[theaegean]

Yes I have. Stillen says they ordered these custom from S&B to the AEM specs as a substitute due to AEM being out of stock. Maybe the dimensions/performance are the same, but the filter membrane is definitely not similar to AEM DryFlow. S&B says theirs is not washable; it can only be carefully hit with compressed air to renew it. Life is 30k miles as opposed to AEM’s claim that DryFlow can be repeatedly cleaned and will last the lifetime of the vehicle.

When I told Stillen I wasn’t satisfied with the substitution (I wanted the AEM specifically because it’s reusable like an oiled filter, but without the hassle of oiling), they agreed to send me an AEM. I just received the package yesterday, and it’s another Downey. They told me this time that they received this Downey directly from AEM. I’m going to follow up with AEM to verify, because it seems odd to me that AEM would do that.

A few side notes:
Apparently the original AEM Stillen had used was discontinued (21-2097DK), but they now use a slightly different one (21-2099DK) in this intake kit, so that’s what they were supposed to send this time. The 2099 is even bigger than the 2097, so I’m not sure how that would even fit in the box, but they said it’s a top seller and they’ve had no complaints, so I was willing to give it a go. The one they sent appears to be exactly the same as the one I already have (which presumably was the 2097 spec).

I first emailed their general support and sent the pictures but got an out-of-office reply, so I called. The guy I spoke with on the phone was helpful tracking down the origin of the Downey, but when I called back and told him I found out it wasn’t washable and that I wanted an AEM replacement, he turned combative quickly. He told me I should be happy with the Downey because the AEMs don’t actually hold up to repeated washing, are made of a cardboard-type material, etc., none of which matches what AEM claims. I explained that what I didn’t appreciate was the substitution being made without informing me at the time of purchase so I could decide for myself. He said if I didn’t like it, I could “plead my case” by emailing their president. Before I could take him up on that, I got a reply to my email, and the rep I’ve been emailing with since has been much more willing to work with me and understanding of why I wasn’t happy to discover the Downey isn’t identical to the AEM.

 

[theaegean]

Sort of. Thanks for reminding me about this post. I did eventually get a reply to my original email, and that interaction was a bit more cordial at least.

Long story somewhat short, he confirmed they originally used AEM212097DK, then AEM212099DK when it was discontinued. AEM was having fulfillment issues, so they turned to S&B a.k.a. Downey. He said he’d send me an AEM212099DK but when it arrived it was another identical Downey. I reiterated that I chose this kit over the Volant specifically to have a washable dry filter, and that wasn’t delivered. I asked for the 2099 again and he said if fitment was tight with the Downey, it would be worse with the 2099 (slightly taller end cap, apparently, though the filter in the photo he sent me said K&N - I know, same parent company, but I still think it wasn’t the correct part pictured). Also said there’s a velocity ring in the air box that I could remove and attach to the filter first, then the ring+filter would slide into the box more easily. I haven’t tinkered with it to confirm, but I don’t recall seeing anything around the flange where the filter clamp goes that looked removable. I’ll have to take a closer look and report back.

Ultimately I offered to return the new Downey and floated an alternate AEM and also a comparable K&N part number as possible replacements if they happen to stock either for other uses. They shot me down and said keep the second Downey and we’re even Steven. I don’t love that, but I guess it’s something.

What irks me is that both reps focused on the timeline - that I’m just now bringing this up after a year. My view is I had no reason to initially suspect they would have swapped in a materially different part, and it was only upon looking into the washing procedure from AEM that I discovered what they gave me 1. isn’t AEM and 2. isn’t washable. Could I have realized all that up front? Sure could. Did they do something to make it right? Sure did. Do I still have to shell out ~$80 elsewhere if I want to end up with a washable one I should have received in the first place? Sure do.

Downey vs. “Alleged” AEM212099DK

Stillen photo of the velocity ring being attached to the filter before installing into the box.