From a technical standpoint, aluminum will conduct heat a little better because it is metal, but the thin walled tubing allows the heat to dissipate from the moving air much faster. The issue with a plastic intake tubing is that while it takes just as much time to heat up, it takes a considerable amount more time to dissipate that heat build up, also known as heat soak, within the tubing. Pick up your air intake today and experience Sinister's 5 quality standards for yourself. PLEASE CONTACT US AT 877-976-9786 IF YOU DO NOT HAVE FACTORY MAF SENSOR, Check website for Pre-Filter