First up, you can't get a mugen replacement panel for our current model. Mugen have only released a filter for the update which uses a new/different intake....
Spoon and Trust do replacement panels....
I have the A'pexi intake and have noticed improved top-end since fitting it even though I still haven't finished the CAI.
I have also had a chat to guy who has used bothe the A'pexi and the Trust replacement panel in a modded stock box. He has said that by using a modded stock box, he got much better low down response and has since stick with that.
As he also pointed out, Spoon use the factory box (albeit modified) for their race-prepped fit, so take from that what you will I guess.
Lil VTEC, I'm not sure how you will go mounting the filter down low behind the grill, because, once you have a look, you will see what I mean. Even if you can get it down low (which I doubt) it will still be mounted directly behind the radiator, because the radiator takes up the whole front end! So you will be getting the used and hot air that has passed through the radiator.
I'll need to get some pics up of my current setup, though for maximim performance, I would be going with a modded OEM box with a CAI feed.
The CAI designed intakes are better...you might lose a bit of throttle response but you will get that from any aftermarket setup.
The Apexi short ram gives decent gains and a great sound but can suffer a bit from engine heat, etc. That said when mine was tested we were getting about 3kw at the wheels with it which isn't to bad for about $150-200!
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