First off, I want to thank this site's host, moderators, and members for the phenominal resource you all provide. You really enhance my experience of a vehicle I already enjoy!

Today, I finished installing a Z-tube, Stillen High Flow Airbox, and a 7 wire GroundingGear set (of course, I also did a 12 hour ECU reset). First I'll share the results, then my installation experience. Bottom line on results is that these mods exceeded my expectations. The car is much smoother, the engine note just absolutely gives this sweet growl when pressed, and the acceleration is improved especially when opened up on the highway (I did 120 before I knew it).

Now for the install feedback. The GroundingGear was a snap. It took me about 1 hour for all 7 wires, and a quarter of that was spent on the one 7th wire going to the transmission; not because it was difficult to find the mount or install, I just had to jack up the car, set the jackstand, and take a few minutes to strategize how I was going to get at it because there were numerous obstacles in the way, and I wanted to use both hands.

The Z-tube was a 15 minute deal. No fuss no muss.

The Stillen was another matter. At first, the installation was smooth and going fast. I figured 20-30 minutes tops; that is, until I got to installing the new airbox and a crazy 40mm bolt that is not part of the factory setup. This bolt is supposed to go through the bottom of the box to an A/C bracket mount. The problem is that it's physically impossible to get you hands or tools into position to install the bolt. I literally spent an hour and 15 minutes on this one bolt. The upshot is that I NEVER did get it installed and gave up! Thus, I installed this without the bolt in place. Frankly, the box is pretty darn solid in place even without the bolt. All I can say is thank God I don't have to recharge this K&N filter for at least 30,000 miles.

Hope this feedback is useful. I now plan on a new plenum.

2004 Sedan 5AT
Desert Platinum/Graphite/Sport Tuned Suspension
HuperOptik Ceramic 50/Underbody Diffusers

 

I know what you mean on that bolt . . . PITA

If you remove the fender lining or at least peel it back you will have a much easier time to put that bolt in. That bolt also holds an a/c hose line supprt in place if I remember right. While you are in there you can see where to change out the bulbs if you want.

Good luck !!

G35C - 6MT, DG/G, Aero, BSM, Flaps, Stillen Intake, Z tube, Crawford v5, 6 Wire Grounding Kit, Clear Corners, 2nd Battery (Brake) Cover, Sirius, Momo F16 Evo Shifter, 30% 3M Tint & more to go

 

"All I can say is thank God I don't have to recharge this K&N filter for at least 30,000 miles. "

same with the injen right ?


AKA SET ROK

 

I've removed and reinstalled my Stillen High Flow Airbox at least four times to date. While still a big PITA, I've been able to use a 3/8" long extension with a swivel joint and 10mm standard socket to install the bolt each time. Of course removing the inner fender will work as some have suggested.


DaveO - 2003 G35 Sedan / DP / Willow / AT / Premium / Sport
350Z Engine Cover, T-Stat & Air Duct / Stillen CAI
GG 7-Wire H-G Kit / TS ECU / E-Fans
Street Edge TC / B&M Cooler / Stillen Exhaust

 

Why did you do a 12 hour ECU reset? What is involved in such a task and what mods warrant reseting?

Thanks,
-Chris

 

gte192t:

The ECU reset is very simple: disconnect the negative battery terminal, let the car sit for 12 hours, reconnect, and drive a little aggressively for the first 40 miles. What this procedure does is erase and reprogram the ECU memory that has adapted to both your driving style and mechanical configuration.

Since I modified the induction and hypergrounded the vehicle, this reset was necessary so the ECU could recognize and adapt to these modifications. Moreover, since I drove gently the first 1,200 break in miles, the ECU reset also gave me an opportunity to have the ECU recurve for a more aggressive driving style. Personally, I noticed faster shifts, and a greater willingness to go all the way redline very quickly.

Hope this helps,

KM

2004 Sedan 5AT
Desert Platinum/Graphite/Sport Tuned Suspension
HuperOptik Ceramic 50/Underbody Diffusers
GroundingGear 7 Wire
Z-Tube/Stillen High Flow Airbox

 

MiamiG35sedan:

Glad your GroundingGear™ install went smoothly! I usually suggest that though many notice the difference in the car right away, try to go for a safe, but spirited 10 or 15 minute drive with some runs at WOT to let the ECU know that it's getting a new signal. I’ve found some cars (and all VWs) need this after the GroundingGear™ install.

Many also do a 'Quick ECU' reset as posted on the FAQ section, but the pedal timing sometimes gets finicky at times. For those that haven't done it, it's worthwhile doing an ECU reset, especially if you've been 'grannying' it for a while to see if you notice the difference.

<font color=blue>[i]GroundingGear™ Equipped </font color=blue>

 

Gordgee:

I want to let everyone know that not only did the GroundingGear install go smoothly, but it works as advertised. Now that I've been driving for a few days with it, I'm noticing even more, the smoothness from idle to throughout the power band. I have also noticed a very definite improvement in the transmission shifting, I believe this is from the 7th wire. Well worth it.

As far as the "spirited 10 or 15 minute drive", don't worry, I was doing 120 before I knew it! Trust me, my ECU is properly reset.

Karim

2004 Sedan 5AT
Desert Platinum/Graphite/Sport Tuned Suspension
HuperOptik Ceramic 50/Underbody Diffusers
GroundingGear 7 Wire
Z-Tube/Stillen High Flow Airbox

 

Update on that crazy bolt for the Stillen Air Box. Yesterday, I took some of your advice and removed the fender lining for access. Once I did this, it was a snap and the bolt is in. Now the install is 100%. Thanks.

2004 Sedan 5AT
Desert Platinum/Graphite/Sport Tuned Suspension
HuperOptik Ceramic 50/Underbody Diffusers
GroundingGear 7 Wire
Z-Tube/Stillen High Flow Airbox