I have been looking at my intake design for quite some time now, and I have been comparing it to stock requirements. What I have noticed, is that when the engines moves forward, so should intake. So my point is, don't we need to allow for some play in the intake, especially for us who have them bolted somewhere, with very little movement? The Frankencar system is very very tight. The stock coupler was intended to be flexible, and now with aftermarket silicone adapters, those pieces are to tight, with very little play. I have noticed my coupler has started to tear, and thats with only 1500miles. Does anyone have an exact solution? Also, if the engine cant turn properly, can we break something else? I may go back to using the stock coupler. Good flexibilty....Let me know what you think.

 

I haven't gotten an intake yet, but I've been thinking about this too. Especially with the high failure rate of MAF's. There was some talk in previous threads that vibration may contribute to MAF failure. Someone (I don't remember who) was also going to look into the stock Altima coupler. Ours won't fit intakes, but the Altima's was supposedly a different size.

If the stock setup isolates the MAF from vibration, wouldn't it be a logical idea for an aftermarket intake?

 

You have it correct, the Altima is a great fit while ours isn't. We need to get a group deal going with DaveB to order the Altima couplers. I have seen this and tested it myself with the help of PVICK on altimas.net and it allows for the engine play and absorbs vibration extremely well.

 

The coupler is only used with some WAI...like Frankencar, right? I was thinking about an Injen but it looks like their polished intake tube attached directly to the throttle body without a coupler.

 

The Frankencar bolts on to the strut housing in under the hood (obiously). Thats what makes it stiff. Back to the coupler. The stock one, which come with teh car, which attaches to the Throttle body, is a flex pipe, and it works with teh frankencar system, allowing for flex. I plan to go back to that. Power was the same, as well as sound.

Does anyone have pics of the altima coupler?

 

The stock Maxima coupler is too large and it leaks air no matter how tight you clamp it down. The Altima coupler fits great. The problem is the diameter of the FrankenCar midpipe. To answer the other question, the Injen has chrome colored couplers. That's why it appears to attach directly to the throttle body. They use similar couplers though. I'm unsure of how they attach to the frame of the car so I'm uncertain as to how much support that coupler is giving to the Injen.

 

how did u prove the leak? mine looked good, thats why i ask.

 

I have the PR CAI (and WAI) for quite some time now. When I first installed it, I didn't leave the flexible tubing between the mid-pipe and the TB. I got an annoying knocking sound when the engine rocked (at every shift). So I just changed out the rubber connector between the mid-pipe and the TB back to the stock accordian connector. Since then, I've not had any problems.

BTW.. MAFs will die due to vibration. There are also defective MAFs that will eventually die anyway. The extra air and extra vibration makes them die faster. Check the 5th Gen FAQ for more information on the MAF issues.

 

And leaks?

 

None. It works fine without any problems.

 

I thought not. I had mine setup that way for a weak. I didnt see any negative to it. Im gunna go back to it. Thanks.

 

I thought not. I had mine setup that way for a weak. I didnt see any negative to it. Im gunna go back to it. Thanks.