Z1 post MAF hose install problem

[USAFZDRIVER]

Hi guys, I searched around the site for an answer but couldn't find one. Sorry if I'm posting something stupid/wasteful. I got the Z1 post MAF hoses in the mail this morning and went to install this afternoon. It seems that most people had quick install times well under an hour. I didn't remove the strut bar, I was able to move around decently. On the drivers side I removed the stock tube and then began to fit the Z1 hose in from the throttle body, then the pcv connector. I loosened the bolt on the air box for a little more free play and it was insanely difficult to try and get the hose onto the air box tube. I finally called it quits. It seems its either just too long or I am going at it wrong, everything is just way too tight and the air box wasn't lining back up where it belongs. I noticed something that may just be cosmetic but it seems that in most pics the hoses have the "Z1" logo vertical and mine have the logo horizontal. Should I just trim it or is it the wrong hose or am I installing it wrong? Thought it would be a simple quick install. I was wrong. Any help and suggestions are appreciated.

[speedfreek]

Is it the passenger side that is giving you problems? I know there have been a few posting they have had issues with I believe that side fitting....and the other side installs without issue. I think they resolved it by trimming it some. If you do a search you should be able to find a few threads on it.

[speedfreek]

Here is a link...you have to trim the passenger side like I remembered.

My Z1 experience

[USAFZDRIVER]

How do you trim such a thick hose and not having it end up looking like a**? I'm having trouble on the drivers side. The hoses are way stiff. I like the quality and want to get them in properly and clean.

[daisuke149]

my hoses went in without modifying.. just gotta put some muscle n skill into it.

[sfearl1]

I had the same issue with mine. I reinstalled the stock tubes until I have time to pull the strut bar off. I hear it's a breeze once you take it off.

[Yutnaka]

I have a different brand, but it took less than 30 minutes for both sides without the strut bar taken out. I first inserted on the throttle body and then attach it from the bottom up to the maf sensor tube. It helps if you have a flat head to help guide it over the the maf tube once the bottom part of the tube is on the maf part. Maybe this might help. The breather tubes are much easier if you just take them out and install them very last.

[icormba]

Originally Posted by USAFZDRIVER

How do you trim such a thick hose and not having it end up looking like a**? I'm having trouble on the drivers side. The hoses are way stiff. I like the quality and want to get them in properly and clean.

Trim with a razor blade.

Warm the hoses up a bit by leaving them in the sun for a little while... or use a hair dryer.

[USAFZDRIVER]

OK guys thanks for the responses and PM's. Tomorrow morning I will try it again, this time with the strut brace off for more room and better odds. I hope I don't have to trim them...fingers crossed. Will post results and pics when finished.

[scottIN]

Remove the strut bar. Remove the airbox. Watch your MAF leads though.
I put the TB end on first, then lined it up for the breather tubes. When you pull the airbox, don't take it all the way out - just enough to tilt it back (top toward the front of the car). You kind of have to slide the tube on and push it back in at the same time. Then go back and loosen the clips on the breather tubes and slip them in.

I did end up cutting about 1/8" off the passenger side. Just used a fine tooth hacksaw and then cleaned any burrs with a razor blade and then wiped the insides down real good to make sure there was no dust. The hoses are wire - just a razor blade won't work.

Also used a little spit to help the hoses slide over the ends. I know it's an area you don't want to heavily lubricate or anything, but I figured a little spit wouldn't hurt and does help them slide better.

I didn't get them on until my 3rd try-and that's pulling the strut brace and airboxes. The weird thing is that my driver's side slipped right on. I have a feeling my engine sits a little cocked. I wouldn't hesitate to cut it if you need to. I can tell you there is zero possibility mine would have fit without cutting.

[The Dimer]

Originally Posted by daisuke149

my hoses went in without modifying.. just gotta put some muscle n skill into it.

[USAFZDRIVER]

I didn't remove the strut brace. The passenger side hose went on with some retard strength and it almost needed to be trimmed, sits very flush. The drivers side one slipped on, but needs to be trimmed about 1/8 inch, then everything will sit as it should and not be crammed. Just the opposite of what others experience. I need to run out and get a hack saw to trim it nicely. I will finish the install in the morning, there is a bad wind storm here so I called it quits. 50% done. I will post results tomorrow, thanks.

[Mandingo]

I had to trim the driver's side one as well. I just used a very sharp (new) razor blade.

[tr0n]

Dear USAFZDRIVER, my fellow AF member,
I am truly and deeply sorry for your duty location. I drove through Cannon a few months back to visit a friend who works over in contracting. It is a depressing place. Good luck keeping your z clean.

[USAFZDRIVER]

Luckily This isnt my first duty location. At least I am not down range anymore too. You are correct, Tr0n, it is nearly imposible to keep my Z clean and it deosnt help that I have no garage. But I slave away and it stays decent for the most part. Anyways, I just wanted let everyone know I got the hoses in a couple of days ago after trimming about 1/8 inch from the drivers side hose. I just used a hack saw and a razor blade and got a very clean cut that you cannot notice. The passenger side almost needed to be trimmed as well but I was able to muscle it on. I also went with the HKS Hybrid foam dry filters and am so far very pleased with them. They seem to work well and the price is hard to beat. The combo is really not bad for the price. It lacks the addition of an agressive sound but the volumn is slighty louder. Most importantly though you can feel the harder pull and quicker throttle response. Now that they are in I am one happy Z driver.