How come nobody gets this instead of the OEM Z Tube?? It's usually $10-20 cheaper. As long as there's nothing bad to say about it, i'm going to order it, it should be the same thing, right? It's right on stillen's site.

 

I have one and I love it.

 

same thing i got the the Stillen z tube a few days ago im ganna be changing it with my OEM Z-tube, some say the curved shape of the stillen helps avoid the AC line issue.
i think it looks a lil better too.

 

Is the AC LINE issue only with the coupe?

 

i believe with both sedan and coupe....because the engine moves when you rev it hard..you can see the intake tube kind of nearly touch the ac line

 

and if it touches the AC line what happens? I have had no known issues with my z tube and ac line.

tD

 

Over time the rubbing will create a hole in the AC line. And thats $$$ to fix.

 

I had no issue with AC line- lots of room. I added a plenum spacer at the same time and this may have given more space.

 

The main thing I see with the Stillen Z-tube is that it is a direct fit into the stock rubber couplings. It just replaces the OEM resonated piece.The OEM "Z-Tube" replaces everything from throttlebody to airbox in one integrated piece. In my opinion, this flows better because there are no transitions. If you're only doing it for sound, the Stillen is OK. But if you want a cleaner looking, better flowing option, the real Z-tube is the way to go.

 

Interesting Point...people do repeatedly say the only combo that will give you any WHP gains is the OEM Z TUBE and the Stillen Intake....

 

What is the difference? The only restricitve part was the OEM piece with the sound baffles. I don't see how transisitons interrupt air flow. If installed properly, there is no other place for the air to go.

 

If you think about it, how can the baffles restrict flow? They are mounted outside the main tube connected by holes. Actually, the baffles may be beneficial because they absorb reflected waves from the intake valves snapping shut. These waves can slightly impede the next incoming airflow charge. By giving the reflected wave energy (intake sound) a place to go, it may actually help improve flow. This is the whole concept of a "tuned" intake. A loud intake is not necessarily better and in some designs, may be worse for power.

So why did I remove the OEM tube? Because the intake I have is a larger 3.5" venturi (tube within a tube) design that increases velocity (maintains low-end torque) at the throttlebody during partial throttle, but is larger in dia to flow more when wide open. Combined with the Stillen airbox, it is the best combination I have found. And I have tried a few.