Stillen Gen III Intake Filter Replacement

Cmike2780 · 09-11-2012, 11:25 AM

There are tons of threads on the Gen 3's, but the older threads didn't really have much info on alternative filters. I bought the Gen III's from a forum member and was wondering if anyone here is using filters other than the K&N's that come with the kit. The ones I have are still usable, but I figured I might as well intall new ones for some peace of mind. Maybe a dry type option like an AEM filter?

Your thoughts?

Cmike2780 · 09-11-2012, 01:13 PM

anyone?

1st · 09-11-2012, 01:59 PM

Aem would be fine and I wouldn’t see why this would be an issue. Just as long as the dimensions of the filter are the same. I actually think that dry flow is the way to go. I don’t have the gen 3’s yet but if there filters aren’t dry flow that seems kinda out dated to me. Do you know if K&N make dry flow?

SS_Firehawk · 09-11-2012, 03:01 PM

I believe the tube diameter is the same(need to double check), AEM's are shorter than the K&N's, so less surface area.

Cmike2780 · 09-11-2012, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SS_Firehawk

I believe the tube diameter is the same(need to double check), AEM's are shorter than the K&N's, so less surface area.

Original Part
K&N Part RU-2820 Product Specifications
Product Style: Round Straight Universal Air Filter
Filter Material: Cotton Gauze
Flange Inside Diameter: 3 in (76 mm)
Flange Length: 0.625 in (16 mm)
Flanges: 1
Flange Type: Centered
Height: 6.5 in (165 mm)
Outside Diameter: 5 in (127 mm)

I just looked this up. The AEM's are shorter, but it looks like the outside diameter is larger. I could also go with a longer one, but the next size up is 8" long.

AEM 21-203DK Product Specifications
Product Style: AEM Dryflow Round Tapered Air Filter
Base Outside Diameter: 6 in (152 mm)
Flange Inside Diameter: 3 in (76 mm)
Flange Length: 1.5 in (38 mm)
Flange Type: Centered
Height: 5.125 in (130 mm)
Inner Structural Support: No
Top Outside Diameter: 5.125 in (130 mm)
Top Style: Rubber
Top Material/Finish: None
Flanges: 1
Filter Material: Non-woven Synthetic

..or

AEM 21-2038BF Product Specifications
Product Style: AEM Dryflow Round Tapered Air Filter
Base Outside Diameter: 6 in (152 mm)
Flange Inside Diameter: 3 in (76 mm)
Flange Length: 1.5 in (38 mm)
Flange Type: Centered
Height: 8.125 in (206 mm)
Inner Structural Support: Yes
Top Outside Diameter: 5.125 in (130 mm)
Top Style: Rubber
Top Material/Finish: None
Flanges: 1
Filter Material: Non-woven Synthetic

Are other options like Apexi or HKS still any good?

SS_Firehawk · 09-11-2012, 10:05 PM

AEM's short filters work fine, they use it in their CAI for this car. Though I would say that you would be receiving more flow with the 8 inch filters as they have more surface area. Less cleaning intervals as well.

homeryansta · 09-11-2012, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SS_Firehawk

AEM's short filters work fine, they use it in their CAI for this car. Though I would say that you would be receiving more flow with the 8 inch filters as they have more surface area. Less cleaning intervals as well.

or you can buy the aem filter cover.

AEM 1-4001 Dry Flow Air Filter Wrap : Amazon.com : Automotive

I use it on my spec and it works nice.

Cmike2780 · 09-12-2012, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SS_Firehawk

AEM's short filters work fine, they use it in their CAI for this car. Though I would say that you would be receiving more flow with the 8 inch filters as they have more surface area. Less cleaning intervals as well.

Hmm...I gotta check out how much room I have if I go with the 8". It looks like the flange is a bit longer on the AEM.

Quote:

Originally Posted by homeryansta

or you can buy the aem filter cover.

AEM 1-4001 Dry Flow Air Filter Wrap : Amazon.com : Automotive

I use it on my spec and it works nice.

Doesn't that add restriction?

tonythetiger · 09-14-2012, 07:40 PM

how often should you swap out filters??

martin82 · 09-14-2012, 08:06 PM

The gen 3 u use a k&n cleaning kit......

370Z Purist · 09-14-2012, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by martin82

The gen 3 u use a k&n cleaning kit......

Read OP, he wants to replace the stock K&Ns for a dry media.

martin82 · 09-14-2012, 08:24 PM

I would buy a k&n recharge kit first, clean them and see before switching to a dry filter...... defeats the purpose to have a washable filter and not use it no?

If not go with any similar size dry filter, but you do not wanna go with a larger outer diameter as it will not fit without hacking it up, the stock K&N filter is already pretty tight.

Cmike2780 · 09-15-2012, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by martin82

I would buy a k&n recharge kit first, clean them and see before switching to a dry filter...... defeats the purpose to have a washable filter and not use it no?

If not go with any similar size dry filter, but you do not wanna go with a larger outer diameter as it will not fit without hacking it up, the stock K&N filter is already pretty tight.

