What does the AEM soft mount do and how important is it?What does the AEM soft mount do and how important is it?

The majority of AEM Brute Force air intake system designs mount to a vehicle in two locations. One AEM Brute Force mounting location is to the engine at the throttle body and the “cold” or filter end of the inlet pipe mounts to the body of the car. The movement of the engine on the engine mounts allows it to rock inside the engine bay, so we compensate for engine motion by using a soft mount that provides a flexible link for the inlet pipe between the engine and the body of the car. If you do not install the AEM Brute Force soft mount properly the inlet tube may break at the bracket weld and void the warranty on the intake system. AEM Brute Force instructions provide a detailed diagram of proper installation of the soft mount, and are viewable from the search results page for each application.

What is the warranty on AEM Brute Force intakes?What is the warranty on AEM Brute Force intakes?

AEM warrants that its AEM Brute Force intake systems will last for the life of your vehicle. AEM will not honor this warranty due to mechanical damage (i.e. improper installation or fitment), damage from misuse, accidents or flying debris. AEM will not warrant its powder coating if the finish has been cleaned with a hydrocarbon-based solvent. The AEM Brute Force powder coating should only be cleaned with a mild soap and water solution. Proof of purchase of both the vehicle and AEM intake system is required for redemption of a warranty claim.

This warranty is limited to the repair or replacement of the AEM part. In no event shall this warranty exceed the original purchase price of the AEM part nor shall AEM be responsible for special, incidental or consequential damages or cost incurred due to the failure of this product. Warranty claims to AEM must be transportation prepaid and accompanied with dated proof of purchase. This warranty applies only to the original purchaser of product and is non-transferable. Improper use or installation, use for racing, accident, abuse, unauthorized repairs or alterations voids this warranty. AEM disclaims any liability for consequential damages due to breach of any written or implied warranty on all products manufactured by AEM. Warranty returns will only be accepted by AEM when accompanied by a valid Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number. Credit for defective products will be issued pending inspection. Product must be received by AEM within 30 days of the date RMA is issued.

If you have a warranty issue, please call AEM (310) 484-2322, extension 203 and the customer service department will assist you. A proof of purchase is required for all AEM warranty claims.

Why does AEM Brute Force use aluminum for its intake piping?Why does AEM Brute Force use aluminum for its intake piping?

AEM Chief Engineer John Concialdi provides an explanation of the difference between Aluminum vs. Steel vs. Plastic in inlet piping:

The issue of heat absorption with an intake system has a degree of validity, however AEM has found that too much emphasis is placed on material selection, instead of the real issue of tuning the system. AEM Brute Force systems feature a unique shape and diameter because this is what we found to make the most useable torque and horsepower for each individual application in testing. However, for the purposes of this discussion, we will limit it to why AEM choose to make AEM Brute Force systems from aluminum and the effects of heat absorption on all materials. If you do not wish to review all of this information right now, a quick synopsis of this discussion is outlined in the following bullet points, with complete topic discussions below:
• We use aluminum to eliminate any chance of the system rusting, and it's lighter than steel
• We limit our use of plastic because this material absorbs some of the sound energy we work to create in the inlet duct
• Whether or not an inlet system is made from aluminum, steel or plastic, the thermal conductivity of the duct material has little effect on engine power
• The rate at which air travels through the inlet path under open throttle, when one is asking the engine for maximum power, negates the effect of material heat soak, regardless of the material
AEM uses aluminum—or a combination of aluminum and plastic plenums for throttle-body-injected applications that require a special plenum—for every intake we produce. This eliminates any chance of rust occurring on the inside of the inlet pipe. AEM has seen chrome-plated steel systems whose inner diameter became rusted over time, causing flakes of rust to travel along the inlet path. AEM also chooses aluminum because of its lightweight properties. Heavier components place higher loads on the brackets they are attached to—or even worse, to the pipes they are attached to. We combine our lightweight aluminum design with a flexible coupling device we call a soft mount that connects the intake system to the body of the vehicle. In addition to the soft mount, we use doublers at the point where the mounting bracket is welded to the pipe for additional strength.

