I noticed that the Stillen Z-Tube is cheaper than the OEM brand. I would like to know if there is any difference between the two of them. I am going to be running the stock air box with either a K&N or Amsoil air filter.

 

I doubt there is much difference. I got the UTR carbon fiber one, but that was just for looks.

 

I read somewhere that the Stillen tube is bent a little more and gives better clearance near the AC lines. Is this true??

 

as you can see, the poll results show the oem has much higher demand. hence, the higher price. Now, can someone post "why"? thanx

 

OEM is always the best way if the part is the same I think. Better quaility not that much more. If you want looks go with the carbon fiber one. It looks nice, if you like CarbonFiber. OEM is clean looking. That is why NISMO is so good. OEM plus PERFORMANCE you can never go wrong.

 

I have heard that if you go with a pop charger there is some problems with the Z-tube rubbing the AC lines. Is this true??

 

Yes; nismo for japanese domestic market= good; nismo for usdm products = no good. There is better clearance for the a/c line w/ the Stillen....The only other differences are that the Stillen Z-tube is a little shorter; and connects to the stock rubber connector past the sound baffles as well as the stock accordion style rubber connector to the airbox. The oem Z-tube is a 1 piece design; so it replaces the connectors and intake. With the Stillen Z tube you reuse the stock connectors.

 

elaborate on it being shorter and connecting to the stock intake past the sound baffles. Does this mean the oem gets rid of the sound baffles but the stillen doesn't? everyone says the z-tube gets rid of the "resonator," is that the same thing is a "sound baffle"? Sorry, just really confused.

Does this mean the stillen has the same performance as a z-tube but is quieter?

 

I'm sorry; it's just a rubber connector hose; not part of the intake. My mistake. its just the rubber connector coming off the throttle body. The OEM Z Tube is a one piece design and replaces said connector; intake, and accordion style connector to airbox. When you use the Stillen Z tube you reuse the stock connectors. In essence the connectors are integrated into the OEM z tube.

 

Can you post a pic of the Stillen tube installed.

 

I don't have any; I've just seen the product in person.

 

Honestly, I can't see why any aftermarket Z tube would work any better on the newer (298hp) models. I just changed the air filter from stock to an oiled unit and really don't understand where the other "cold air" systems would help.

If you look close at the 06 (I think the 05 is the same), it has a very respectable cold air AND ram air system. Not only does it have ram air from above the radiator/just under the hood, but if you look in the airbox, there is cold air available from down low behind the bumper via a tube there as well.

All that being said, I am on a quest like none other to obtain REAL bolt on HP products for my 06 6MT. (posting another thread for that one)

 

honestly..its just a tube. my vote goes with oem z tube. i have one and it works just fine.

 

You're getting the performance gain from utilizing the big cone filter and the venturi adapter. You stated that the G already has a good cold air system to begin with...I agree. So did my Acura Integra GSR; which utilized a stock plastic tube going to an airbox/flat panel filter; which opened up to a resonator which picked up air from the front of the car near the bumper. And different aftermarket CAIs for that car produced increased whp/torque hundreds if not thousands of times; even though the oem system was an excellent cold air system. As far as the Z tube goes; its very easy to see why you would gain power from that. Here is a pic of the stock g35 intake:

<a href='http://putfile.com/pic.php?pic=3/7619281432.jpg&s=x11' target='_blank'><img src='http://x11.putfile.com/3/7619281432-thumb.jpg' alt='Click to enlarge.'></a>

And here is the pic of the stock Z tube:



That huge sound baffle (or whatever its referred to) restricts power. The Z tube does not have the baffle; so the restriction you once had will be gone; and REAL HP will be gained. Pretty cut and dry. With that being said; I also go for mods that give me increased whp/tq. Do I go for the absolute best bang for the buck in terms of dollar/ whp or lb-ft? Absolutely not. Aesthetics; sound; and other things play a huge role in my decision. Those things make shopping for parts fun to me. When it comes down to it; a full replacement intake system will probably not give you more than 10 hp at the crank; and that is on a good day.

Best regards;

Jason