what is the differance between a $30 CAI and a $100+ one?

 

To make it simple its not as good. They arent the same quality material and arent made with the same quality as an AEM or K&N. The name brands have put lots of time and money into their products the ebay people have not. also the ebay intakes dont fit as well as a name brand. Some people will say the piping is the same and just swap out filters but I personally believe that the name brands have better bends in the piping allowing more airflow and better performance. I may be wrong I may be right idk im not a rocket scientist lol Hope this helps ya

 

Fitment be lacking, but it is only an intake. Route a pipe from the Air filter to the Throttle body and you are done. You can even make one yourself if you wanted to.

The main difference is in the filter. You can buy an eBay intake, throw the filter out and then buy something of quality (K&N, AEM) to put on there in order to have a cheaper alternative.