New AEM intakes vs Stillen Gen2 vs Stillen Gen3

David Fox · 03-13-2018, 03:29 AM

I think there is a cult-like devotion to the Stillen intakes on this forum....

But after reading @mcspooney and @johnnydrama saying so good positive things about the new AEM intakes... I have one question...

Stillen Gen2 and new AEM intakes are pretty similar, however HP increases are very diferent... Why? material piping, filters, manufacturer numbers...?

If the real diference between Gen3 and New AEM are only 4 or 5 HP, i think the AEM is THE INTAKE!!!

ANyone has Dyno results on New AEM?

SS_Firehawk · 03-13-2018, 07:18 AM

There is a notable difference between an enclosed SRI and a longer CAI. A benefit of the CAI is the source of air it can reach isn't restricted by a hole. It also tends to be in a higher pressure zone. The longer tubes help straighten out air flow and improve velocity. You can also put on a larger filter with a CAI. I prefer the Z1 CAI over the Stillen personally. If you add the larger filters, that 5hp is more like 8-10 more with proper tuning.

Quicksilvers · 03-13-2018, 09:41 AM

When you straighten out the air flow before and after the MAF and have larger diameter intake tubes with larger media air filters you will create more air velocity meaning more CFM’s of air make it in to the intake manifold. I would forget the idea of installing a short ram intake on your 370Z. I would install a long tube cold air intake. I have not seen any actual dyno sheets from the new AEM intake. One thing you need to realize is that the majority of Nissan 370Z enthusiasts like to use parts on their vehicle that actually make power. People purchase and install the Stillen Gen 3 longtube cold air intake because it makes power on our cars so does other verious Stillen performance parts. I have installed two Stillen Gen 3 longtube cold air intakes on 370Z’s and the construction and quality is very good. The Stillen Gen 3 longtube cold air intake has excellent fitment. Understand that all aftermarket longtube cold air intakes come close to the ac lines as there is not a lot of room to work with on the 370Z. I myself have seen back to back dyno tunes using the Stillen Gen 3 longtube cold air intake and it makes power even at normal operating temperature the Stillen Gen 3 cold air intake still makes power on our 370Z’s. You can purchase any brand cold air intake you like for your 370Z but, I don’t see this biased opinion for Stillen among Nissan 370Z enthusiasts you are talking about??

Justint5387 · 03-13-2018, 12:23 PM

The Z1 intake is a little bit less of a hassle than the Stillen Gen3 from what I see.

The contact point with the AC line is silicone, so you are most likely won't have any damage from the contact. The Z1 also can be installed without cutting the air duct.

Stright_Drop · 03-13-2018, 12:37 PM

I think it may the point that the new AEM intakes are for the most part in-closed while most short intakes don't. I've noticed that newer German aftermarket intakes utilize somewhere near the same oem intake spots like our cars but its all in-closed in carbon-fiber. I could be wrong but It seems like the AEM intakes are the only short ram intakes that may actually help with heat soak??

David Fox · 03-13-2018, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stright_Drop

I think it may the point that the new AEM intakes are for the most part in-closed while most short intakes don't. I've noticed that newer German aftermarket intakes utilize somewhere near the same oem intake spots like our cars but its all in-closed in carbon-fiber. I could be wrong but It seems like the AEM intakes are the only short ram intakes that may actually help with heat soak??

I think you are right... New AEM intake "gets" so much power for this reason!!!! It would be cool having a dyno result and test the HP increases!!!

johnnydrama · 03-13-2018, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stright_Drop

I think it may the point that the new AEM intakes are for the most part in-closed while most short intakes don't. I've noticed that newer German aftermarket intakes utilize somewhere near the same oem intake spots like our cars but its all in-closed in carbon-fiber. I could be wrong but It seems like the AEM intakes are the only short ram intakes that may actually help with heat soak??

I agree with the fully enclosed filters isolated by heat shields helping with heat soak prevention. And then coupled with the fact that material they used for the tubing reduces intake temps as well. I have popped the hood several times after pulling into my garage after a drive and everything in the engine bay is warm/hot to the touch but the AEM intake tubes still feel cool to the touch. If it is cool on the outside of the tube it has to be cool on the inside.

Ventruck · 03-20-2018, 09:27 PM

I don't think the Gen2 was documented well enough because the Gen3 was taking over soon enough for too similar of a price. There were also fitting issues with the Gen2 early on, since Stillen seemingly just carried over from the previous HR engine.

I'm not sure how the tube diameters compare either other than I've been hearing the G3/Z1 are supposed to be larger — but I really don't know about that.