I talked to someone at Stillen and they recommend a dry type AEM I can use. I do have the recharge kit and actually have K&N drop ins in the car. I just bought the Gen 3's used and one of the filter had some light damage to it. Like I said, it's still usable, but I'd rather replace them, spend the extra $70 and and still save some cash from buying a brand new kit. I'll probably sell the K&N's if someone wants them.

Cmike2780 · 09-17-2012, 11:15 AM

For those interested, the filter Stillen recommended is:

AEM dry filter:21-203BF

tonythetiger · 09-17-2012, 01:52 PM

cool thanks!

09-11-2012, 11:25 AM	#1 (permalink)
Cmike2780 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Long Island Posts: 5,059 Drives: slowwww Rep Power: 28	Stillen Gen III Intake Filter Replacement There are tons of threads on the Gen 3's, but the older threads didn't really have much info on alternative filters. I bought the Gen III's from a forum member and was wondering if anyone here is using filters other than the K&N's that come with the kit. The ones I have are still usable, but I figured I might as well intall new ones for some peace of mind. Maybe a dry type option like an AEM filter? Your thoughts? __________________ [09][MB][6-Spd MT][Touring][Stillen Gen III][K&N][Borla CBE][Evo-R] [ArchitTEK Photography]

09-11-2012, 01:13 PM	#2 (permalink)
Cmike2780 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Long Island Posts: 5,059 Drives: slowwww Rep Power: 28	anyone? __________________ [09][MB][6-Spd MT][Touring][Stillen Gen III][K&N][Borla CBE][Evo-R] [ArchitTEK Photography]

09-11-2012, 03:01 PM	#4 (permalink)
SS_Firehawk Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Tampa Posts: 4,142 Drives: 13' Magma Red Nismo Rep Power: 7334	I believe the tube diameter is the same(need to double check), AEM's are shorter than the K&N's, so less surface area. __________________ Old Car:GTM TSC'd 550whp / 410lbft tq @ 11.88PSI New Car: Under Construction

09-11-2012, 10:05 PM	#6 (permalink)
SS_Firehawk Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Tampa Posts: 4,142 Drives: 13' Magma Red Nismo Rep Power: 7334	AEM's short filters work fine, they use it in their CAI for this car. Though I would say that you would be receiving more flow with the 8 inch filters as they have more surface area. Less cleaning intervals as well. __________________ Old Car:GTM TSC'd 550whp / 410lbft tq @ 11.88PSI New Car: Under Construction

09-14-2012, 07:40 PM	#9 (permalink)
tonythetiger A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: SA, TX Posts: 1,035 Drives: 10 Nissan 370z PG MT Rep Power: 192	how often should you swap out filters?? __________________ KWV3/Eibach/StillenG3/FI CBE+LTH+34Row/Uprev/SPL/SouthBendSS/QuaifeLSD/4.08/TommyKaira/Status/VolkZE40/AP Radical BBK/Seibon/Amuse/VIS/Sparco/WorksBellGTC/RJM/Nismo

09-11-2012, 01:59 PM	#3 (permalink)
1st A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: I 80 Biz U.S. 50 Posts: 1,708 Drives: Platinum Z Rep Power: 1615	Aem would be fine and I wouldn’t see why this would be an issue. Just as long as the dimensions of the filter are the same. I actually think that dry flow is the way to go. I don’t have the gen 3’s yet but if there filters aren’t dry flow that seems kinda out dated to me. Do you know if K&N make dry flow?

09-14-2012, 08:06 PM	#10 (permalink)
martin82 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: los angeles Posts: 2,636 Drives: 12 Nissan 370Z MB M6 Rep Power: 19	The gen 3 u use a k&n cleaning kit......

09-14-2012, 08:24 PM	#12 (permalink)
martin82 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: los angeles Posts: 2,636 Drives: 12 Nissan 370Z MB M6 Rep Power: 19	I would buy a k&n recharge kit first, clean them and see before switching to a dry filter...... defeats the purpose to have a washable filter and not use it no? If not go with any similar size dry filter, but you do not wanna go with a larger outer diameter as it will not fit without hacking it up, the stock K&N filter is already pretty tight.

09-17-2012, 11:15 AM	#14 (permalink)
Cmike2780 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Long Island Posts: 5,059 Drives: slowwww Rep Power: 28	For those interested, the filter Stillen recommended is: AEM dry filter:21-203BF __________________ [09][MB][6-Spd MT][Touring][Stillen Gen III][K&N][Borla CBE][Evo-R] [ArchitTEK Photography]

09-17-2012, 01:52 PM	#15 (permalink)
tonythetiger A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: SA, TX Posts: 1,035 Drives: 10 Nissan 370z PG MT Rep Power: 192	cool thanks! __________________ KWV3/Eibach/StillenG3/FI CBE+LTH+34Row/Uprev/SPL/SouthBendSS/QuaifeLSD/4.08/TommyKaira/Status/VolkZE40/AP Radical BBK/Seibon/Amuse/VIS/Sparco/WorksBellGTC/RJM/Nismo

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