Sorry I tried this in the newb forum in response to Bass_Droppa's explanation, but no response:

What I don't understand is...you mentioned that the stock resonator is pulling hot air from the engine bay, but what about the snorkel that goes out in front of the wheel well? Is that not functioning to pull in the same cold air that a CAI would pull in? If so, how are you going to get 12-15 whp from simply making it a straight shot to the same cold air that the stock resonator box is receiving?

I'm basically trying to decide if the principle of this idea is worth my investment or not....

Trust me, it is. It can be explained all day long but the simple fact remains that it does give you the power everyone says it does. I had my doubts too but once you get one you will understand :)
If the amount of $$$ bothers you then get the one found on Ebay by Bomz Racing. Half the price of some of the others and just as functional.

2 things. The stock snorkel, after the resonator in the wheel well, comes back up right in front of the battery. The opening itself is facing the battery (in the engine bay). The CAI ends in the wheel well, where all the cold air is coming in. The second reason it helps is that the actual intake track (in stock form) is VERY restrictive. The CAI just lets more air get into the engine with alot more ease - The engine does not need to work as hard to pull the air in, therefore regaining that lost power.

Hope this helps answer your questions.

i used to be skeptical like you, but i just installed mine about a week ago, and all i have to say is: "once you hear the hiss, you WILL understand..."

OH YEAH BABY

Stock air system: Restrictive- as in many bends and small enclosures disrupting flow of air. Plus, all that black plastic in the engine bay just soaks up heat over time.

CAI: Now, yes it's metal so it soaks up heat too but that's why you should get powdercoated intake or better yet ceramic-coated. Also, the air travels much faster therefore it doesn't get heated comapred to stock air assembly. The air comes from the fenderwell and zips right through the intake into the throttle body without any chance of being heated.

I made mine out of 3" PVC and a 90 deg. bend. I painted the PVC(for looks) and it works and sounds great. Cost me $6 for the pipe and $19 for the filter. Just holding me over untill the stock turbo hits the market.

Go on ebay and you can buy a CAI for $50 that will have the same effect as teh AEM.

DO NOT USE PVC. When PVC gets hot it releases gases that you do not want running into your engine.