Air intake questions . . . . someone set me straight

[Zdster]

Hi all,

I have been reading the technical posts that state that removing the stock airbox from a vechicle is illegal. This raises my question, would installing a cold air intake system (such as injen or aem) be illegal as it requires the removal of the stock airbox? Can anyone explain this to me?

Thanks,

Zdster.

[crispy]

Well there is a huge debate as to whether it is illegal or not to remove your airbox/install an intake system. I think its more the fact that you will have an oiled filter which then gets into epa stuff. Ive actually been told that if you have a cotton/foam filter which is not oiled, then your not breaking any laws. But hundreds of import owners have exposed filters on their cars and to have the exposed filters you need to take out the airbox, so i guess its ok as long as you dont do anything stupid to attract attention.

[PhatSol]

Which state? You need to contact your local RTA.

[Zdster]

Thanks crispy, I am not sure if I am now more confused . What I am really after however is are these types of intakes actually legal???

PhatSol - I am in Victoria. Might try VicRoads and see if they can make it any clearer . . . .

Anyone else got any ideas?

[EuroAccord13]

Oiled Filters aka K&N are illegal Australia wide..

In Victoria, it's illegal to have an open pod in the engine bay, but it is legal to have a CAI as the filter is routed outside of the engine bay itself. If you have a pod in the engine bay, you might want to consider building a custom enclosure for it and in a way it also helps to deflect some engine heat from the pod......

[Zdster]

but it is legal to have a CAI as the filter is routed outside of the engine bay itself

Can you explain what you mean by this? So are you saying that having say an aem cai is legal - or is it illegal as it has "an open pod"? Very confused

[z3lda]

its only illegal if the copper that pulls u over is a tight ass.
my car went through a random vehicle inspection. popped the hood and saw a aftermarket airfilter and breather. the only defect i got was too low + number plates not mounted properly.

[pornstar]

Zdster, its illegal

but as zelda said, some good cops dont bother booking u for this

[JDM.Power]

tru some cops are cocky an some are not...or just get a sticker..an put aftermarket by honda :P say it came stock with it when i bough it!

[Zdster]

So it is illegal to run a cai, pod filter and panel filter? I tried to look at VicRoads website but wasnt able to download the vechicle standards information.


Can anyone explain why exactly it is illegal? I mean it is not like you are not replacing the airbox with something else??? and at least the aem intake has passed CARB certification in the US . . . . I guess I am just wondering the logic behind this rule .

[Psyklops]

the reason it's illegal is because there is a slight possiblity combusted fuel will make it's way back through the intake manifold down the pipe to the filter which then might catch fire....I guess this is possible if the cam belt snapped and the inake valves stayed open...then it might happen...but it is a lowest common denominator measure by the sounds of it IMO...pretty much the government wrapping us in cotton wool again

[PhatSol]

Don't be lazy, ring VicRoads and ask them. No point comming on here and getting second hand information.