A little while ago I decided to upgrade my intake system to boost some NA power of my 04 350z with the following at the same time...

-Takeda Intake
-Kinetix Racing V+ Intake Plenum (side note: it rubs against the hood a bit and bends the engine cover)
***Also added a Baffled Catch Can to avoid some blow by (that way I would only have reset the throttle body positioning once)***

After a few hours I finally get to installing the Takeda Intake but it does not fit comfortably. Following the instructions I mounted the intake to the stock location off the lower intake plenum. I was able to forcibly jam the intake into place but it ends up rubbing the throttle body housing. Not ideal. The only thing I can think of is the Kinetix Racing V+ Intake Plenum altered the position of the throttle body??? Any ideas on why this is happening or how to solve this problem? It sill drives but I am not a fan of the air taking an abrupt zig zag and scrapping the metal throttle body with the intake.



Stretching a LOT. Forcibly placed and rubbing against throttle body housing.

Rubber deflecting.


Takeda intake mounted at stock location per instructions.

Overview

Just an image of catchcan location

 

Cut the tube a small amount and reposition it?

 

@DarkZ03 I was hoping not to cut a brand new intake but that would probably do the trick.

 

I'm not sure that's the best solution. The TB end of the tube looks to be about 1/4" too far towards the firewall to line up correctly. If you can adjust the holder so the tube is bit more forward it'll line up better and won't tear the sleeve.
Another problem I see- is the TB rubbing the a/c line? These a/c lines are super thin and perforate easily. I'd get a piece of rubber/vinyl in there asap if that's what it is. GL!

 

@jhc thanks for the reply. The only problem is I cant adjust the tube holder. It is welded and powder coated as a single piece (see image)...
And I think the A/C line you are talking about is in the image of the catch can right? I think that is actually rubbing against the strut tower screw on the opposite side of the engine. Great catch thanks!

 

Here's an idea- buy a 1/4" grinder attachment for a drill/dremmel and remove material from the Throttle Body end of the hole. It's hard to tell from the angle of the pic but judging by the gauge of metal I'd estimate you might get enough movement (toward radiator) to have it line up nicely.
Say 3-4 mm from the bracket edge. You'll need a larger washer prolly. GL!
Also disregard my comment about a/c line, I was able to mag up and appear to be mistaken.

 

Do you mean cut the intake tube or shave the Intake Plenum to change the angle of the TB jhc?

 

From Kinetix,

"I am just as baffled as you! You are the second person I know of that has tried to install that intake and reported the same issue. Prior to you, I wasn't sure what could be the issue, but now that your reporting the same issue, I'm leaning toward the bend in the intake tube of the Takeda being slightly off. We have never changed the angle of the plenum since the very beginning of manufacturing them in 2003. I've never had this reported with any other intake, stock or aftermarket except the Takeda. Maybe there is a way to adjust the another mounting point of the Taketa intake where it attaches near the plenum on the engine to fix the angle. I'm not that familiar with that intake, so I really don't know. I'm just looking at the pictures you sent and I see that other mounting point."

 

No,
nothing near that drastic. On the Takata intake tube there is a welded flange. On that flange there is a hole for the bolt. I'm suggesting grinding/enlarging the hole to remove material so you can pull the whole unit towards the radiator just a bit so it lines up better a the throttle body.It's the simplest, least destructive modification to make it fit properly.
It looks like if they had welded the flange 1/4" away from the filter it would have fit perfectly.

 

I don't believe them personally, their products aren't the best in the QC department. My velocity has a weird angle too which makes my intake rub on the cover for the BMC. Always chocked it up to the 75mm TB but who knows.
Anyway, slotting the hole might not work but he might be on to something. Attach the intake to TB and see how far off it is from the bracket, then slot or create an extension as needed.

 

jhc That seems like the least invasive method of making this work. I am not 100% sure if that will leave enough material around the hole though. I will have to take some measurements. I've seen intakes be attached from the other factory intake box location, off the drivers side wheel well. I was thinking of making some sort of bracing off of that and cutting off the other mounting flange off completely. Or use a heat shield as a mounting solution as well.
DarkZ03 Definitely worth a shot! I think I end up running into the lower plenum but I will take another look.

 

Takeda's response,
"I apologize for the issue. It looks like the plenum spacer is pushing the intake system to an awkward angle.
We have not had any issues with this intake system. It looks like the issue is related with the intake plenum. Once you take off the plenum the intake system should fit just fine."

So both companies blaming the other unsurprisingly. At least Kinetix is trying to offer a solution instead of Takeda just saying "take off the plenum."

 

Not surprised with that, they never want to take the blame.

 

Drill the mounting hole out larger and reposition.

 

So here is the short term "solution." Drilling out the mounting hole was not an option for two reasons. 1, when I try to move the intake back I run into the upper plenum. If I try to move it away from the upper plenum the intake filter hits the drivers side engine bay. 2, I can lift the intake mounting position above the upper plenum mounting hole and ditch the engine cover but the way it sits would be impossible for me to fab a mount to the lower plenum. At least now it is not rubbing against the throttle body. I can start cutting the intake mounting bracket and create a new one, but this was over $250 and has less that 500 miles on it so I'd rather sell it and get a pop charger or another intake. If anyone wants a "new" Takeda Intake DM me.

 

Oh, that's way off. For that type of money I'd return or file a CC claim if they refuse to cooperate.