DIY: Finally Installed The STILLEN G3 Intake today! Lots of Pics inside (AK370Z)
 

Yes I finally got around to installing the STILLEN G3 intake. This is one of the most popular intake here on the forum. I needed an intake that's high up ( I live in flood zone. Little rain and all the streets are flooded :shakes head:) and something that doesn't sit in the engine bay. STILLEN G3 was the perfect candidate. It sits high and still brings in cool air from the outside. I did look at AEM and INJEN but they sit way to low from my desired height.

I'd like to take this time to THANK

a. Josh@STILLEN for a great price and very quick shipping. This intake has been sitting in my garage since last monday! Thanks Josh.

b. DIGITONIUM for his awesome DIY on how to remove front bumper.

c. Last but not least, Snakes709 for his VERY detailed STILLEN G3 intake install. Also, thanks goes out to all the previous threads made by our members (i.e. RCZ, Semtex etc) :tiphat:.

I was by myself. I had NO help during the install. It's a pretty straight forward install. The most scariest part was the taking off front bumper. I have NEVER taken off front bumper for any previous intake install. It actually wasn't bad at all. I'll post pictures below and write captions and explain along the way what I have discovered. If you see anything wrong or I put something backward or anything, please let me know. I did this by myself in 84 degree weather! Mistakes are not uncommon. :eek:


http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...z/DSC04181.jpg
Very well packed. :tup:

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...z/DSC04184.jpg
What's included in the box. Notice the tubes are wrapped twice with paper.

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...z/DSC04196.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...z/DSC04199.jpg
I def recommend Craftsman tools. They carry lifetime warranty. However, I DO NOT recommend this cutting tool (I'll explain later why).

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Stock intakes.

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...z/DSC04268.jpg
Unplug the negative terminal.

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First, I took the engine cover off. The instructions mentioned that I can actually do the install without taking the strut tower brace off. We'll see how long I can go with it on! :icon17:

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...z/DSC04266.jpg
It's actually a two piece engine cover. I always thought it was 1 piece.

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...20370z/MAF.jpg
Unplug both MAF sensors!

You can loosen the clamps at the throttle body. Then,

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...z/DSC04274.jpg
Take out this bolt. This is the ONLY both holding the stock intakes in place.

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...z/DSC04275.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...z/DSC04282.jpg
I actually found it easier to remove it here instead of intake area. I couldn't even close the silver clamp as you can see it's facing the firewall and there's no space to loosen it because of the bend! :rolleyes:

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...z/DSC04284.jpg
Same thing with the passenger side. I actually removed the bolt and took the whole thing apart. Much easier to work it.

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...z/DSC04285.jpg


At this point, I couldn't pull the stock intakes out! :mad: There simply wasn't enough space. I didn't want to force and break something (with my luck, I usually break it :rolleyes:). I am forced to remove the Strut Tower Brace.



http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...z/DSC04281.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...z/DSC04288.jpg
2 bolts and 1 nuts here.

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...z/DSC04289.jpg
2 nuts here. Please note, you have to remove a plastic cover pictured below. After you remove two plastic clips, pull hard on the plastic cover. It'll come off. It's connected with many pull clips.

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...z/DSC04290.jpg
Clips that you can pull away.

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...z/DSC04292.jpg
Actually removing this Strut Tower Brace made my install much much easier. I actually recommend you to take this off first :tup:

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...z/DSC04297.jpg
Stock boxes

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...z/DSC04298.jpg
Stock boxes are off!

Then, take the bumper off. Follow DIGI's DIY here

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...z/DSC04306.jpg
Front bumper off.

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...z/DSC04308.jpg

I should mention here that for 2013 models and up, there are electrical wiring that's attached to front bumper since daytime led DRL are standard. Please use extreme caution when you take it off.

Here are some pictures of 2013+ front bumper led wiring: Huge thanks to xTETOVABOYx for providing me with the pics. Thank you

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps890479e4.jpg
Passenger Side Connection On picture #1

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps9e9caf71.jpg
Passenger Side LED picture #2

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps1245fd85.jpg
LED on Driver Side , Shows how long wire is picture #3

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...psbc9657dc.jpg
Actual led of the driver side picture #4

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...z/DSC04310.jpg
Unbolt these 3 bolts and let the metal brace hang.

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...z/DSC04313.jpg
Now, take these pins off the metal bar so that it DOESN'T have any wires attached.


Okay, now here's a small confusion that costs me some time and bruised my hands!
http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...70z/josh-1.jpg
Instructions said that I can just squeeze out two plastic clips. This is wrong info as there is ONLY 1 clip in 370Z ( the instruction pics maybe from G37). There is BOLT instead of clip! Take a look:

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...z/DSC04311.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...z/DSC04312.jpg


http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...ackplastic.jpg


Josh, if you want to make changes to the DIY instruction, feel free. Not a big deal but I wasted like 10 minutes!


