Hello all,

First let me apologize if I am posting this in the wrong thread, but it seems to be the best suited for my questions. Also, this is my first time modding a car so I beg your forgiveness if I sound noobish...we all start somewhere

I have an 04 g35 coupe 6mt that's at 96K. Looking to do some performance modifications/speed enhancements first before I get into exterior and cosmetics. So I'm just generally looking for some guidance, possibly some precautions I should take before modding my ride? I'd like to begin with an intake upgrade for starters as it seems most logical and easiest. Unless there is maybe a smaller more worth while project (for performance increase) thats worth tackling first before installing an intake system?

With that being said - what are your opinions on Injen vs AEM - I know they are kind the "go-to" manufactures when it comes to intake systems. But what are some other brands I might want to peep?

Appreciate any of feedback!

 

Ill give you some real quick tips.

The intake on our cars are not worth modding since they make little to no power at all. People usually just do it for looks or sound. Most people usually go with a z-tube (intake tube from a 350z) and a k&n drop in filter and a revup intake box (intake from a revup motor from a G thats 6mt that is 05+).

The best bang for the buck on mods would definitely be the intake manifold (plenum). Check out the Motordyne website. Plenum spacers are a diff. bang for the buck mod.

After the manifold, you have your headers, but thats not really worth it bc the cost of installation and part cost way more than what the benefits are and plus the gains are minimal.

The CATS are the most restrictive parts of the car, so look into getting some high flow cats or test pipes. The most popular test pipe most VQ owners use are the Motordyne ART pipes.

As for exhaust, people mainly choose that on sound preference. Members say the Motordyne Shockwave TDX2 exhaust is apparently the best exhaust out there with the best design for the best output.

 

OP doesn't have a rev-up engine so forget about replacing the plenum. Just stick with the plenum spacer, ART pipes (or HFC's), and an exhaust proven to sound good and make power which like Algy said would be a MD Shockwave or similar like the ARK Grip or the HKS.

 

Hey guys thanks for the input. Definitely giving this some consideration for an alternative.

Also, I've seen headers in the price range of $1-1.5k for the part alone. But don't you (or is it smart to) do headers/manifold before say the CATS?

 

The CATS are the biggest power suck on the performance. I will vouch for the air intake mods not giving you any noticeable power increase. Only if you are going to go for a professional tune is it even worth it to do the intake mods and even then, its a trivial difference. Keep in mind that you will spend somewhere around $100 per horsepower increase so it is VERY expensive to gain any real performance gains. You money is much better spent on cosmetic and stereo upgrades.

 

Well that's only if I care about how my car looks and bumps

 

If you only care about raw performance, you possibly picked the wrong car to start with unless you are planning on dropping TONS of money into it. As is, you can already beat the vast majority of cars on the road except for vehicles with a lot more horsepower. If you want serious speed you are looking at turbos or superchargers, engine rebuilds, reducing rotational mass (pulleys, cams, driveshafts, etc), professional tuning, and other large expenses.

 

Forget headers, they're not worth the money or time. Spacer, cats, exhaust, gears & a tune are the biggest bang for your buck.

 

Like most people have said, plenum spacer,HFC/ART pipes/exhaust are the best starting points. I would definitely recommend an Uprev Osiris tune a well after these mods to get the most out of them

 

Don't waste your money on anything but boost because you will still end up being slow. The money to horsepower ration sucks on these cars. Work on other mods that will help your car handle and drive better. Bushings, Motor/Trans mounts, 1pc driveshaft, LSD, Gears, coilovers, etc...

 

To Kerry's point - I wouldn't say I picked the wrong car. I'm absolutely in love with the G35, it turns my head everytime I see it on the road. Where I would agree that it will cost me a lot to mod - I think it will be worth it in the end. I'm not getting rid of this car anytime soon.


Thanks all for the input though, I really appreciate it. Refund check came today so I'm ready to move with this mod once I can find a garage to do it in.

 

So I'm reading here, that the 5/16" spacer is the overall best performer vs the 1/2. But I don't really see a why...do you guys have any experiences with the 1/2"?

 

From what I understand the 1/2" spacer gives you more peak power but it is at the top of the rev range. The 5/16" give you more power in the low and mid range so it's more useable in a daily driver