I know there have been lots of posts on these topics. I want to order a Z-Tube but cannot decide whether to get K&N filter or pop-charger. Pop-charger is about $50 more -- from Performance Nissan. The issues are:
(1) Sound - I don't want a ricey or intrusive sound, under normal acceleration. (I have Fujitsubo exhaust with Y Tube on order.)
(2) Performance - Will I really notice a difference between the two?
(3) Reliability & maintenace - are there any problems with the pop-charger set up?
Input from knowledgeable members will be much appreciated.

FRED

03 Coupe; 5AT; Diamond Graphite/Graphite;
Premium & Performance Packs, with Chrome OEM Wheels;
Partly Debadged; Aluminum Pedals; Fujitsubo Exhaust on Order

 

Independent dyno results for the Pop charger have shown a 6hp increase--not sure if the K&N flat replacement filter gives any more power, though maybe a small amount. Pop charger has very good filtration and seems to be a vewry effective mod for the $$. It adds a slight bit of sound when at WOT near the upper RPM range, and many seem to like the sound. I think it's a good mod.

jjellyneck

 

" slight " might be a little understated. As mentioned from previous posts, above 4k it opens up big time! To me it sounds a bit like an exhaust note. I'm going to try to put a sound bite up as soon as I figure it out.

 

I went from a K&N DropIn to a POP-Charger. I didn't notice that much of a kick in the pants diffference, but the sound at WOT is worth the price of admission. If you decide on the K&N, my old one is for sale.

Lou

 

I have had a pop charger or short ram intake on my past 3 cars, 2 were high redline vehicles (4 bangers). I had some power loss below 3500-4k untill it paid off to the 8100rpm redline. Since the G has a much lower redline, it's not worth it to me to only benefit for 2500rpms.
I did just install the Z tube with K&N drop in filter today.. along with a 7 wire grounding kit. I also reset the ECU . I can definitely notice a difference for the better.

04 G35x Black/Black Premium, Navi

 

if the sound is going to bother you, don't get it. I got one and yeah the sound is nice on the highway, but if you're driving on regular streets its kind of annoying. I'm actually taking mine off due to the sound and I'm also getting a hissing noise that is pretty annoying. I will be ordering a K&N filter though

 

tonio, the hissing (I describe it as kind of a hiss/chirp/squeek) when you blip the throttle is something inherent in the VQ design. My '99 Maxima (VQ30) with it's pop-charger made the exact same noise as my G with a pop-charger. Never heard the noise in either car until I installed the cone intake.

BTW, I noticed a slight loss in lower-RPM power in the Maxima, with an equally slight gain in mid-high-RPM power. In the G, I can't really feel the difference at any RPM, but man the sound above 4K is awesome.

-Max

'03.5 "white" 6MT Sedan
'87 Chrysler-bishi Star-Quest 5MT Turbo