Between the AEM and Gen2, the most noticeable difference is the bends. The Gen2 turns mainly at the throttle body while the AEM has an additional bend on the filter end — hence why the heat shields are smaller and it seems to fit in the engine bay more nicely.

Best arguments I'd see for the Gen3 are if the tube diameters are truly larger than the others mentioned, and it really just hit that sweet spot without bottle-necking or anything. On a limb, airflow might be smoother within the intake system since there's more pipe length to transition into laminar flow.

I could be full of s*** on that second part, but we know the possible gains and in the end. The 6-8whp or whatever isn't a game changer to stop a V8. Pick what you like. I have a G3 now because I decided I'll scrap for the last of the gains.

sirnixalot · 03-21-2018, 12:30 PM

Anything short ram is a waste of money. Stillen G3, Z1 and AAM are all proven performers.

The K&N short ram intakes came on my car when I bought it. The only other mods were gutted cats & muffler delete when I got a tune from Seb @ Specialty Z for it and the blue line is the result.

The red line is after i got some 2.75" bends and moved the filters up front. No other changes, same tune and everything. The 2.5" neck down for the MAF is still there. I got more power every where with peak gains being 15-16whp. While peak TQ only changed 4lbft it made gains the entire range.

CRiZO · 03-21-2018, 04:14 PM

You're saying you made 16rwhp by nothing but moving the filters?

sirnixalot · 03-21-2018, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CRiZO

You're saying you made 16rwhp by nothing but moving the filters?

Yep that's exactly what I am saying. The car went from sucking up hot engine bay air to ambient air.

Ventruck · 03-22-2018, 01:58 AM

eh, not to hate, but 16whp sounds a little much just for filter/inlet relocation. I get that it necked down anyway, so it's not like you leaned out with the change, but what was the time frame and conditions between runs?

sirnixalot · 03-22-2018, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ventruck

eh, not to hate, but 16whp sounds a little much just for filter/inlet relocation. I get that it necked down anyway, so it's not like you leaned out with the change, but what was the time frame and conditions between runs?

Skepticism isn’t hate lol. The short ram intake are just that horrible. Also The afr graph shows that the second run was leaner.

Ventruck · 03-22-2018, 10:27 PM

Ah, I glossed over that second graph.

johnnydrama · 03-25-2018, 02:46 PM

I just posted my AEM Intakes in the classified with some quick thoughts/comparisons to the Z1 Long Tubes.

Like New AEM Intakes

Summary:
AEMs are way better looking and have gains across the entire RPM range.
Z1s feel stronger above 5500 RPMs but felt like a downgrade in the rest of the RPM range. I'm still sticking with the Z1s as I add the Z1 Ported Plenum and Tune in the next couple of weeks and feel the gains will be more substantial and evident at that point.

If you are looking to keep it simple, I would recommend the AEMs over the Z1s.

03-13-2018, 03:29 AM	#1 (permalink)
David Fox Base Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: madrid Posts: 6 Drives: 370 Z Amuse Cat Back Rep Power: 12	New AEM intakes vs Stillen Gen2 vs Stillen Gen3 I think there is a cult-like devotion to the Stillen intakes on this forum.... But after reading @mcspooney and @johnnydrama saying so good positive things about the new AEM intakes... I have one question... Stillen Gen2 and new AEM intakes are pretty similar, however HP increases are very diferent... Why? material piping, filters, manufacturer numbers...? If the real diference between Gen3 and New AEM are only 4 or 5 HP, i think the AEM is THE INTAKE!!! ANyone has Dyno results on New AEM? Last edited by David Fox; 03-13-2018 at 03:37 AM.

03-13-2018, 07:18 AM	#2 (permalink)
SS_Firehawk Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Tampa Posts: 4,142 Drives: 13' Magma Red Nismo Rep Power: 7335	There is a notable difference between an enclosed SRI and a longer CAI. A benefit of the CAI is the source of air it can reach isn't restricted by a hole. It also tends to be in a higher pressure zone. The longer tubes help straighten out air flow and improve velocity. You can also put on a larger filter with a CAI. I prefer the Z1 CAI over the Stillen personally. If you add the larger filters, that 5hp is more like 8-10 more with proper tuning. __________________ Old Car:GTM TSC'd 550whp / 410lbft tq @ 11.88PSI New Car: Under Construction