AEM limits use of plastic because this material absorbs some of the sound energy we work to create in the inlet duct. Although AEM uses the best plastic material for our plenums, it is still not as resilient and does not retain the visual appeal of aluminum over long-term use. Because AEM has to use plastic on throttle body applications, AEM takes extra precautions to ensure that the aluminum retaining ring that attaches to the throttle body is anchored securely into the plastic plenum; this is done by making an interlocking mechanical link between the plastic and aluminum.

Whether or not an inlet system is made from aluminum, steel, or plastic, the thermal conductivity of the duct material has little effect on engine power. AEM has found that the tuning of the pipe, in addition to providing the coolest inlet air source, are the keys to making useable power. AEM performs engine inlet-air-temp studies when developing each application to determine the coolest location for sourcing inlet air. In addition to this, AEM determines the safest location for the inlet source to protect it from highly dusty conditions and water. To this end, AEM provides a stainless-steel heat shield to help minimize heat soak into the inlet area, as well as to provide protection from dust, dirt and mud.

At light throttle opening, air speed and airflow at the inlet system are relatively low. The high residence time of air in the inlet while at low-throttle settings will increase inlet charge temps when materials with high thermal conductivity are used. Typically, when someone is at light throttle they are not asking the engine to make power. Most likely, fuel economy is the issue.

When the throttle is fully opened however, air speed and airflow increase considerably. Typically, the inlet air speed of a 5.7L engine with a four-inch duct at full throttle is 34 feet-per-second, based on a volumetric efficiency of 70% and an engine speed of 3,000 rpm. Most inlet systems for every intake manufacturer for this engine are 30 inches or less. This means that the air in the duct of a 30-inch inlet length on this engine at the given rpm is 1/10th of a second—hardly enough time to transfer an appreciable amount of heat into the air stream on any system.

Basically, the rate at which air travels through the inlet path under open throttle, when one is asking the engine for maximum power, negates the effect of material heat soak, regardless of the material. We hope that this helps to clear up the issues of material heat absorption in intake systems.

How do I order a silver powdercoated AEM BRUTE FORCE System?How do I order a silver powdercoated AEM BRUTE FORCE System?

BRUTE FORCE part numbers include a two-letter suffix at the end. The “D” at the end of the suffix indicates that a DRYFLOW filter is included (which is standard for all BRUTE FORCE intakes), and a “C” indicates a clear silver powder coated finish (for example, 21-800DC is a clear silver powder coated BRUTE FORCE intake with a DRYFLOW filter). Powder coated BRUTE FORCE intake systems are most popular with Jeepers because it is an easier finish to maintain, and Diesel enthusiasts because the Zirconia-based powdercoat helps the inlet pipe deflect heat soak.

What factory components do AEM BRUTE FORCE or Workhorse Diesel intakes replace?What factory components do AEM BRUTE FORCE or Workhorse Diesel intakes replace?

AEM BRUTE FORCE Diesel intakes replace all of the factory components from the turbo inlet to the factory air box. This typically includes the stock airbox, stock inlet hose and stock breather hoses. In some cases AEM BRUTE FORCE retains the factory breather hoses, as indicated in the instructions. AEM BRUTE FORCE includes complete hardware and photo instructions for a trouble free installation.

I have a body lift on my truck. Will it affect the fit of a AEM BRUTE FORCE intake?I have a body lift on my truck. Will it affect the fit of a AEM BRUTE FORCE intake?

Yes, a body lift will negatively affect the fitment of the intake unless an engine mount lift is installed to maintain proper geometry of the engine to the chassis. Most AEM BRUTE FORCE intakes mount to the throttle body inlet and the chassis via a soft, flexible mount. If the body is lifted, the mounting points will not align correctly.

I have a suspension lift on my tuck. Will it affect the fit of an AEM BRUTE FORCE intake?I have a suspension lift on my tuck. Will it affect the fit of an AEM BRUTE FORCE intake?

No. Suspension lifts do not affect engine-to-chassis geometry and therefore will not affect the intake fitment. AEM BRUTE FORCE will install the same as if the truck has a factory suspension set up.

What is a C.A.R.B. E.O. number?What is a C.A.R.B. E.O. number?

AEM intake systems carry or are pending approval for a California Air Resources Board Executive Order (CARB EO) number, exempting them from the prohibitions of California Vehicle Code (CVC) 27156, which states that you cannot modify your car in the area of the emission control system. The C.A.R.B. E.O. number allows you to legally install and use the AEM BRUTE FORCE intake system on your truck.

