During installation of the aem intake I was put off by the nylon push fasteners for the ram air portion.

To get rid of these sloppy thing I used 10-24 well nuts and 10-24 x 1 1/4 machine screws, size 10 washer and a size 12 stacked. All you have to do is drill out the stock holes until the well nut fits snug ( the ones I bought were 3/8").

If you have trouble with finesse put a drill stop on the bit set at 1/2 " so you don't hit the underside of the hood.

This will ensure the ram air "scoop" will fit snug and not get loose as those push in fasteners age ( not designed to carry load and are one use items)

 

Thanks for the helpful tip! Nice to know there is another way should you not like the push pins.

For those who are apprehensive about drilling holes, I can tell you after a year of ownership the AEM Intake hood scoop has not shown any signs of being loose. As long as you push the pins in so there is no movement you should be fine for several years. Plus, if they do start getting loose, easily removed with a plastic pin remover tool available at most hardware stores. Pick up some new ones, push them in, and voilà! Like new.

 

Any way to take a picture of this?

 

I've had my AEM since the first of the year. Had to remove it to remove scoop to install stripes a couple months back. Re-used the pins and they are still holding fine. I will pick up a few spares next time I'm at a dealer just to keep on hand though. The OP has come up with a nice alternative and if the plastic pins cost more than a couple bucks I would probably use that method as well.

 

I had mine on for over three years with no signs of coming loose. The push fasteners the kit comes with are fantastic. I couldn't get mine out and had to cut them off. I can say that zip ties also get the job done.

That being said, sounds like a good idea you have. I'm not opposed to drilling your hood, I just took a grinder to mine...

 

Replaced my 'fir tree pins' with m6 rivnuts and I won't look back.
The fire tree pins were almost destroyed as far as being secure post the first removal but the m6 rivnuts will probably outlive the intake and the car!