So, I've narrowed my next mod down to either a JWT popcharger or a K&N drop in filter. Hopefully you guys can help me seal the deal.

I know the popcharger will give a deeper growl, but how much louder is it compared to stock? I live in a quiet neighborhood and I'd rather not wake everyone up when I get in at 2 in the morning.

Also, does the K&N drop-in change the sound at all? And, if so, how? Deeper? Louder? Any descriptions would be very helpful.

Finally, I've read a lot about heat soak in the popcharger. I've also ready that there is a Stillen heat shield that you can purchase for the popcharger. Has anyone done this combo? Does it noticeably help with the heatsoak? Can anyone point out where to get such a heatshield?

As always, thanks for any help you guys can offer!

 

I'm interested too.

Subscribing...

 

You won't awaken your neighbors with any intake. The sound comes from the z-tube which we all seem to enjoy. Easy fix is the K&N drop in filter, allows more air in than the OE filters. Pop chargers do have issues with "Heat Soak" which will cause you to lose HP. Why not buy the Stillen CAI/Z-Tube which mounts in same place the OE filter does and contains a giant K&N filter. Clean it every 3rd oil change and it will last forever....that's what I've been using!
Gary

 

What Gary said -- you'll hear it a bit but your neighbors won't notice. At least until the mod bug causes you to buy a loud-arsed exhaust! And to be honest you probably will see most of the benefit of a CAI with just a good drop-in panel filter.

You might be confusing the 'Stillen heat shield for popcharger' with the actual Stillen CAI, which does appear to have better heat shielding. Search up some pics of each, you'll see what I mean.

EDIT: I was curious...

Stillen CAI



JWT Popcharger (and z-tube)

 

Awesome, thanks guys! I am probably confused with the Stillen heat shield...wouldn't be the first time...

What about the sound on a K&N filter? I would like a deeper growl and, while I know the popcharger would be best, would the K&N change the sound at all or would any sound improvements just come from the "z-tube" as I think Gary said.

 

No change in sound from filter alone. But potentially better airflow/filtration, so IMO putting in a good K&N or similar panel filter is worth doing.

 

Thanks SwivelHips!

One final question, I've read that a popcharger will reduce power compared to a stock airbox. Is this true and is there any way around this? Basically I want the sound of a popcharger, but it's not worth it to me to lose out on performance due to heat soak or whatever.

 

Thick did you read my post....^....The sound comes from the z-tube and what ever filter you use is just a plus. There's really no way around the issue pop chargers have unless you buy the Stillen CAI....Oh I already posted that!
Gary

 

I did read it Gary, I just wasn't sure if I was understanding you correctly. Also, I'm decided to stay away from the CAI as I hear they have the same heat soak issues as the popcharger.

I do appreciate your input though

 

You could go with the R2C like I have. Best of both worlds: great sound and flow but seals against the hood for little to no heatsoak. Draws air the same way the stock box does.

 

^^^^^^ Something doesn't make sense about the design of the R2C. Isn't the air scoop being blocked by the Heat shield ?

 

^^ lol your right, It should be modded to work imo

 

gary c got it. if you want the popcharger sound without power loss u need to use the stillen heat shield with it. however i dont believe stillen sells the heat shield separately and buying both just for an intake is retarded.

Just get the revup intake with K&N drop. If you want the growl ztube, md spacer, hfc or test pipes, and exhaust will do the trick.

 

The intakes will be louder, but only really at WOT after 3500-4000 rpm.

 

I have a Ztube and popcharger installed, but no heatshield.

I got the 04 stock airbox with a drop in k&n filter sitting in the garage... is there a way to modify the airbox to act as a heatshield for the popcharger? DIY anyone??