AEM 28-20304 DryFlow Air Filter

I've always preferred AEM filters because they're no-oil, high build quality, and I've used AEM products about as long as I've owned cars. First off, i'd like to say "thank you" to all the WRX reviewers whose feedback i leaned on heavily to decide whether or not to take a chance on this filter. It was a risky choice given all the "doesn't fit" reviews readily found on the web. Let me say this: IT FITS PERFECTLY. On my 2019 WRX Base 2.0L. Note for future reviewers: it's really helpful if you mention your model, year, and engine. Sometimes i wasn't sure if folks had the 2.5L STI, or a WRX like mine. Anyway, i clicked the "Helpful" button for all you folks that had helpful WRX reviews. Thanks again. As was mentioned by another reviewer, despite all the web reviews that it doesn't fit -- not helped by the fact that neither Amazon nor AEM list it as a compatible part for a 2019 WRX Base -- it does. This is the same filter i put into my 2014 XV Crosstrek, with the same airbox setup, and the entire process took under 5 minutes. I'm not a super-proficient modder, i tend to stick to basic bolt-on stuff like bracing and that, but this was really easy. A couple non-pro tips: - The filter only goes in one way, by design. The pleats align vertically (unlike the OEM paper filter), and there is an embossed "AEM" logo and "DryFlow" brand mark on the TOP edge of the filter. Put it in that way and it just drops into place. Easy. - You should absolutely remove the intake duct in front of the airbox, It's so easy that *anyone* can do this, no modding experience necessary. There are two plastic pins securing the duct to the front of the engine bay. Pop them out with any flat screwdriver, the air duct pulls away easily with no force necessary. This will allow you to open the airbox wide enough to replace the filter. - Drop the new AEM filter in with "AEM" logo on top, pleats running vertical, as i mentioned. You may need to wiggle the airbox a little to open it up enough to fit the AEM filter in, but it will open up plenty wide enough with that air duct out of the way. - Refasten the airbox clips, re-attache the air duct and plastic pins. You're almost done. - AEM filters come with an AEM logo decal. This is useful to stick on your airbox (or wherever you like) to let your oil change service know that they need not even open the airbox because you have a re-usable filter. Save $20. I put mine right on the airbox cover. Clean and dry the airbox location before applying the decal, of course, so it sticks and stays. I just used Windex (my car is less than a month old) but rubbing alcohol is probably a better choice if your car has had time to build up more grime on the airbox. As for performance and engine sound: - I believe it does actually smooth things out between gears a bit, as has been mentioned, and i think the added throttle response is noticeable (but not dramatic) from around 3,000 RPM and above. Did a high-speed freeway test earlier tonight (cool summer air, around 72 degrees F, which turbo likes anyway) and it felt like i was never starved for air in the higher RPM range; there was just always power on tap, whatever i asked the car to do. Then again, it is a WRX. ;) - Engine sound: extremely subtle change, most people will probably never notice. Assuming it's not my imagination, i do think there was a subtle new engine note, again mostly surfacing around 3-4,000 RPM, that filled out the midrange with a warm, slightly fuller frequency, but -- sorry, this won't really give you an increased throaty low like some intakes i've used in the past. The WRX is already pretty good at throaty lows anyway... Hope this helps someone. I'll give one more nod to the reviewers that came before me, whose reviews gave me what i needed to make a call on this product. Ignore the plebs, this works in a Base/Premium/Limited 2.0L WRX.

Works well and fits great. Definitely an improvement over the old dirty one. It will be some time before I’ll be able to reuse it, but for the price I think it’s a great value. Note: orientation may be different from stock but functions just as well, if not better.

After using this filter for around 5 years I recently went back to paper filters for the time being. It has shown no real signs of wear or degradation. Honestly I just got tired of taking it in and out, and trying to clean it. Basically I think it's a good product, but the design isn't really the best for the long haul. It is much deeper than a standard filter and I understand the reasoning behind this. But this means disassembling a portion of the intake each time you need to take it out. Vs simply slipping in a standard filter. The extra depth and tight pattern makes a good deep cleaning unnecessarily difficult. Large debris like bugs, leaves, and straw, embedded deep inside are nearly impossible to remove. Unless you want to go through each and every pleat and physically dig it out. I think it's reached a point where airflow is probably at or below the level of a paper filter. So why do all the extra work? The design seems to be geared more towards being able to handle extended use under extreme conditions and neglect. Not really what the average consumer who would invest in a reusable filter for their daily driver is likely to do.