What is the warranty on my AEM BRUTE FORCE intake?What is the warranty on my AEM BRUTE FORCE intake?

AEM warrants that its AEM BRUTE FORCE intake systems will last for the life of your vehicle. AEM will not honor this warranty due to mechanical damage (i.e. improper installation or fitment), damage from misuse, accidents or flying debris. AEM will not warrant its powdercoating if the finish has been cleaned with a hydrocarbon-based solvent. The powdercoating should only be cleaned with a mild soap and water solution. Proof of purchase of both the vehicle and AEM intake system is required for redemption of a warranty claim.

This warranty is limited to the repair or replacement of the AEM part. In no event shall this warranty exceed the original purchase price of the AEM part nor shall AEM be responsible for special, incidental or consequential damages or cost incurred due to the failure of this product. Warranty claims to AEM must be transportation prepaid and accompanied with dated proof of purchase. This warranty applies only to the original purchaser of product and is non-transferable. Improper use or installation, use for racing, accident, abuse, unauthorized repairs or alterations voids this warranty. AEM disclaims any liability for consequential damages due to breach of any written or implied warranty on all products manufactured by AEM. Warranty returns will only be accepted by AEM when accompanied by a valid Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number. Credit for defective products will be issued pending inspection. Product must be received by AEM within 30 days of the date RMA is issued.

If you have a warranty issue, please call (310) 484-2322, extension 203 and our customer service department will assist you. A proof of purchase is required for all AEM warranty claims.

What is the Power Spacer and why is one not included in every AEM BRUTE FORCE kit?What is the Power Spacer and why is one not included in every AEM BRUTE FORCE kit?

The AEM BRUTE FORCE Power Spacer is a plenum spacer that installs in between the intake manifold and the throttle body. In about 5% of our applications, we have found that increasing plenum volume increases power. We test each AEM BRUTE FORCE system we develop with various Power Spacer designs, and only include Power Spacers in BRUTE FORCE intake systems when they improve performance. AEM Power Spacers feature a smooth internal design that makes more power and does not whistle the way spacers with screw type inlets do. Because they do not increase performance on every application and are designed to work specifically with BRUTE FORCE intakes, AEM does not sell them separately and includes them in kits when they increase power. BRUTE FORCE applications in our search results indicate whether a system includes a spacer.

How do I order a polished AEM BRUTE FORCE System?How do I order a polished AEM BRUTE FORCE System?

AEM BRUTE FORCE part numbers include a two-letter suffix at the end. The “D” at the end of the suffix indicates that a DRYFLOW filter is included (which is standard for all BRUTE FORCE intakes), and a “P” indicates a polished finish (for example, 21-800DP is a polished BRUTE FORCE intake with a DRYFLOW filter).

Will an AEM BRUTE FORCE intake void my new car warranty?Will an AEM BRUTE FORCE intake void my new car warranty?

NO. The only time this can happen is from improper installation that causes damage to a vehicle system. If a service technician denies your warranty claim ONLY because the car is modified with an AEM intake system and the vehicle system failure was not a direct result of the installation and use of an AEM intake, please refer him to the Magnusson Moss Warranty act.

Is the AEM BRUTE FORCE intake a "cold air" system?Is the AEM BRUTE FORCE intake a "cold air" system?

Although it is not a cold air intake in the traditional sense (routing the air filter outside of the engine compartment), AEM BRUTE FORCE intakes pull the air charge from the coolest source, making them in essence cold air designs. Because of the heavy duty and off road use many trucks encounter, we designed AEM BRUTE FORCE intakes as underhood systems to protect them from potential damage. We use a steel heat shield when necessary to shroud the filter from engine heat, and perform extensive temperature testing to ensure the vehicle is receiving the coolest air charge.

Why do some AEM BRUTE FORCE intakes not include a heat shield?Why do some AEM BRUTE FORCE intakes not include a heat shield?

We perform extensive temperature testing during the development phase to ensure that the filter is in a location that will receive the coolest air charge. For some AEM BRUTE FORCE intakes, we found that there was no difference in inlet temperatures with and without a heat shield during our temperature testing. Since we do not to want you to waste your money on parts that are not necessary, we do not include a shield with these applications.