I've spent the last 2 days going through some old threads reading up on pros and cons of both setups and that usually is enough info for me, but this time I still have a couple of ?s.
I'm aware of the problems popcharger has with heatsoak, and fitment near a/c wiring. I am in NJ so I dont think the climate is that bad for a popcharger.
I am really torn between the two. Just when I think I made a decision I read something to think in favor of another. Can you help out on the below topics:

1) Most important factor in my decision is sound. I am not interested in HP gain. Between the two which is the louder or for that matter produces more aggressive sound or do they both produce the same type of sound at higher RPMs.
2) Does the stillen setup has issues with heatsoak and fitment near A/C wiring?
3) Would I need to reset the ECU on my 6MT after install?

Right now I am leaning towards Stillen CAI/z-tube, unless someone tells me that its not as loud/aggressive as the popcharger/z-tube.

Sorry if someone finds this to be a dead topic, but I am the first to utilize the Search feature. In this case, I've exhausted that and turn to you guys for help in making a decision.

 

if you are looking for loud then just get a cold air intake...

 

They are very much the same. Only slight differences that are almost unmeasureable by even a dyno. Sound is almost the same, with the hood down, its almost impossible to know which one is which. The only difference in performance would be that the Stillen has a better heatshield and is an improvement over the oem setup, where as the popcharger (I think) sucks in warmer air compared to the oem setup.

My stillen intake had no problems with fitment or touching any ac lines. Honeslty, I have no idea how people can install there intakes so far off that it can touch!

 

I've noticed that CAI is quieter and alot less intimidating than a short ram.

 

thanks for replies

 

I'm from Jersey too, "Where you at, where you at"? I have the 5/16 Spacer, Z-Tube and K&N drop in. Its sounds pretty aggressive after 3K, my only concern regarding the popcharger is the heat soak. A cold air has a deeper "induction" sound, not to be confused with an exhaust sound though. My brother has the Z-Tube and popcharger down in MD, he says it should definetly be installed and it has a nice whistle at part and full throttle.

 

I agree with Silverbolt, the Stillen does have a better heat sheild, plus I have never been too big on the pop charger's design.

Cold Air is also an option, but it can be a bit more time consuming then a Z-Tube and airbox. I have some info on my car domain page about cold air intakes if you wish to check it out.

 

I have decided to go with the stillen intake. What is the cheapest price you guys have found?

 

^Intense Power has them for $189

 

$189 is the cheapest I've seen also.
Diesel:
what made you go with Stillen and r you putting in the z-tube?

05Scoobyroo
I in in Fort Lee, where are you?

Thanks again to all you guys who replied.

 

Yes i do plan on the Z-tube. I just like the whole stock look it has. and for some reason, the way the pop charger just sits out there looks cheap to me. Im not about to put anything cheap looking on my car, but thats just me. i know the performance and sound are about the same, but something else is that stillen is just a name you can trust.

 

EverythingG35.com has them for $184.99

 

I just ordered Stillen/z-tube combo from there before I seen your post. I spoke to the guy there and he informed that he has 8 of them in stock.

 

awesome!!! great buy!! i have a z tube waiting for me to install it, and then i will get the stillen. i want to see how the g performs/sounds with a near oem setup

 

I went with the UTR chrome z-tube and the K&N filter. I LOVE it. The induction noise is amazing, and it seemed to deepen the exhaust note a little too. I also have the MREV installed, but after installing the intake I noticed a much bigger difference in induction noise. Here is an audio clip: http://www.f-trans.net/pub/ludafifty...r%20audio.aiff