what is the advantage vs disadvantage to custom air filter and intake tube.  Is the performance better? and which brands are better?  Thanks

 

Advantage: ?  Umm, it's noisy

 

Disadvantage : Hot air intake, lesser filtration. Many more.

 

If the 2002 Outback uses a MAF sensor, then you really don't want it because it changes the airflow charecteristics and therefore the tune will be off

The performance will not be better, perhaps worse.

Advantages: Shiny chrome. May come with a horsepower-adding sticker.

 

 

Disadvantages: Less power, less torque, less effective filtration, costs money.

 

 

This is true of all brands. Some are worse than others, but none of them are worth the money.

 

 

Some people like the extra noise....

I put K&N cleanable filters in the stock housings on my 00 & 01 obw.  Clean them, oil them and they last "forever" on the flip side don't clean and oil them and your lifetime filter will destroy your engine in short order.   

Yeah. Aftermarket stuff is just fluff. Devalues the car and screams rice. Keep the stock setup with a good quality and clean filter