Got Z1 post maf tubes... some questions

binary0x01

My buddy and I started to install the Z1 post maf tubes (got the red ones) and we ran into an issue.

We took the engine bay strut off for ease of access, and also unhooked the air box (we tried the left one) so we can maneuver better.

The thing is, the tubes seem to be too long, there's no way to slide them on really without altering their size. We've measured the stock tubes against the Z1 and there is a 1/3 inch difference in length. The stock ones fit really well because they are shorter but also have the bendy plastic that contract and expands when being fitted.

What do you guys recommend we do?

Should we cut the tubes to length or are we missing something (by that I mean are we retarded).

Tnx.

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Tune (by Seb@SpecialtyZ) -- Upgraded Parts List : When in doubt, use brute force; if it doesn't work, you aren't using enough.

MJLite

I had to cut mine a 1/3 inch. And even then, i had to use a little silicon lube.

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Matte Black Vinyl'ing | Plasti dip'd emblems | Z1 Post-MAF tubes w/K&N | Bumper Fangs - Air ducts | Top Speed CBE

binary0x01

What's the best way to cut em?

What kind of blade is good to cut silicone?

It is kind of messed up that you're the first person who mentioned cutting them... and we were gonna do that anyway because looking at it, it's clear that cutting can't be avoided if they are to fit well without breaking anything.

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Tune (by Seb@SpecialtyZ) -- Upgraded Parts List : When in doubt, use brute force; if it doesn't work, you aren't using enough.

MJLite

There's been other that had to cut as well. I marked a line all the way around the tube, and carefully cut it with a box cutter. I then sprayed some lube on the airbox tube.

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Matte Black Vinyl'ing | Plasti dip'd emblems | Z1 Post-MAF tubes w/K&N | Bumper Fangs - Air ducts | Top Speed CBE

zcar_dad

What did Z1 say about this issue?

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2009 Nismo 370Z #0067, Brillant Silver

lemon-fresh

I didn't have to cut mine during install. I would recommend pulling the airbox out and fitting everything together and then pushing it down and into place. It will take a fair bit of pressure to get everything to fit.

It will be impossible to slide the tubes on with the airboxes in their original position.

kenny's 370z

are the z1 tubes bigger in diameter over the oem tubes ?

7419sundat

Don't cut them. put them on the air box side first, then PUSH them down on the throttle body side. Get it to where its over the bottom of the TB. Then take a screw driver and stretch it around the top and then they slip up onto the TB. Passenger side is a little easier I think

lemon-fresh

I also think that since they fit so snugly, you don't have to put the metal clamps back on. A much cleaner look.

binary0x01

We've tried taking the air box out and trying to fit them on, still not enough room. I'll post back with results of trying a second time, however the tubes are bigger than stock and they don't flex light the stock because the stock tubes have round ribs running through the middle which flex when they're bent making them a snap to put on.

Thanks for the replies guys.

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Tune (by Seb@SpecialtyZ) -- Upgraded Parts List : When in doubt, use brute force; if it doesn't work, you aren't using enough.

MJLite

Well, i think there a few ways of install these tubes. I didn't receive any instructions from z1. I've read some members, didn't have any problems with their install. But, i encountered the same issue as binary. Trimming it, made sense at the time.

And your right lemon, it's a much cleaner look without the clamps. but, I'm too lazy to take them off.

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Matte Black Vinyl'ing | Plasti dip'd emblems | Z1 Post-MAF tubes w/K&N | Bumper Fangs - Air ducts | Top Speed CBE

yellogixxer

Dude, don't cut your tubes. You definitely have to dismount your airboxes to get the required room to install the new tubes, but you also need to use some kind of lubricant, and quite a bit of muscle. I used alcohol as the lubricant, because once it is all together, it dries away very quickly. After I got mine installed and posted pics, a Z1 rep stated that it's near impossible to install these without silicone lubricant.
They are not easy, but yo8u can muscle them on without cutting them...and that's what I recommend!

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'07 C6 6MT Coupe
03 Accord, DD, 400k miles

binary0x01

Alright cool, I'll try to use some 'lube', that's gonna look great 2 guys going to buy Silicone Lube from Home Depot haha... Riiiiiight, its for the car... of course.

Anyhow, we didn't want to 'snap' anything and the last thing I want is to hear anything crack, but I think with the 'lube' it should work.

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Tune (by Seb@SpecialtyZ) -- Upgraded Parts List : When in doubt, use brute force; if it doesn't work, you aren't using enough.

lemon-fresh

Good luck, when I did mine I definitely thought they weren't going to fit a couple times. Extra pair of hands, going slow and making sure everything is lined up correctly should help.

binary0x01

Alright so now everything slides in nicely (thanks to the almighty silicone lube). However, on the passenger side, the feeder hose that goes into the maf tube's metal valve gets cramped unless it is trimmed.

Anyone else need to trim that hose?

The plastic diverter that is used with the stock tubes can't be used, so the hose has to go straight into the maf tube, however since it gets cramped, there's no point putting it on. I can get a different hose or trim this one. Let me know please.

I can post pics if needed.

Thanks guys. (Maybe it's the 2012 Z ... dunno)

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Tune (by Seb@SpecialtyZ) -- Upgraded Parts List : When in doubt, use brute force; if it doesn't work, you aren't using enough.