So I was just wondering on how much of a difference itd make between buying a lets say k&n intake vs some off brand intake off ebay

 

Some have open filter elements and some are closed. I run a K&N and there's lots of other brands out there. They are all good.

 

So basically the only difference between the $200+ and the $50 is the brand

 

I've never seen a 50$ cai lol

 

Ebay lol

 

Well the more expensive filters will be better but all the tubing and stuff is the same crap but different names

 

There is a difference between cheap intakes and quality ones. Cheap ones are usually made out of metal tubing which builds and holds heat much more then a molded plastic tube, the intake itself is a big difference, ect ect.

Now there isn't going to be a big difference between quality brands intakes next to each other aside from open to closed air box, S@B, JLT, K@N, Air Raid, and such like.

Cheap *** ebay or knock off brands like Spectre aren't worth it IMO. I've installed several of them on friends cars and always a pain in the rear to put on, metal tubing pitted within a year, rubber clamps shrunk. 2 out of the 3 we ended up pulling off and installing a better brand.

 

You need to remember that using a gauze type filter will introduce a lot more silica (dirt) into your oil. For this reason they make a sock for the filter for off road use.