The stock filter location for the Vortech sucks! So I found a couple threads on here with people who made custom intakes for their cars and decided to do it with mine. I don't have access to a welder so I was to rely on pre-bent pipe and couplers. What I came up with may not be the absolute prettiest, but it is functional, sturdy, and any parts that can be seen look pretty good. I opted for full 3.5" from the filter to the inlet instead of downsizing like some do. Only downside is that the crash beam has to go. You can't tell from this picture, but the filter is NOT touching the intercooler.

 

I think i would keep my crashbeam

 

That will work. When I did mine I was able to keep the crash beam. Also, it looks like you will need to remove the bumper when you need to clean the filter. I used a K&N rx4140 if i recall, and was able to pull it out through the top by the latch with no problems. Just somthing to consider.

 

Yea I had planned on it originally. If I can fiddle around with it to make the beam work, I will.

I don't mind removing the bumper, I can do it in about 5 minutes. Compared to the Vortech's original filter location where I had to cut it into pieces to remove it, I'll deal with it! I may also get a radiator cooling plate that goes on top to direct more air into that area. I used a K&N RC-4630 filter. Could you maybe PM me a photo of how yours is set up?

 

Dude for sure keep the crash beam, especially since its just the intake. See if you can find a turbonetics intake it is the same principle and sits on top of the crash beam. Think about it, if you hit something the first two things to go would be your intercooler and intake followed by the plastic (carbon composite) radiator support. Plus the bumper skin will have no backbone so that will get trashed quick.

 

If I hit something, the fiberglass bumper is trashed anyway, haha. I have a pretty good track record though when it comes to that, but I understand that its peace of mind. I'll probably come up with something so I can put it back on eventually. The first thing I already plan on doing is shortening the pipe to make the filter sit to the right of the hood latch. That alone may allow the beam to clear. I only get to drive the car once every couple weeks if I'm lucky, so it won't be off much before the redesign. This was mainly the initial "let's make an intake and see what does and doesn't work" phase. That's why I wanted to post it up to get people's opinions, so I'm glad to see everybody who has said something.

 

Also, I was going to ask; what did you guys with a custom intake on a Vortech do with the hose that originally went into the air filter? Can that just have a breather put on it, or should it be routed back in somehow so it pulls a vacuum?

 

hey guys...i just bought this kit and i was wondering if the tube being that long serves any actual purpose or is that just how the kit worked out fitting the best. Reason i ask is i have the INGs spec-n body kit which has the air duct cut out of it already and i was thinkin i could just throw a filter right there...is that crazy? ideas?

 

It comes from Vortech with the filter right on the compressor inlet. Any intake with piping that looks like mine is a custom job.

 

hmmmm i thought i saw others with the same setup....thanks!!

 

looks good , nice work !

 

my vortech kit is on the way and I was thinking about doing this as well..just b/c i'm not sure what would happen if i have the vent right where the filter is and it starts to suck in water when its raining.

I found another thread about this, it has tons of pics of other places you can place it
https://my350z.com/forum/forced-indu...r-vortech.html