I bought the NISMO CAI and installed myself, but got lazy when Shader7’s instructions told me to take off the wheel. Because of this I really damaged the very very sensitive mushroom style filter. It still fits but no longer has its original shape and the grooves are a bit farther apart in some areas and closer in others. I was wondering if this will hurt the engine (let in more dirt/dust) or hurt performance. If so, does NISMO sell replacements or can I buy a generic K&N cone filter?
As of now, the sound is much better and “but dyno” registers very little difference. Have not done an ECU reset yet.
For future NISMO buyers, follow Shader7’s DIY and take off the wheel, will make things much easier.

Allen

 

That sucks, sorry to hear it. I saw the disclaimer he put about how fragile the filter was.


Russ

Black w/willow, 6MT Coupe, Nav, Aero, Nismo CAI, V1, PS2, AVelectronic Tuner, Headrest Monitors, Splash Guards..
Jax, FL

 

As long as you didn't tear the filter it's fine. Don't worry about it

 

Yea, almost any significant twisting or compression will distort the filter, which will retain the distortion from the wire mesh holding it together.

The filtration will be fine unless the paper is torn (highly unlikely), and the airflow loss will be insignificant unless it's severely distorted and compressed. If you want, pull it out and gently straighten it a bit with needlenose pliers and blade screwdriver. Or replace it altogether with the correct size cone filter. I'm sure Nismo offers one if you can't find the right K&N.


Black/Willow 03.5 6MT, Premium, Navi, Aero, SAT
350Z Nismo CAI

 

You should be able to find a standard K&N cone filter that'll bolt right up, the only possible downside is that there won't be the NISMO logo on the top of the filter. The upside is it would probably be a lot less expensive through K7N (or one of their distributors) than it would be to get one through Nissan Motorsports.
You can most likely just twist/massage the filter back to being straight. Just make sure not to tear the filter element, i'd probably use your hands, rather than any tools for this reason.


Justin McClanahan
Heavily Modified 95 Infiniti G20
www.InfinitiPartsUSA.com

 

Have you seen anyone selling replacement filters. Also, is the maintenance on our Nismo filters different than a K & N (oiling, etc.)?


Russ

Black w/willow, 6MT Coupe, Nav, Aero, Nismo CAI, V1, PS2, AVelectronic Tuner, Headrest Monitors, Splash Guards..
Jax, FL