I'm debating adding a Z Tube.. what advantage would it give (if possible) to using it with stock airbox? I am somewhat paranoid about hydrolock (had a CAI on my Sentra SE, and would always be freaking out!) How tough is the install?

 

Yes it can be used with the stock air box. It's a better choice then the same oem part off the G, it does not have the resonator like the G part does or the zig zag turn. However I think it's benefit's in terms of how it might add power can be over stated by some. I still think it's worth adding. It's easy to install, the clip on breather tube is in a slightly different location if I recall.

Though not a easy solution, I like the idea of going beyond the Ztube with something that lacks the corrugated sections or even eliminates the oem MAF housing, yet still works with the rest of the oem intake system.

In this pic the Ztube is on the right (not my pic, from someone's "sale" post if I recall)

 

So if I swap to the Z Tube I do NOT have to remove the MAF, correct? Doesn't it make it sound a lil nicer too?

 

No, you don't have to remove the MAF housing. Hook the breather tube up first. Put the MAF tube end of the Ztube on first then compress the Ztube's flex section to gain the room you need to slip the other end onto the throttle body. Yes, the Ztube is reported to add some induction sound. Keep in mind that when I ran one for a time, my custom exhaust makes any intake inaudiable to me.

 

This has been asked many times on the forum, with varying feedback. Do a quick search and check em out!

 

I figured it had been asked, but I was feeling lazy last night.

 

I've used the Z-tube with the stock airbox and K&N panel filter with good results. This settup yields the best idle from the multitude of options I've tried.
It may not be the best for hp increase but I like it.

 

Would this affect the factory warrenty?

 

It's an easy install. Just make sure the job is done right with tight clamps, vent hoses on right and you should have no trouble with warranty.

 

I have the same setup. I tried the CAI and ended up with this. I think it is the best combo for lowend torque retention, maybe a little top end pull. But the sound and the throttle response is a definite improvement.

 

I switched from an Injen CAI to the Z-tube / K&N filter and I have to say I like the Z-tube set-up much more. I do miss that mean hissing sound the CAI had though.

 

warranty is usually only affected when the aftermarket part is the cause of the problem, so if ur tranny broke they cant blame ur aftermarket intake on it, so unless the part you installed is the cause of the problem the warranty should be intact unless im wrong about infiniti's warranty policy

 

I agree with ballisticus. Some of the other intakes lose low end torque which is where you need it most with such a high peak RPM hp and especially with the AT tranny since you don't have the ability to manipulate RPM's with a clutch.

 

I have the Stillen high flow intake with K&N cone filter and the Z-Tube. IMHO the Z-Tube is really more about sound than anything else; maybe 1-2 extra hp. The Stillen intake is nice in that you don't have the water intake issues that CAI does, but of course it's not a true cold air intake either. The Stillen in combo with the Z-tube definitely makes alot more sound (rather nice too) when under throttle and does make more power (I've dyno tested it) over the stock setup, but that greater power is in the mid to upper end; you will definitely lose some bottom end power.

If you're looking for better sound with less air filter maintenance I'd go with the other recommendations for the Z-Tube and K&N panel in the stock airbox.

If you also want more overall HP (and are willing to sacrifice some bottom end power), then the Stillen might be a better choice.