I've looked and looked and looked for details about this topic, but to no avail. The question is that, because the 2000+ I30s/Maxs have that "variable intake" thing... do I have to keep that box behind the air filter that is shaped like a notebook binder? (circled in red here)

Does that box have to do with the better power we get because of the variable intake, or is it better to just delete it?

So, to pile all this into one question, is it better to have the full intake kit from berk technologies(tube, MAF adapter, cone, and all) or purchase just the filter and installation kit (for half the price) and keep the box thingy?

 

bump for answer.

While searching, I have discovered that the assembly has something to do with an "intake resonator". Even though deleting this box has been proven to make it louder, I still need to know if deleting it affects power.

 

Removing it will 99% make it louder, and 1% more power which = 0.5HP?

Intakes don't do much for our cars, just enjoy the sound.

 

This is true, but how about if you had an aftermarket exhaust in conjunction with the intake? Wouldn't the two benefit eachother?

 

Depending on your year of car, and a catback won't do much either. if you have a VQ30, a y-pipe will yield a good 15WHP, and headers for a VQ35 will yield ~30WHP.

 

Intakes do ok if you optimize the set-up.

 

I wasnt talking about ADDING power. I'm in it for the sound. My concern is I'm worried that if I remove that box, which I believe has to do with the "variable intake", that I would have a LOSS in power.

Why I ask that is because Devin (who obviously has an air intake) has added the variable intake from the 5th gen to his VQ, resulting in HP gains. However, he still left the 'binder-shaped' box there. I'm wondering if I remove that box, will it result in a LOSS of power.

Sorry if I came across wrong. but everyone seemed to think I was asking the normal nOOb question of "what intake should I get".

 

That box has nothing to do with the VI. It is a Helmholtz type resonator. It aids in delivering smooth power, not rigid or choppy.

Adding a straight path (midpipe) to the intake will result in a loss of power @ 5200 and a gain @6k

 

Yeah, NmexMAX is correct. That plastic resonator has nothing to do with your variable take. There is not really a need to remove it either. So you can go with the cheaper intake kit if you want.

 

Thanks for the reply back. I know that whichever one I finally pick, it will be the ApexI intake from Berk Technologies. Now, being that I 99% of the time never go over 4K RPM, let alone 3,500RPM, which setup would be more efficient? the pop-charger style where I just adapt the tube to fit the filter, replacing only the air box? or go for the full intake setup with tube, MAF adapter, etc??

price doesnt really matter. im just trying to make sure I'm picking something that is efficient.

thanks again

 

Since you never go into the high rpm range, you might as well just go with a POP charger kit.

 

If I do opt for just the POP, should I do the dry ApexI (110 installed)
http://www.berktechnology.com/components.html

or the stillen.(Is this a dry filter or oiled?) (130 installed)
http://www.stillen.com/product_detail.aspx?sku=402956

 

I don't really know anything about the APEXI but I know they are a reputable brand. I have the Stillen and I am very pleased with it. The bracket is much nicer than the dinky little crap bar that is supplied with the JWT POP.

Go with Stillen.

 

Sweet Moses...those filters are expensive! Why not just go with the K&N? Is there really that big of a difference to justify the $100+ premium on Apexi or Stillen?

 

I installed the JWT POP at the beginning of the summer and have been very pleased with it. I feel that it provided smoother acceleration, although that could be all in my head.

Also, this set up seems to actually be more quiet than the GAB I was running before. I thought the GAB used to be a bit harsh. The POP charegr sounds a lot better IMO.

Price is great too!

 

Because the Stillen kit is more than just a filter. It comes with a velocity stack that mounts to the MAF and a bracket... A lot better than just attaching a filter to the end of the MAF with a crappy plastic MAF flange from ebay .

 

Yeah, other than the support bar, the JWT POP kit is pretty good. It comes with the exact same velocity stack that the Stillen comes with, which is the most important thing.

The reason I don't like the support bar is because Eric has the JWT kit and some how, his bar got bent all out of shape. We flattened it back out in my bench vise, but it still looks like ****.

 

Whoa... I wouldn't have even thought that was possible with all of the flexible parts along the intake track. I will definitely have ot check mine out...

Or did you mean the bracket was shipped like that?

 

No, it was not shaped like that. It was almost like someone leaned on the intake and the support bar bent under pressure.

 

I've been trying to find some info on this amazing velocity stack that you speak of, but haven't been able to find any good articles on it. Know of any good write-ups or articles on it? Is it something that can be added on to any intake filter or has to be specific to Stillen kits?

 

A velocity stack is almost like a smooth funnel inside of the filter. I tries to fit the same amount of air from a larger to smaller diameter housing thus increasing the velocity of the air being drawn in.

You could really use this with any cone filter as long as the filter has the correct size outlet.

I hope that makes some sense.

 

In a nut shell, it improves airflow and it allows you to put a large filter on.

The velocity stack will require a different air filter. So you could not just "add" it to an existing intake kit that does not have one. Nor could you "add" it to the stock set up.

The Stillen and JWT kits use K&N cone filters, so theoretically, if you could find just the velocity stack, you could then get the filter seperately from K&N and make yourself a bracket in order to create a custom kit.

That is a lot of work though to try to avoid paying only $130 for a quality intake kit.

 

Right on...that makes sense. BTW, for the love of God, can someone please look at the exhaust post that I resurrected. I didn't want to create a new thread for it, but no one is replying yet. :attention
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....77#post5386277

 

Courtesy and Pinnacle somtiemes have sales on the Stillen unit (90$ shipped for the POP vs 120-130)

LSS Exhaust thread.
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=464162

And as far as the Frankencar stuff, well, they're 99.9975% out of buisness.

IMO, a Cattman B pipe with the stock rear piece is the best set-up any non ricer sane person could ask for.

 

See, I thought there were only two generations of I30.

 

For the love of God there are 2.5
96-99, 00-01, 02+

 

So the Stillen is a K&N?? so it's oiled, then??
I'm kinda leary about the whole MAF BS when it comes to oiled filters. I like the idea of the velocity stack rather than just a tube with a filter on the end.
but i dont wanna waste extra money on a MAF problem.

Anyone on here had any presonal problems with oiled filters?

 

I personally have never had a problem with oiled filters. I think the problem arises when people clean the filter and then OVER oil the thing. You should also let the filter dry for a good period of time before throwing the thing back in and racing around. I would just clean it after you are home for the evening and let it sit overnight before you drive your car.

IMO, you should have no convictions about using oiled filters.

 

so what's the 'correct' amount of oil? just a light mist? I know people who use oiled filters on their hondas and such, but I've never asked them about how to clean them.

 

I never had any problem with the oiled filter either. I even cleaned and reoiled it one time and still never had a problem.

You will be fine.

 

Just use light and even sprays. it's easy to see because the oil will return the filter to it's original color when applied.

 

And, if you think you've added too much(oil), pat it down with a rag.

It's nearly common sense(no disrespect intended, but merely, one of those you'll know when too much is too much)