Custom intake located behind front grille, similar to the G37 Stillen kit!
 

So my car is almost done and I'm thinking about cutting a 4 inch hole in my Radiator support similar to how the 350z setup. My goal it to run my intake directly behind the grille. I have the mesh front grille so you will be able to see the color matched pipe and filter behind black mesh which is my goal, I'll have the make a rain guard like the Stillen kit as well. Does anyone have a similar setup or any concerns that you may have that I've overlooked. I live in the desert and it's not my daily driver so water really isn't a concern. Let me know your thoughts or tips, thanks.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/g35driv...712aa12101.jpg


Similar to this.


https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/g35driv...9de1470a34.jpg


G37 setup, might do dual intakes and run them to a Y pipe but that's still up in the air.

I ran it for a bit on my G37. Problem is, even with filter hydroshield, filter still gets soaked in heavy rain. I guess in Cali you wouldnt even have to worry about rain.

If I could do it all over again, I would build a custom ram air kit intake in the fog locations, with drainage tube and redirect airflow to filter location. Range rover sports and many cars have them stock.

I am not sure if you remember the dynoing the myths out of intakes thread from acouple years ago, but VQ performs best under pressurized ram air style intake.

I really don't see any advantage of that over the stock system. It's been shown time and time again that the OEM air intake system is pretty well designed and short of an intake spacer, there isn't much to gain.

Plus, i'm not sure i'd be thrilled about cutting the impact absorber like that.

I'm not looking for power gains at all, it won't even be on a VQ motor for long. I'm going for the visual aspect of it behind that mesh grille that I have. The Z has a hole in the radiator support and is l retry much the same setup no structure will not be compromised on the support. And as far as the rain mentioned above being In the desert here its not really a concern. Thank you both for the input I really appreciate it.

I'm sure you're aware our VQ motors thrive on cool air, anything we can do to promote that is a great :IDEA: Most of us feel the OE air intake isn't nearly adequate! SXEXCX (Sean) brings cool air in from the grille via scoop/hose that works great for those that use it! I removed everything from the drivers side inter fender where my Fujita intake filter can get fresh air from the scoop on my KurumaZ bumper.
Gary

Actually that isnt true. VQ was designed to operate with pressurized intake (ram air) and does not respond well to CAI bolt ons. Several years ago rob did a big test and dynoed different combos. Basically plenum spacer and drop in filter make the most power. Bolt on intakes make no noticeable gains (some cases loose) and really serve no purpose at all except as engine dress up.

Edit:
Found it
http://sexyrob.zapto.org/Rob/intakedyno.htm

Thank you for the response as well as the link. On my car I just want it for looks, my baby won't have a VQ motor much longer since the LS is about ready to drop in, my car is already pretty crazy as far as the body goes so I think that a mango tango intake pipe would pop behind the black mesh grille and finish off the look that I am going for. I understand I won't get HP gains from this mod but it sure will look nice (in my opinion) so I'm just trying to figure out how to do it.
The grille looks like a horrible fit but it just isn't installed and the bumper is just hanging there as well. The car will be mango tango with the entire grille black plus a few highlights in black throughout the vehicle. So I hope that pipe will pop behind there. Thank you all again!
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/g35driv...e11d6b5ef1.jpg

Still working on the grille delete and side vents on the bumper as well.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/g35driv...ee88832482.jpg

What I was referring to WhoUrBuddiee was getting cooler air into your intake! I know most intakes don't make WHP but you must admit on those mornings when it's cool your VQ reacts to the difference in temperature or am I the only one? A few of us have figured out there's a better way to get cooler air to our intakes than using the OE duct that does a really poor job!
Gary

funny how after all these years the same 'ol air intake debate is still going on :rolleyes:

True! :icon18: It doesn't stop with intakes, everybody has their opinions about exhaust systems and tires. Oh yea don't forget who makes the best oil for our VQ motors. Thank GOD there's only a few quality oil filters available or that would require a whole new thread and page after page of debate! WIX makes the best oil filter! :biggthumpup:
Gary