DIY: Adding In-Cabin air filter to the 370Z

Z Ninja

Doing some research on cabin air filters for the 370z, I discovered Fram's Fresh Breeze brand does not have an official offering for the 370z. I gave them a call and they said their computer shows it's in development for the 370z, but it's unknown if and when they may have on available on the market. They could not give me an existing product they recommended as nearly the correct dimensions.

Almost the only part listed on Amazon as fitting the 370z is the ATP RA-141 which comes in two flavors, one which is a normal paper filter (CF-246 @ $25.84), and a premium activated charcoal type for around $15.70 + tax and shipping, the dimension are 12.7 x 11.2 x 1.5 inches. Curiosly, the non-charcoal white paper type was about $10 more expensive. Another brand listed is a Beck Arnley 042-2206, 2.5 x 8.2 x 11.8 inches $27.13. I ordered the ATP charcoal type which should arrive tomorrow and will see how well it fits maybe this weekend.

It's difficult to say at this point if the activated carbon is really any good at eating diesel exhaust fumes or other nasty smells over the normal white paper type. But with these prices, the more elaborate charcoal type is much less epensive than their paper cousins.

Watching some varying youtube videos on the subject, it appears the luxury car's are the ones with the more elaborate designs. They often employ two or more filters in the system, usually a paper type in the front end, and a more elaborate and thick charcoal type past the fan for more ordor elimination.

I'm unable to find the dimensions of the Nissan OEM B7277-1EA0B filter part for comparison.

The Fram CF10157 mentioned in the first part of this thread has dimensions of 9.8 x 0.9 x 9 which seems quite different than the offering listed as officially compatible with the 370z.

Update 12/30: I disassembled the glove box which wasn't too difficult and discovered the OEM Nissan cabin filter in my 2014 370z already appears to have activated carbon in the media. Nissan apparently changed their part some time ago and included carbon in the newer part number. The ATP I purchased from Amazon looks nearly identical to the OEM. The main reason to purchase an ATP may simply be the price, but it's not likely their is much difference in performance between the two. I can't say I notice any difference with the ATP over the OEM Nissan in odor control as some odors can still enter the cabin. For example, driving through an neighborhood where someone is operating their fireplace, and/or diesel fumes from a truck ahead of you. The OEM filter had a few spiders in the media and some dirt, but was in good shape (only 2,200 miles on the car).