KN Apollo induction kit
- Thread starter jonnyfive
- Start date
lacroupade
Lifer
I've used K&N induction kits on other cars with great results. But invariably its been partly because the standard airbox had an inlet that was restricted in some way or other, e.g. too small, constricted etc...
I don't think thats the case with the Zed though.
You'll hear lots of twaddle about the negative effects of hot air,water etc.. but these things have been used successfully in motorsport for 30 years plus. So on an engine that needs more air its likely to be useful, but all the research people have done on here suggests the Zed is already breathing about as well as it can....
PLUS they look frickin expensive!!
I don't think thats the case with the Zed though.
You'll hear lots of twaddle about the negative effects of hot air,water etc.. but these things have been used successfully in motorsport for 30 years plus. So on an engine that needs more air its likely to be useful, but all the research people have done on here suggests the Zed is already breathing about as well as it can....
PLUS they look frickin expensive!!
A couple people on here have tried them and got a little more bark, but nothing noticeable in the power department, despite manufacturers' claims. From memory the K&N kits tend to be open, but I don't doubt you could knock up a heat shield / air box in your lunch break!
This is interesting, it's a Nissan test, but the theory is sound...
Shipkiller's Air Filter Post
Many bill this as a "snake oil" mod. But I think it depends what you're after. Power? Almost certainly a waste of money, although I haven't seen any hard data, before and after for the Z4. For more noise...
As lacroupade says though, they aren't cheap and the BMW unit works very well... it's down to personal preference - some who like cosmetic upgrades may spend £400+ on side skirts and painting (to be topical - and yes, some may pay less) but not see the point in money spent on an exhaust or induction kit for more noise, and vice versa. There are some *ahem* who want it all and don't know where to stop.
This is interesting, it's a Nissan test, but the theory is sound...
Shipkiller's Air Filter Post
Many bill this as a "snake oil" mod. But I think it depends what you're after. Power? Almost certainly a waste of money, although I haven't seen any hard data, before and after for the Z4. For more noise...
As lacroupade says though, they aren't cheap and the BMW unit works very well... it's down to personal preference - some who like cosmetic upgrades may spend £400+ on side skirts and painting (to be topical - and yes, some may pay less) but not see the point in money spent on an exhaust or induction kit for more noise, and vice versa. There are some *ahem* who want it all and don't know where to stop.
My guess is for the noise rather than any (frankly theoretical) perf gains ?
lacroupade
Lifer
playalistic said:
I don't think they are theoretical TBH....K&N (and Pipercross etc..) do test them and the results would indicate a 5-10hp improvement in many cases. On the diesel 4x4 I use an induction kit on I get a modest increase in power and a 10% improvement in mpg and thats common with many of the other people on the owners website.
I mean get serious, do you think they would have such a reputation in motorsport circles (where they cut their teeth and still major) if they didn't do something??
As for the shipkiller post, well I read that at the time and thought then (and still do) that the particle sizes the testers were talking about getting through the oiled cotton filter were still too small to cause any damage TBH.
And please nobody start with that old one about oiled-up MAFs...cos thats just a load of "my mates friends cousins..." pub story bollox.
PS which isn't to say the Zed would benefit, not all cars do.....this was just a generic pro-induction kit rant
What with this being a Z forum I was just referring to the Z 8) . No experience of other marques.
lacroupade
Lifer
playalistic said:
Please don't take any offence, your comments are spot on regarding the Zed. But K&N and Pipercross do have quite a pedigree so didn't want them dismissed altogether
I have a K&N panel filter fitted and it's no better performance or noise than a standard quality air panel. One day I'll bin it and put an OEM back in.
Can't speak for any of the conical replacement filters
Can't speak for any of the conical replacement filters
jonnyfive, that was it, IIRC, Rudd had one. I think he had taken it off again, I think concern over the fact it wasn't [edit] shielded. Not sure if he still has it. Not seen him post for a while but may be worth a PM.
Cheers Pawn
Ill give him a post .
Not to bothered about power increase just trying to make the engine bay a little more interesting. i was certainly going to make at work as pawn posted a custom heat shield and solid duct work to the filter getting rid of that horrible flexipipe for a more professional finish.
Am i correct in thinking that the actual filter is universal you just need to get a fixing kit?Which off coarse ill make to.
Ill give him a post .
Not to bothered about power increase just trying to make the engine bay a little more interesting. i was certainly going to make at work as pawn posted a custom heat shield and solid duct work to the filter getting rid of that horrible flexipipe for a more professional finish.
Am i correct in thinking that the actual filter is universal you just need to get a fixing kit?Which off coarse ill make to.
fraserbottomley
Member
I don't know what model you have mate but AFE do an enclosed intake for the N52 Zed's (2.5 and 3.0 N52 Zeds all use the same airbox iirc)...
http://afepower.com/shop/details_new.php?partno=54-11942&filter&menu=gas&engine=L6&searchtype=vehicle&make=BMW&model=Z4 3.0i&year=2007&engine=L6&&brandID=53
http://afepower.com/shop/details_new.php?partno=54-11942&filter&menu=gas&engine=L6&searchtype=vehicle&make=BMW&model=Z4 3.0i&year=2007&engine=L6&&brandID=53
jonnyfive said:
You basically need a coupling / adapter to connect the cone to the MAF. I'm busy this evening, but I'll try and get some photos over of the various parts - MAF without the air box - later tonight. I assume the K&N connects to the MAF, with some I think there is some fiddling about.
Actually, this link might help... aFe install instructions
K&N may have something similar on their site.
lacroupade
Lifer
PawnSacrifice said:
what was the concern over shielding ot of interest? :?
lacroupade said:
Sorry, that should have said that it wasn't shielded. Big difference the "n't" makes... drawing in hot air from the engine.
Will be editing my original post not to make you look silly, but because it makes a big difference.
lacroupade
Lifer
Like I need your assistance for that LMAO!PawnSacrifice said:
With you.....but I don't agree really.
I know that hotter air = less oxygen so MAF tells ECU to lower fuel input, but with most car engines theres a Force 9 gale under the bonnet at anything above 40-50mph. On the big 4x4 turbodiesel that I use an induction kit on, I'm obviously running at lower speeds than the Zed (although not that much
) and the cone sits close to the turbo, yet it still delivers a bit more oomph and a definite 10% fuel improvement....the old air intake was from inside the nearside wing so nice and cool, but sticking it under the bonnet close to all the heat hasn't affected it at all, so I'm not convinced by that argument...sorry! lacroupade said:...but I don't agree really.
I said that was why I thought Rudd removed it, and I could be wrong about that. As for heat shielding, I don't know enough either way. Having a shield can't hurt, but I'm for them as it channels the air flow better - take it away and some air from the air scoop will be lost to the engine bay. May not be enough to matter, but I haven't seen any data for these things on the Z4. But I have see the difference of channeled airflow with my old motorbike, after some dick knocked it off the stand one night (and then drove off) I had to ride for a week without the air ducts, with a noticeable detriment in performance - I do appreciate that there is a difference with a bike, especially one with carbs, but the principal is there. For something like the Zed, I just like induction kits for the noise.
