Another air intake question from a newbie!
 

Hi guys,

Yes, I'm new here. I've searched and read varying posts on this topic, but I wanna tinker around with the air intake on my new (to me) 2014 roadster. I can only do basic mechanic work, and just wanted to start with something I can do myself before I decide if I want to do any more extensive mods. I know the HP gains would be minimal at best, and maybe it will look or sound a bit cooler.

So here's the question: Z1 post-MAF tubes plus K&N drop ins ($216) or K&N Typhoon Intake Kit ($394)? The difference in money is not a big deal for me. Just wondered if anyone wanted to chime in with an opinion, or tell me how one of these mods worked for you?

Thanks.

Just chiming in since there aren't many posts on it, but the new AEM intake (21-821DS) is better designed than the K&N. K&N owns AEM.

I have the AEM. It sounds amazing, night and day difference. If that's what you care about rather than possibly a few more peak HP (compared to the Stillen or Z1 long intakes), I'd suggest it.

Note that you'll barely be able to hear it anymore if you get an exhaust.

Thanks for the tip CRiZO. It looks like something I could manage. How is it better designed--it looks almost identical to my untrained eye?

Actual heat shielding that's blocked off from engine bay, pulls from the factory holes and wheel wells, non-metal piping. I've seen the K&N's close up and they look like cheap intakes from the '90s. The AEM looks nearly OEM and is better quality in my opinion.

I wanted the sound more than anything (love V6 induction sound) which is why I went for the AEM over the long tube intakes. Well, that and paying $600 for an intake is ******* absurd in my opinion.

Summit carries it and they have sales pretty often. I think I paid $300.

Really just whatever is most important to you. In the end they're all piping within a few HP of each other.

I do know that the Z1 post MAF tubes and drop in K&N air filters will get you about 80% of the gain on the dyno you would see from installing a full length cold air intake kit. The best 100% gains on the dyno I have seen from a full length cold air intake kit in my experience is from the Z1 Motorsports full length cold air intake and the Stillen Gen 3 full length cold air intake. It’s your Z and your choice??

If you've got the extra money, the Z1 intake is a solid option. I had the Typhoon system, and I'd advise steering clear. I changed from it to the Z1 and I've noticed my oil temps running a solid 5 degrees cooler. That short ram system being in the engine bay sucks hot air. You'll notice it having a little more pep at first, but it will heat soak fast.

I suspect also intake air temps may be lower?

I love my Z1 setup as well. The Sound alone makes it more than worth it. It really does a great job of adding responsiveness and is louder than some of the harsh mechanical sounds of the motor.

The stock intake is pretty good at getting cold air in. The short intakes, pop intake or short rams, are actually worse. The benefits form intake mods from stock are from better flow in the tubes and less filter restriction.

https://i.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/...33/knowing.jpg

I would stay away from the k and n system, I got one for 100 dollars and from what I found is that it is restrictive over the stock system once heat soaked/engine gets hot as it pulls the air from the engine bay. At cruise after fully soaking the engine with heat intake temps were around 20 degrees F higher than ambient AT BEST, and once you come to a stop and air flow decreases/stops then the intake temps soar upwards generally reach 140+ at a normal stop light. Then you start pulling timing and fuel trims start adjusting (making a drag race from that same light a little different than if you had a true CAI).

I would recommend stillen gen 3, the afe system, AEM's new enclosed short ram system (if you want to have easy filter access), Z1's system (this system is nice because of the silicon hoses that pass through the factory ducts, allowing you to not have to modify them like the gen 3's), or if you want to go big get the admin tuning 3'' intake system (this will produce the highest gains).

Hope this helps you in your selection!

This group rocks--thanks y'all! The whole Z1 system is sounding good, but I may have to take it somewhere to have work done so I don't ruin the front of my car trying to do it myself...

Removing the bumper is super easy - don't let it intimidate you! This is a great first DIY mod for the novice mechanic.

The oil temp gauge was my only confirmation, but I have to assume if that was cooler, it was probably a result of the cooler intake temps.