the solution to this is actually already on e-bay, I bought one today. cheap no-name pipe and hardware that comes with a K&N for $50 (I even got free shipping). I don't trust a $2.00 filter.

The reason the name brand intakes are more money is they actually do R&D for their product which costs $$, plus better hardware. Copying is easy and cheap, and though the function is the same, I would expect quality and fitment to be poorer.