So im wondering if its really worth the money to purchase an expensive cold air inake like k&n etc. or if an ebay pipe with k&n or equivilant cone filter will matter? To me i believe if the diameter tubing is similar than the brand or style shouldnt matter? Input?

 

Whatever type you buy, make sure the air is taken form outside the engine compartment. Otherwise you will have a hot air intake and lose power instead of gaining it. The stock system breathes in cold air, but the plumbing is very restrictive.

 

Your right it looks very restrictive. I was thinking of making some type of aluminum shield to cover the back side of the filter closest to the block. Ive seen it done before where the filter is basically in the same place as sock but has that barrier from the heated block.

 

imo yes it is worth it. i have a moroso. basically the same thing. slp is the best. i think the expansion chamber has something to do with the proper airflow. the slp has a double filter and pipes that shape into one and have shown the best gains.

 

Buy a used CAI and filter recharge kit or new element. I got my Moroso for $50 on eBay because $200 is pretty steep for some plastic.