10mm up and 3-4mm forward, this combined with slight car manufacturing differences may induce rubbing if install instructions are not carefully followed.

I have addressed this with our production units by using a longer throttle collar as well as outlining in detail, install instructions to confirm no rub issues will exist.

We also have a 100% unconditional money back guarantee to assure customers of our commitment to a quality product.

[CoolVanilla]

Results are now completed (post 1) and install pics added to post 2.

[carchitect]

Can anyone tell me how close does this unit come to the brake lines that run vertically in the general mounting area (a little to passenger side of the factory airbox mounting bracket) on the charger?

[Darthvader]

I want one hope I get some dough for XMAS

[Junior]

Can anyone tell me how close does this unit come to the brake lines that run vertically in the general mounting area (a little to passenger side of the factory airbox mounting bracket) on the charger?

If I remember right, there was some slight interference at the largest circumference of the filter, right at the location you're talking about - I remember trying to be careful to keep the filter from getting buggered up. It's not a tight fit, where it's going to be causing problem, I don't think - more of just a spot that you have to watch when you're installing the filter.