Well, looks like I may be giving in and getting a Pop Charger, just one question before I click order though. Do you need to take your car to the garage to install it(like a full CAI) or can it be done yourself?

If you can do it yourself, what's involved in the installation? Any kind of drilling/welding/fitting? My garage isn't finished atm so I wouldn't be able to bring the Z inside to do any sort of powertool work.

 

it is pretty easy. dont need to send it to a mechanic.

if anything, the only pita part is getting the screws into the air snorkel. here are the instructions.

http://jimwolftechnology.com/wolfpdf...50ZINSTALL.PDF

btw, in the future, try checking out the search function. it is really helpful.

 

Ooh they fixed it!

 

The truth is that if your a mechanical misfit like me, you can do the job, but don't expect a lot out of the directions. They fail to explain how to remove the stock air box and then neglects to explain clearly that you need to remove the MAF completely from the car to get at the screws.

The good news is that if I was able to figure all this out, most people won't have a problem. All said and done, it took me about an hour to puzzle things out.

 

you can do it your self in about 20 minutes... quicker if you have done it before...

here is a picture install on a G35... but the pop charger install is very similar...

http://performancenissanparts.com/insguide/g35pz.html

 

ok whats the difference between CAI and a pop charger. Please explain. Thank you.

 

theres a how to on **********.com with pics for ya

 

cold air intake = the filter is located out side of the engine bay... cold air meaning bringing in air from out side of the engine bay and generally the air is cooler out side of the engine bay... but remember air heats up in the tubing and the longer the intake tube the more the engine needs to work to suck in air...

pop charger = sits up in the engine bay but sits in a place in the engine bay where out side air is directed to from the design of the front bumper and behind the bumper... the pop charger includes a heat shield to keep hot air away from the filter... the pop charger uses the stock intake tube which is short allowing for more suction to be on the filter to allow more air to be taken in... plus the plastic tubing does not heat up like a metal tube of a cold air intake...

 

so they basically do the same thing, just in differnet ways. Which do you think is better? Which costs more?. Which is more of a involved install? Thanks.

 

The popcharger is about $120.00, and installs very easily. Since the filter sits in the engine bay, you also don't have to worry about having to get to the filter to clean it and you don't have to worry about driving in the rain.

The CAI can run $250-$300 and installation is a little more involved. In some cases, the front bumper needs to be removed. This can also be an issue when cleaning the filter. Since the filter sits to close to the ground, there's a danger of water being sucked up while driving in the rain as well. Nismo and a few others have a bypass valve on their CAI to stop this from happening though.

 

My noob impressions after reading this thread and the 4000 that came before it are as follows:

- They both the basically the same thing, just in different ways
- Sound varies depending on the product you select, but are also pretty similar.
- The Pop charger costs about 100 less than a full intake
- Some CAI's like Injen and AEM actually look a little nicer (if you're into that).

 

So which one gives off better performance? CAI or Pop Charger?

 

on the 350z...
(dont compare to what intake was better on your last honda etc......)

On the 350z... the best performing intake is the JWT Pop Charger.. next is the K&N Typhoon which combines best of both worlds...

BUT...

STILLEN just came out with a new air box which I have sitting under my desk waiting for me to rip open and inspect...

If the construction is good... then the best option will be the JWT Pop charger and the stillen box... that is if the stillen filter is like the ones that was in their other intakes...

we will see tommorow...

 

**twiddling his thumbs with anticipation**

 

Just installed the pop charger today, and the sound will raise the hairs on the back of your neck. I've never heard such a loud and aggresive sound from an intake. The stock box does one hell of a job keeping that thing quiet. The JWT sounds completely stock under normal driving, and only lets you know its there when at full throttle/higher revs.