[Official] "Which intake should I buy for my Z?" thread.

[joshs09slvrZ]

Hey guys! I don't know much about cars and what not so I need a little advice.

I had an intake on a Mustang a few years back, but I got it off eBay so it probably wasn't all that good. I've seen a few threads on here about short ram or long tubes. From what I've gathered, short ram is mostly just noise that will reduce performance and the long tubes will give you better performance, but you may have to cut things under the hood.

What I'd like to know is a couple things:

1) If I spend money on an intake, I'd like to get a good one that will increase my performance, but also not decrease my MPG. Is this possible?

2) Are there any intakes besides the short rams where I wouldn't need to cut anything under the hood to make it fit correctly?

3) Will I need a tune? I don't plan on racing...just really looking for a bit more power and to help the engine in the long run; so I don't plan on getting a tune. Without a tune, will the car start throwing codes or anything?

I apologize for all the questions, but would really appreciate any advice.

Thanks!

[Cyberium]

I'll answer your questions before people start trying to kill you for not searching because they are pretty straight forward.

1. I'm not sure any intakes decrease MPG. It might seem like it because once people have them installed they like to redline their cars 90% of the time. Better air flow should = better MPG

2. With the Stillen G3 intakes you just need to enlarge holes on both sides. Injen intakes you don't have to cut anything, but you will need to replace your windshield washer fluid tank. Either way, you'll be doing some sort of modifying.

3. If your just doing intakes for now, you do not need a tune. Just disconnect your battery after install and let the ECU reset and it will adapt to the added airflow. You won't throw any codes as long as your MAF sensor is hooked back correctly and there are no leaks

[Togo]

Originally Posted by Cyberium

I'll answer your questions before people start trying to kill you for not searching because they are pretty straight forward.

1. I'm not sure any intakes decrease MPG. It might seem like it because once people have them installed they like to redline their cars 90% of the time. Better air flow should = better MPG

2. With the Stillen G3 intakes you just need to enlarge holes on both sides. Injen intakes you don't have to cut anything, but you will need to replace your windshield washer fluid tank. Either way, you'll be doing some sort of modifying.

3. If your just doing intakes for now, you do not need a tune. Just disconnect your battery after install and let the ECU reset and it will adapt to the added airflow. You won't throw any codes as long as your MAF sensor is hooked back correctly and there are no leaks

[joshs09slvrZ]

Thank you! I saw the Injen intake where you had to modify the washer fluid. What about the AEM intake? It looks like it comes with a new container?

[Seb@SZ]

BTW, if the intake increases the sampling tube of the MAF it will run leaner. The ECU cannot compensate for that as the air measured via the MAF is not the same.

[Togo]

Originally Posted by joshs09slvrZ

Thank you! I saw the Injen intake where you had to modify the washer fluid. What about the AEM intake? It looks like it comes with a new container?

I think with the Injen they supply a smaller one and you just replace the oem one with the new one. Only down side being you might refill your washer fluid container more often. Also some have said they think that with the Injen they can reach the filters to remove them for cleaning without then need to remove the entire front bumper. It may be possible to get to them through the wheel wells. The Stillen Gen3 will require bumper removal.

I can't comment on the AEM.

[joshs09slvrZ]

Originally Posted by Togo

I think with the Injen they supply a smaller one and you just replace the oem one with the new one. Only down side being you might refill your washer fluid container more often. Also some have said they think that with the Injen they can reach the filters to remove them for cleaning without then need to remove the entire front bumper. It may be possible to get to them through the wheel wells. The Stillen Gen3 will require bumper removal.

I can't comment on the AEM.

It seems like the Injen would be my best bet. I definitely don't want to run leaner. I really don't want anything to change from stock...just better air flow I guess.

[Nick911sc]

If you're worried about running lean you can always just get a tune. Not that big of a deal.

[joshs09slvrZ]

Originally Posted by Nick911sc

If you're worried about running lean you can always just get a tune. Not that big of a deal.

I would prefer to not get a tune. Looking for more "plug and play."

[Nick911sc]

Originally Posted by joshs09slvrZ

I would prefer to not get a tune. Looking for more "plug and play."

Yea, what about a plug and play tune? lol

Cobb Accessport with some maps "plug and play"

But if that's the case I personally would leave the stock intakes alone(or if anything put drop ins) and then change the exhaust and cats.

[joshs09slvrZ]

Originally Posted by Nick911sc

Yea, what about a plug and play tune? lol

Cobb Accessport with some maps "plug and play"

But if that's the case I personally would leave the stock intakes alone(or if anything put drop ins) and then change the exhaust and cats.

Yeah...I'm not much into modding. I had a Cobalt SS for a few years and didn't do anything to it. Just wanted to do something kinda simple...

[djtranz]

Originally Posted by Nick911sc

Yea, what about a plug and play tune? lol

Cobb Accessport with some maps "plug and play"

But if that's the case I personally would leave the stock intakes alone(or if anything put drop ins) and then change the exhaust and cats.

I'm sorry guys this is my first foreign hot rod. Always had modified Mustangs. I feel like an idiot But what is a drop in. I know the formula in Mustangs more fuel more air. Never did a Japanese vehicle. I would assume it's all the same.

[Jordo!]

Originally Posted by djtranz

I'm sorry guys this is my first foreign hot rod. Always had modified Mustangs. I feel like an idiot But what is a drop in. I know the formula in Mustangs more fuel more air. Never did a Japanese vehicle. I would assume it's all the same.

A higher flow panel filter (e.g., K&N) that "drops in" the airbox like an OEM panel filter.

[Nick911sc]

I understand. Not trying to attack you or anything

I'm just saying, if I were to think of doing a mod to my Z I'd want to do exhaust before intakes. Especially since all the power made by intakes are on the top end...Barely usable. And you don't need to start cutting into things or removing parts to fit.

[joshs09slvrZ]

Originally Posted by Nick911sc

I understand. Not trying to attack you or anything

I'm just saying, if I were to think of doing a mod to my Z I'd want to do exhaust before intakes. Especially since all the power made by intakes are on the top end...Barely usable. And you don't need to start cutting into things or removing parts to fit.

Not taking it as an attack lol. I'm here to learn. My knowledge is taking care of the paint...not under the hood. I need to find a starting point ya know. If exhaust is where it is...then I should do some research in that area.