2008 Scion xB RS 5 - Power Pages

* Dynamomoter: MD Automotive
* Testing & Installation: Luke Munnell
* Text & Photos: Luke Munnell

2008 Scion XB RS 5
Dyno 1: Baseline
Peak HP: 125.7 / Peak TQ: 128.0

2008 Scion xB RS 5
Pros:
The second-generation xB features a slightly tweaked version of the 2AZ-FE engine-the aluminum inline four that can be found powering the Camry, tC, and Corolla, among other Toyota platforms. Producing a factory-claimed 158 hp from the 2.4L, the new xB mill represents a 50hp and 0.9L displacement jump from the previous stateside xB of '04-'07, not to mention gobs more low-end torque. Its time in the chassis of other cars (especially the tC) has led the aftermarket to develop many more performance parts for this engine than the previous-generation's 1.5L inline four. Engine internals, EMSs, and forced-induction solutions can all be retrofitted to the new xB with very little work, and platform-specific versions of all are just around the corner.

Cons:
The new xB is bigger. Call us old-fashioned, but we kind of like driving the old xBs better. Sure, they were shaped like an air brake ... and the new-gen's pseudo chop-top appeal and gangster-esque profile does look more menacing, but its extra 600-plus pounds of curb weight seem to cancel out its additional power. Also sucking up power are automatic transmissions-ours had one-which might explain the apparently low baseline numbers.

Notes:
Perhaps the biggest gripe we hear of the new xB is from die-hard first-gen owners who feel the new chassis design and 2AZ-FE engine "killed" the small-displacement, JDM-styled allure of the bB/xB. It's really a tough argument to counter. We like all that about the first box, and its 35mpg highway average wasn't anything to sneer about. But ultimately, we're fans of power and the current xB simply brings more of it, along with much more room to grow. Plus, being rated at 28mpg highway (we saw a 31mpg average after installation), fuel economy is still much better than possibly any other vehicle offering its size, style, and practicality.

AEM V2 Intake
Pros:
AEM performs genuine ground-up engineering and flow-bench testing when designing all of its intake systems-something not commonly found in other intake systems-so fitment, construction, and power production are always second-to-none. Our xB kit was no different; installation was straightforward, the unit features full mandrel-bent and TIG-welded construction, OE-spec fitment, and made power and torque across the entire rpm range.

Cons:
None-xBs should really come with better intakes from the factory.

Parts:
Intake tubing (two sections), couplers, hose clamps, MAF sensor mounting hardware, Dryflow filter, and instructions

Tools:
Pocket knife, 10-, 12-, and 14mm sockets and wrenches, extension, pliers, flat- and Phillips-head screwdrivers

Installation Time:
30 minutes

Notes:
Installation is easy but time-consuming. Do yourself a favor and don't half-ass anything-it will only lead to more problems down the road.