Perfect, flush fit for a 2018 wrx. I already had an AEM air filter (model: 28-20304) before but purchased another one so I can swap between the two when one gets dirty.

Doesn’t fit. Too thick. Is it normal. I could still get in and close the clamps. Would it work or not? I hope seller replies. I don’t want to end up engine dead after dust gets in because it’s too thick and won’t snug fit well in the box. A little thick may be good as it may fit perfectly pushing tight and no gapes left so one way it’s good but I am not sure. Unless seller reply this problem and clarifies.

Fits like a glove in my 2016 Subaru Outback with 2.5i engine, even though the chart said it wouldn't fit. I had been using a K&N 2304 for a couple of years, which added a noisy annoying raspy growl when accelerating when the engine was cold, especially when it was cold weather outdoors. No more concerns about keeping the MAF sensor clean, which I would do with CRC brand MAF sensor spray with the oil-treated K&N. I will still use the CRC spray cleaner to clean the MAF sensor but not as often, maybe once a year instead of every 5,000 miles. Seems to idle more smoothly and at a lower RPM, good throttle response and acceleration, seems as good as the K&N in that regard, better than the OEM Subaru paper air filter. The best news is that annoying raspy engine noise is gone!! To install- remember that the filter slats have to run vertically -up and down- to fit properly, as the filter looks square but is not. The AEM writing on the rubber seal should face the top side. The thick filter side faces the front of the car, the thin side faces the rear. Remember to put the AEM sticker on your air box so the oil change guys don't mess with it.

This filter is easy to clean and gets the job done. However, the power increase is marketing jargon. It does not give more push to the car in terms of acceleration.

Perfect fit for 2011 WRX EJ25 as an oem air filter replacement. Great quality as can be expected from AEM. I got this dry flow to replace a K&N drop in filter I had recently purchased. Why? Cuz oil baby....lots of oil on the K&N from factory. So much so that the air box was dripping with it after a couple 100 miles and my MAF sensor started to foul up from the oil mist. Don't know why I didn't go the AEM way from onset. Cuz I also use their full intake system in my Evo 10 and have had zero issues. Now I don't have to worry about my air filter dirtying my NEW MAF sensor anymore.

Great filter as it does not require re-oiling. Bring some nice sound and some kick to it. Installing is very simple take out the old and drop the new in.

Ok, Subaru's have a well designed intake system. They're already cold air intakes, and have special resonance chambers to prevent maf scaling issues caused by engine resonance noise. If you install an aftermarket intake system, there WILL be air resonance problems around 2500 and 5000rpm. This resonance will effect the maf ability to monitor air flow. It will report less air than what is actually entering. Leaning your af ratios, and lowering power. This is well reported on Multiple performance forums, and there are many examples from ecu logging. Solution? Use a dryflow if you want better flow. These dryflow filters have almost a 20% lower restriction compared to the stock paper filters. That is a pretty good improvement, but they will allow more dirt into your engine. Better than oiled filters, but still worse than paper. So if you live in a dusty Environment with dirt roads, I'd actually recommend you stick with stock. These filters fit amazing. They're tighter fitting than paper filters, so you may have to undo the intake hose clamp and remove the rear of the airbox.

It doesn’t fit wrx 2016 ,, way to small ,, so do not waste your money

First of all, installation was not as simple as removing the old one and dropping this one in. On my 2015 wrx, the fitment was tight and I actually had to partially remove the filter box to make this filter fit properly. This is a small sacrifice to make as the ability to clean and reuse it is worth the savings in the long run. Performance wise, you can definitely hear the increased airflow once the turbo kicks in (more than stock) so I'm sure the engine can breathe more. I decided on this filter as opposed to a full air intake system replacement because I don't want to worry about my air/fuel ratios getting screwed up, running on a stock tune. So in general pretty happy about this purchase

Great product. Nice drop in filter, no oiling it, no fuss. I can't compare fuel consumption and throttle response, because once I bought the car, I dropped this filter in right a way. Although the reviews were positive on this matter. As for the cleaning, you do not necessarily need to use the AEM cleaner. I used a mild biodegradable cleaner like Simple Green that you can pretty much pick up anywhere. Don't be shy when you spray the filter, soak it up real nice and rinse thoroughly. Those weaved fibers are very dense. Also, the drying time is quite lengthy. Wait at lease 24 hours. If you tap the filter hard enough on the palm of your hand, and no water or moisture goes on your hand, you can put the filter back in your car. But again, be warned, it takes a long time to dry. I would recommend this product.