Help understanding Post MAF Tubes, Test Pipes, Drop Ins

Haras1687

Hey all. First off, I am new to the forum and have read some threads, but don't have time to research too much. I am a chick and by no means a mechanic or tuner head, but have just enough knowledge to be dangerous. haha. I used to own a 240SX, and of course fell in love with her. My brother helped me with some maintenance and mods on her, so I have a very basic understanding of automobile anatomy and physiology. Here is what I am hoping to find help with. I want to spiff up my lady (2012 manual 6spd 370Z stock touring edition). I want a mod under or right at $500. I care about power, speed, sound, and appearance. Mostly, I just want to make her unique and special, instead of stock and boring.
From the research I have done, I think the route I want to go is Post MAF tubes and K&N Drop Ins. However, I have also seen good feedback about the r2c filters. Also, I have read some threads about test pipes. My problem is that I don't really understand what all these things do and how they work together. I like to understand the why and how of something works.
So, I get the purpose of air filters and that the cone ones allow more air in than the factory ones. however, i don't understand if the k&n drop in filters are just the filters or is there different piping/tubing with them?
Or like at this link for the R2C filters, do I need to purchase anything to go with them to connect them, or just the filters?
https://www.tunerzstore.com/Nissan-3...rs-dual-intake
And i keep hearing k&n drop ins but just r2c filters. Is there such a thing as r2c drop ins?

And with the Post MAF tubes/intake hoses, how do they work and are some better than others? like are these ones good? https://www.z1motorsports.com/z1-pro...d02df8b3b45962

Also what are test pipes? I have seen threads saying good things about ART pipes and Fast Intentions Resonated test pipes, but I don't really understand what they are.

Also, would I use all 3 parts in conjunction? test pipes, post MAF tubes, Drop ins?

thanks in advance for your help. Feel free to laugh at me for my ignorance. We can't all be good at everything. lol