03-13-2018, 09:41 AM	#3 (permalink)
Quicksilvers A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2017 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 2,039 Drives: 2017 370z Rep Power: 25463	When you straighten out the air flow before and after the MAF and have larger diameter intake tubes with larger media air filters you will create more air velocity meaning more CFM’s of air make it in to the intake manifold. I would forget the idea of installing a short ram intake on your 370Z. I would install a long tube cold air intake. I have not seen any actual dyno sheets from the new AEM intake. One thing you need to realize is that the majority of Nissan 370Z enthusiasts like to use parts on their vehicle that actually make power. People purchase and install the Stillen Gen 3 longtube cold air intake because it makes power on our cars so does other verious Stillen performance parts. I have installed two Stillen Gen 3 longtube cold air intakes on 370Z’s and the construction and quality is very good. The Stillen Gen 3 longtube cold air intake has excellent fitment. Understand that all aftermarket longtube cold air intakes come close to the ac lines as there is not a lot of room to work with on the 370Z. I myself have seen back to back dyno tunes using the Stillen Gen 3 longtube cold air intake and it makes power even at normal operating temperature the Stillen Gen 3 cold air intake still makes power on our 370Z’s. You can purchase any brand cold air intake you like for your 370Z but, I don’t see this biased opinion for Stillen among Nissan 370Z enthusiasts you are talking about?? Last edited by Quicksilvers; 03-13-2018 at 09:46 AM.

03-13-2018, 12:23 PM	#4 (permalink)
Justint5387 Base Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 188 Drives: 2016 370z Silver 6MT Rep Power: 12	The Z1 intake is a little bit less of a hassle than the Stillen Gen3 from what I see. The contact point with the AC line is silicone, so you are most likely won't have any damage from the contact. The Z1 also can be installed without cutting the air duct. Nixin and tims370z like this.

03-21-2018, 12:30 PM	#9 (permalink)
sirnixalot Track Member Join Date: May 2017 Location: Cayman Islands Posts: 685 Drives: 2010 370Z Rep Power: 57454	Anything short ram is a waste of money. Stillen G3, Z1 and AAM are all proven performers. The K&N short ram intakes came on my car when I bought it. The only other mods were gutted cats & muffler delete when I got a tune from Seb @ Specialty Z for it and the blue line is the result. The red line is after i got some 2.75" bends and moved the filters up front. No other changes, same tune and everything. The 2.5" neck down for the MAF is still there. I got more power every where with peak gains being 15-16whp. While peak TQ only changed 4lbft it made gains the entire range. __________________ 2010 Sport - LS3 swap loading 2012 Frontier - BTWTuning VK56DE swap

03-13-2018, 12:37 PM	#5 (permalink)
Stright_Drop Base Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Jacksonville,Fl Posts: 121 Drives: 2014 Nismo 6speed Rep Power: 13	I think it may the point that the new AEM intakes are for the most part in-closed while most short intakes don't. I've noticed that newer German aftermarket intakes utilize somewhere near the same oem intake spots like our cars but its all in-closed in carbon-fiber. I could be wrong but It seems like the AEM intakes are the only short ram intakes that may actually help with heat soak??

03-20-2018, 09:27 PM	#8 (permalink)
Ventruck Track Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: California Posts: 785 Drives: '13 Sport+Touring M6 Rep Power: 22898	I don't think the Gen2 was documented well enough because the Gen3 was taking over soon enough for too similar of a price. There were also fitting issues with the Gen2 early on, since Stillen seemingly just carried over from the previous HR engine. I'm not sure how the tube diameters compare either other than I've been hearing the G3/Z1 are supposed to be larger — but I really don't know about that. Between the AEM and Gen2, the most noticeable difference is the bends. The Gen2 turns mainly at the throttle body while the AEM has an additional bend on the filter end — hence why the heat shields are smaller and it seems to fit in the engine bay more nicely. Best arguments I'd see for the Gen3 are if the tube diameters are truly larger than the others mentioned, and it really just hit that sweet spot without bottle-necking or anything. On a limb, airflow might be smoother within the intake system since there's more pipe length to transition into laminar flow. I could be full of s*** on that second part, but we know the possible gains and in the end. The 6-8whp or whatever isn't a game changer to stop a V8. Pick what you like. I have a G3 now because I decided I'll scrap for the last of the gains.

03-21-2018, 04:14 PM	#10 (permalink)
CRiZO Track Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Dallas Posts: 672 Drives: in traffic Rep Power: 20699	You're saying you made 16rwhp by nothing but moving the filters? Nithmo likes this.

03-22-2018, 01:58 AM	#12 (permalink)
Ventruck Track Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: California Posts: 785 Drives: '13 Sport+Touring M6 Rep Power: 22898	eh, not to hate, but 16whp sounds a little much just for filter/inlet relocation. I get that it necked down anyway, so it's not like you leaned out with the change, but what was the time frame and conditions between runs?

03-22-2018, 10:27 PM	#14 (permalink)
Ventruck Track Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: California Posts: 785 Drives: '13 Sport+Touring M6 Rep Power: 22898	Ah, I glossed over that second graph.

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