The new issue of Import Tuner has a couple of interesting articles for the Z. The first one is regarding the Skunk2 Plenum Spacer which supposedly outperforms Crawford plenums while keeping the stock appearance. For about $200 the net gain is 10+whp!

In the Power Pages section I was surprised to see that the K&N drop-in filter (stock replacement) contributes +4 HP and +1.8 TQ! I bought this last month so I'm happy to see a Dyno test on this cheap $40 mod.

Most surprising to me was the difference a grounding box makes. They tested a Direct Power Systems ground box for $200 and the gains were +2.6 HP and +1.6 TQ.

All of these modest gains really start to add up. At least for bragging rights.

 

What's a grounding box?

 

with a plenum spacer, do you need to raise the hood to fit it?...just curious

 

No

 

Not with this one. APS sells one that requires a new strut bar, however.

2.6 hp on a 240 hp baseline is statistically insignificant. This kind of variance can be seen from run to run on the same car.

 

can you still use the engine cover as well with the Skunk 2?

 

Forget about the Skunk2. They should stick with Hondas/Acuras. Their spacer is nothing compared to the other ones available for the Z. If you want good high quality spacers with alot of R&D time look at Motordyne or APS.

 

I admit to having a subscription to Import Tuner but they have absolutely no credibility with their "power upgrades" once they started promoting the Direct Power Systems magic box. It's a scam, plain and simple. People have opened them up to just find some wire, a fuse or a capacitor.

The +2.5Hp they claim for the Z is actually low compared to most of the tests they do. It's not uncommon to see 10+ HP gains claimed by IT.

The spacer is nothing new, Altered Atmosphere and Motordyne have been selling them for some time.

 

Import Tuner mag needs to get some hotter chicks. Month after month, whack chick after the next...

 

Do you know what the HP and TQ increases are with these other spacers for comparison's sake?

 

You won't be able to use the engine cover with any spacer or higher plenum like Crawford. In addition, you can't use the stock strut bar, either. However, 10+ HP, if true, could be worth altering the look of your engine bay. Us NA peeps with the 287 bhp motors all want to have at least 300 bhp.

 

I use the stock strut bar and engine cover with the AAM 1/2" tapered spacer.

 

And Im willing to bet all three of those manufacturers run full page adds in all Primemedia owned magazines
I see that grounding box in everyone of their reviews.what a load of BS, I think the editor owns stock in that company by the way they push that $300 grounding kit.

 

FYI APS does not make a "spacer".

 

import tuner, super street, = teh ghey

want a good read? look up grassroots.

 

I agree!
Unfortunitly, I find myself getting the mag every month even if I dont like the mag itself....

 

Up coming winter issue of Sport Z magazine will include a comparision of spacers and plenums. Look for it around Dec. 1st or subscribe for it by going to our website (click on Sport Z Magazine below) in time to get it if interested. Dyno's will be included.

 

Why is it that you say the Skunk2 Plenum Spacer is "Nothing" compared to the Motordyne or APS (Tall Boy)?
What Kind of Results did the Sport Z Magazine, Import Tuner, and Turbo & Hi Tech come Up with on their Dyno Tests?
Which Plenum Spacer is Better To Buy, and WHY!

 

it's amazing that someone could actually market a "grounding box" for $300. i mean the wires i offer are what....1/5 that price? those "brand name grounding wires" are a complete rip-off. i bet it costs them $20 to make those things and then they sell them for $300 and claim +5hp!!!

jesus....

 

Do you know what the box does that the wires cannot do? Or, better put, what advantage does the box provide over a wire only setup? (At least from their marketing perspective.)

thanks.