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I know JOSH suggested me to get the Dremel (or something similar) but Harbor Parts had this one on sale for $20. I was :excited: My happy dance :happydance: turned into this -->:ughdance: as I kept breaking flimsy blades it came with :rolleyes:. The power tool is GREAT but the accessories sucks! So I had to actually cut the hole by hand (with a hacksaw blade/saw). Lets just say my arms were numb after I did the driver side!

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...z/DSC04336.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...z/DSC04341.jpg
Not the prettiest hole (oh boy, I hope frost doesn't see this :ugh:) but worked out pretty good. In the beginning, I kinda made the cut a little higher hoping to avoid the A/C lines but the intakes didn't sit properly (and I couldn't bolt the metal bar). So I had to cut it again.

Now we all know the dreaded A/C line stories. Some members had their A/C lines rubbed and caused some issues. Well, I came out with a quick plan. The STILLEN Kit give you two silicone hoses. You ONLY need to use one as it's pretty long. You can cut it in half and use it for both vacuum lines. :tup:

What did I do with the other hose? :happydance:

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I cut it in half.

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Put some 3M VHB Double sided tape (the most powerful 3M double sided tapes around)

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Put it above the A/C lines! I think it'll def outlast the car. :tup: (let me know what you think)

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Test fitting. Making any final adjustments.

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Installed. At this point, I just swapped MAF sensors from the OEM box.

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Engine cover, Strut brace back on.

I really didn't had any chance to drive the car. So I'll post later my impression. I only drove it around the block. It sounded pretty aggressive :tup:. I'll post HD videos later but here's quick video with my point and shoot camere



It was a great install. I have learned a lot from the install. I now know how to take off the bumper :tup:. The intake build quality was GREAT. Even the slots that MAF goes in, was perfect size (no gap). I'll post later how I like the intake in a few days!

Nice write-up!!

Great install and write up AK, keep them coming i love every thing you do for us on the forum thanks again.

Nice one.. let us know how it performs!

Awesome write up AK, Mega rep for you. :tup:

Great write-up and pictures. So, how do you like the way it sounds?

Very nice!

Since you just did this, can I ask about the white foam piece on the front? How is it secured to the car? Does it just lay loose in place? Reason I ask mine seems to be loose when I put my finders under in that area with the bumper on.

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...z/DSC04308.jpg

There are two plugs on the styrofoam that stick into holes in the metal...it fits in loosely and is easily removed.

Awesome write up. I am planning on installing mines soon. This will come in handy. Thanks again!

What a lousy write up. Only 45 photos! j/k AK, awesome DIY. Now I really don't have any excuses not to get the G3.

nice write-up AK, glad you finally got time to install them. Carbon fiber next? :excited:

Damn AK, another epic DIY.

Congrats on the new toys, those things are awesome!

AK.. will absolutely look into the instructions.. apologize for the time wasted on the G37 inclusion.. surprised we overlooked that. We do share photos and things from the various applications, as a lot of things are exactly the same. I guess i owe you 10 minutes somehow!

Thanks so much for the awesome detailed review and DIY.. I know guys will benefit from your efforts and documentation..

Bummer on the tool.. I know you were excited to get a 'dremel-ish' device for the home arsenal.. LOL.. I think you might have cheaped out on that one... (I kid I kid).. ;)

Awesome review.. can't wait to hear your thoughts once the ECU gets a chance to adjust to the new airflow, and you get a chance to flog it..

You're welcome. :tiphat:

It sounds GREAT! I love how aggressive the car sounds with this intake and my HKS exhaust. You must hear this in person :drool:

:iagree: It's loosely held.

Yup! I was planning on Thursday but it may get pushed to Sunday. Since you mentioned it, I'll give you a little sneak peak ;)
http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...m/DSC04215.jpg

They sound great! You were one of the first to get this installed, right? (last year?)

looks like some quality CF there, but can't tell which pieces they are...hints? :tup:

haha no problem. I am usually stickler for following rules, so I was looking for the 2nd clip(as I was instructed). I looked everywhere but didn't see it. Then I started pulling back and forth thinking maybe I have 1 clip. After few minutes, I realized it's impossible to take off. I go get a cold drink and started looking at the thing again and that's when I saw the bolt.

Def, anything missed on the previous DIY, can be found in this thread. Members will benefit from it.

I def cheaped out :o. I should have listened to you :shakes head:

How long does it take the ECU to adjust itself?

I was enamored by the cutting tool in the youtube link I had sent you on the G35 Gen 3 install where the guy went crazy with the hole size, but did it in about 3.5 seconds.. LOL

I'm no expert, I've never cut the core support to accommodate the pipes.. I've got an '04 G35.. my experience is just with that install, but I've seen some good results with some of the hand tools that are out there.. who knew it was partially due to the accessories they are driving, not just the unit itself.

