Ok, I've decided on the OEM Z-tube. Now the only question is...JWT popcharger or K&N drop-in filter?

Searching and reading some previous threads, I gather that the differences are:

* popcharger sounds better
* popcharger is more sensitive to temperature differences (may even lose power vs stock in hot summer weather)
* K&N's performance is consistent, but not as good as popcharger in cold temperatures

I'd like to get some final thoughts from you guys before I make my decision. Thanks.

 

i like the popcharger. it even sounds almost like a turbo spooling under light acceleration you probably won't feel much of a gain from the tube+filter untill you swap out your oem plenum!

 

Agree. Neither one will turn your car into a 600 HP monster, but the Pop gives more benefit than a K&N filter. I live where it's over 100º for four months out of the year, and I've never *noticed* a power loss in the heat.

 

I opted for the K&N filter simply because I believe the stock air box is a good design that is difficult to improve on.

 

I've used the PopCharger and was very disappointed. It feels weaker in the lower rpm. Other people can confirm this also. I could really feel it accelerating from a dead stop.

Next I switched to the Stillen Hi Flo Box. With the Stillen, torque loss in the lower RPM is less noticeable. Also contrary to popular belief, The Stillen is a little louder than the PopCharger.

I believe the Z-tube+K&N is the best option but if really want to make your car louder, go with the Stillen.

 

i'm deciding between the two as well, and the Stillen i guess now according to BlackonBlackG35. the sound is actually what i'm most interested in. to some extent, i feel that the stock G35c sounds a bit too much like a riced out civic. i'm looking more for a 911 sound--not gonna happen, but you get what i mean. what kind of sound do the K&N, popcharger and stillen produce? again, not as concerned with performance or even volume, but the quality to the sound.
thx in advance.

 

is Stillen suppose to be better than popcharger?

 

it costs twice as much, and the difference couldnt possibly be that major. its all personal preference.

 

A K&N filter will not make any appreciable performance gain.

 

Does this make two things I've said that you agree with?

 

Haha...yeah, its a start....


Your right, but either the popcharger filter suck's or the stillen shroud really makes a difference.

I do a lot stop and go city driving and the popcharger just annoyed me. So I sold it on ebay and bought the stillen. Although its not as good as the Z-Tube+K&N, its not as bad as the popcharger.

Also some said sound is important, the popcharger and stillen sound similar but the stillen is a little bit louder.

 

I went with the K&N after hearing from several friends that the popcharger makes the G bog down when its hot out until you get the rpm's up. I wasn't crazy about the sound of the popcharger either.

 

when you install the Z-tube and keep the stock box do you hear a sound differance or is it the JWT that gives you that cool sound

 

Popcharger is louder but the Z-tube/stock airbox provides a nice sound at WOT.

 

Thanks all for the replies.

I think I'm going with the K&N. I'm not concerned about sound, I prefer the stealthy look, and I DEFINITELY don't want even the slightest chance of losing low-end torque. Plus, it's cheaper.