Disappointed in Stillen intake performance

BrianV · 2004-05-19 18:12:20

Let me start out by saying I have no conclusive proof of my observations at this point, and they are just that, observations. After a seemless install (~30 minutes) I was excited to drive the car. I did the gas pedal ECU reset, let it idle for about 45 seconds and calmly entered the residential area. Test Note: I have the z-tube installed as well, any comparisons to the stock system reflect stock airbox + z tube. For about 5 minutes I let the car warm up and I was pleased with the way the car ran. In fact it seemed to be quieter then the stock box. It actually felt a tad smoother as well. At this point I felt confident I had made a good decision. Then, I opened her up a bit and was greeted with a pleasant sound from the engine. It was less muffled then the stock system, but still decent for responsible adult driving (e.g. not too obtrusive). Finally the time had come to let her rip. I did so and was a little disappointed in the power below 4000 RPM. It felt like I had lost substantial power between 2000-4000 RPM. After 4000 RPM I was met with a not so unfamiliar intake sound. It reminded me of when I was in high school and had an Integra GSR. If I were to close my eyes I would've swore i was driving some obnoxious 4 cylinder with an intake. From what I had read people had commented the intake sounded good. For me it's a tad more high pitched and dare I say 'ricey'. I then found a gentleman in a mini-van looking at me like I was an a$$hole. I then knew this mod is going to attract a lot of negative attention. To add insult to injury, the power delivery was less then expected as well. As previously mentioned the low end seemed to suffer. However, about 4500 RPM there does seem to be more power (faster reving). As I pulled out of a driveway near my work I let the car rip as I usualy do, and I barely broke traction on a redline 1-2 shift. I've done this exact same 1-2 shift on this same street 5+ times only to be met with a loud bark from the rear tires. Again, I have no conclusive proof of my discoveries. I did reset the ECU, so i will leave it on for another week and see if it 'comes to live', but I doubt it will. I really prefer the way it sounded stock. It was a bit muffled but still had a lot of grunt. Stock it reminds me of an E36 M3, now it reminds me of a Prelude with intake. Below 2000 RPM it seems to be very tame, sounds nice (better then stock), but other then that I think the product returns negative results both in power delivery and sound. Flame me all you want, I'll post a one week wrap up. PS - To disclaim my credit, I've owned various cars and have at least 10 different intake setups on various cars (as well as other mods). I've helped develop intakes before for various cars. I've installed mods that have had proven negative results and have installed a plethora of mods that have helped. I feel as qualified as anyone to make a judgement on a mod without conclusive evidence. My final conclusion is: Perhaps on 0-60 or 1/4 mile the Stillen intake will yield faster times (since you spend most of your time racing in the 4500+ range). Even on the dyno the 'PEAK' power is probably higher. However, the entire area under the curve might possibly be lower with this mod (meaning the average horsepower gained over the entire spectrum is in the negatives). For everyday driving the car feels less powerful because I rarely go over 5K RPM anyways. From a sound a perception stand point I prefer the way the stock system sounds. Look for my 1 week wrap up as I've only driven it about 5 miles so far. 04 6MT Sedan - Z Tube, 04 Z Suspension