ECU is quick, but we advise those doing the back to back dynos that we typically see full results within 7-8 dyno runs, when most places like to run 3 for consistancy. So as long as you've gotten a chance to let it run through the RPM band in a couple of gears for a good amount of runs, the ECU will be right there.

Love the sound of those intakes once it seems to hit it's sweet spot around 5,500 RPM and above.. sounds angry.. and even more so on the dyno when you're standing in a spot outside the car you wouldn't normally have access too..

Is there special pricing for forum members?


Nice review AK!

You can pm Josh (or any of the other vendor that sells STILLEN G3 intake).



wow.. the sound combination of STILLEN G3 and HKS exhaust is actually something you MUST hear in person! Today I was in a indoor parking building and I saw an opportunity and floored the Z in first gear. Lets just say I was like this -- :eek:. It sounded SICK!!! Aggressive and exotic :tup:

I really don't want to go back to the previous dyno shop where he had a bit of trouble dynoing my car (won't go after 6500 RPM, tach kept bounching etc) but he has my base dyno. I'll see if I can stop by there sometime next week. I can def feel some extra HP in all RPM.

So, I retorqued all the bolts holding the piping today. Also, tightened the STRUT Tower bar with proper tq number. Our manual suggests 38 ft/lbs of tq.

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...m/STRUTBAR.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...m/DSC04523.jpg

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...m/DSC04525.jpg

Then I went for a drive :driving: :tup:

Sorry if this has been asked before, but you have to drop the bumper when you want to clean you're filters?

Yes sir, but it's not hard at all. Takes like 5 mins..

Should have bought Dreamers!

Well that is just weird. Mine came out just like the intructions said they should. I just pushed in firmly and pulled them right out, but yet you had bolts holding yours in. I am starting to learn that none of these cars are the same and seems like Nissan is making little changes between cars as they build them.
Another example is while installing my turbo kit one of the intercooler pipes bolts to the upper oil pan. It should be just a plain hole with threads that isn't being used. Well my car had it holding a bracket for some reason. When i went to the dealership looked at the cars they had and none of them had but yet mine did, lol

Great job AK
Frank

AK, thank you for the write up. I think i may have done the AC wrapping on the WRONG lines /forehead slap. Time to take my bumper back off!

Great write up AK. Thanks!

I broke a bolt this weekend during install (specific bolt is in the pic below, it's the bolt that holds the passenger side rubber/plastic piece onto the top of the engine).

1) I am dumb, what are these parts known as so I can describe it to a dealer. It's the rubber/plastic piece that clamps onto the intake tube on the passenger side... I don't know what function it serves.

2) Anyone have a recommendation for finding bolt replacements? Dealer? Hardware store/Home Depot?

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...z/DSC04284.jpg

Awesome job!! Does an aftermarket intake setup void the warranty in any way? How about performance, can ya feel any improved throttle respone n such?

^^ mythic, if the dealer can prove or hypothesize in any way that your after market parts are the cause of any problems then the issue will not be fixed under factory warranty. You may be able to fight this, as the aftermarket parts MUST be the cause for the dealer to void that part of the warranty.

And yes, there is a noticeable change in the power delivery. As you gain a good bit of HP on the top end, and loose a few down low.

I over sized my passenger hole, and my intake loosely fits. I fab'd a bracket to the bolt location right next to the tube, and then later took it off. I need to come up with a better solution before i cause any damage from vibration, could already be to late.

Yeah, they have always tried to put up a battle un suspicion...I think im just gonna leave it alone unless there are some drop-ins that'll net me a lil gain without making my oil dirty...

^^ however, i have yet to hear any members have any major or minor issues caused by adding Gen 3 intakes. I could be wrong!

IMO gen 3 or bust, short rams could effectively lower your HP due to heat soak. And drop ins really wont do much for you other than increase the life of your air filter. :tup:

So the stillen g3 intakes are out of the engine bay in front of the car to draw in cool air? It looks like an efficient setup, but the only problem I see is I don't want to have to remove my bumper every time I want to clean my filters :-/

Haha, I went through the same thing with that bolt! As for the Dremel bit, here is what I used and it worked perfectly:

I´ve read your DIY-guide, AK. Well done, A+! http://www.greensmilies.com/smile/sm...ns_thumbs1.gif





mike

these have the bypass valvue for water right?

Agreed, servicing the filters requires you to remove the bumper. However i doubt you do that much more than once a year?

Something to think about I guess...if there are real power gains I'd definitely consider this to be my first mod. How much do these intakes sell for?

^ 500 new from Stillen, used around 300. The thing about the power gains with these intakes is its all up top. If you rarely wrap out your RPM's WOT through the gears, this may not be the upgrade for you! But bang for you buck, Gen 3s or HFC/test pipes is the way to go for your first mod.

Great job and writeup, AK !

Do the stillen G3 intakes come etched with the Stillen logo on them or is that a sticker...I want to get this intake but I hate all the branding on it