I attached some pics, and the sound clips are below.

I had to modify the MAF since the Apex'i filter uses a different offset for the bolts.

I absolutly love the setup. The sound is not too imposing when putting around, but when you get on it (still not too too loud) it sounds downright mean! I took a coworker for a ride (modified 330i zhp) and his quote was "Holy s**t!"
This filter just about fits inside the stillen filter, but I thought the Stillen filter was way too big anyways, lol. Actually, I don't feel that lagging I did with the Stillen anymore...much better throttle response imho.

This is a paper filter, so those who think the paper filters fair better with a Plenum spacer (heard that somewhere) should be fine with this setup.

Oh, and the Apexi filter apparently has very good filtration (which was important to me)
(well, according to this test anyways http://www.mkiv.com/techarticles/filters_test/2/ )

My setup:
UT Carbon Fiber z-tube
Stillen Hi-Flow Airbox (minus filter of course)
Modified MAF (now allows stock filter connection as well as Apex'i connection)
Apex'i Universal Replacement Filter

Sound clips:
(Right-Click Save As)
Sound clip 1 (2nd and 3rd gear pull)
Sound clip 2 (2nd and 3rd gear pull)

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awesome setup man!

did you replace the filter stillen provided, or just wait and order the filter? any differences from the apex'i and k&n filter??

 

Nice clean settup. Sounds great too.
C.

 

Hey MadChef, I've got the exact same setup right down to the UT G Tube. I'm not a big fan of the Stillen Filter eithier, especially since the end of it is capped off with the stainless steel piece as opposed to having an open element. So how exactly did you mod the MAF Tube? Did you put the Stillen Venturi Ring inside the Apexi filter or get rid of it all together? Also did removing the "power duct" make a difference? I was under the impression that the rubbing liner was an important part in making a seal against the hood. (sorry about all the questions! )

 

Thanks for the comments guys

I bought the whole stillen kit from a local member, and then waited for the new Apex'i filter to come before putting it all together.
The Apex'i filter is not oiled, and is set up differently....not sure if you can tell from these pics:


The funnel design supposedly helps the airflow...you can read about it on their site

First I removed the metal rivets in each ring, and redrilled 4 new holes to exactly match the Apex'i setup. Now if I want to go back to stock, I can without getting a new MAF.

I just got rid of the Venturi ring along with the Filter. The Apex'i filter actually bolts right up to the MAF, very cool design!


Oh, and I didn't modify the power duct...it's still there

 

Found the pic I was looking for...shows how the funnel works:

 

the JWT pop charger also got that little cone inside the filter. So I guess it works the same as the apexi

 

There is no doubt in my mind that the apexi filter is the best filter that you can buy. We dynoed my old car with a k&n cone filter, no air filter, and the apexi filter. The car gained 15whp over the k&n with apexi filter attached. Granted this was a turbo charged vehicle, the results were back to back and undeniable. I thought that no filter would fair worse, because the air filter offers more surface area, but actually no filter provided the most hp? anyways, just thought i'd ad my .02 cents. Also filtration is top notch w/ the apexi, worth every penny.

 

How would you combare the Apex'i filter with the JWT Popcharger (assuming both are used in conjunction with the Z-tube)?

 

i am a bit confused how the apex'i coincides with the MAF censor...?

 

You mean how it connects?

Well, it doesn't. So I modified the MAF to "allow" it to connect

 

Can you show pics of how you modified the MAF sensor if possible? I had the same filter on my skyline when I lived in japan I loved it. Do you have to get rid of the venturi ring? I want to do the same thing to mine. Does it still have the whistle like the stillen does? Thanks

 

The venturi ring is only for that stillen filter, you don't need it for the Apex'i since it has it's own way of bolting up to the MAF.

I don't have any pictures (yet), but I modified the MAF by first removing the metal rivets, then using a drill press I added a second set of holes for the Apex'i filter. So if you can picture the holes on the MAF, then think if a "figure 8" where the holes used to be. Now the stock airbox as well as the Apex'i can bolt up.

 

How much did you pay for the filter or where did you get it? Thanks

 

i mean when you connect the intake, there are three main peices i can think of; the first part (like the z-tube) then the center piece which contains the MAF, and then the airbox and filter...if you change the airbox like to stillen or ARC or w.e, cant you just screw in the apex'i to the center piece and install the box???