what cold air intake brand

2DunnsZ3

Zorg Guru (I)
American Zeds
Joined
Jun 1, 2018
Points
87
Location
Canton USA
Model of Z
Z3 2.8 5 speed roadster
Thinking about putting a cold air intake kit on my 2.8. Have used K&N systems on previous cars. Any favorite choices in brands or anything I need to stay away from
 

the Nefyn cat

Zorg Guru (IV)
Supporter
Joined
Oct 19, 2014
Points
174
Location
Actually in Nefyn. My, that took a while.
Model of Z
2.2i Sport
I've heard in the past that K&N filters aren't advisable on these due to the oil that the filter relies on to work interfering with the MAF. No actual experience of it myself, just what I've heard. The same would apply to any other oiled filter.
 

t-tony

Zorg Expert (II)
Supporter
British Zeds
#ZedShed
Joined
Dec 31, 2013
Points
226
Location
Torksey Lock,Lincoln, England
Model of Z
E89 Z4 23i Auto
I used an open ended Ramair on my Z4. Awesome sound.

Tony.

023 (5).jpg
 
Last edited:

2DunnsZ3

Zorg Guru (I)
American Zeds
Joined
Jun 1, 2018
Points
87
Location
Canton USA
Model of Z
Z3 2.8 5 speed roadster
I've heard in the past that K&N filters aren't advisable on these due to the oil that the filter relies on to work interfering with the MAF. No actual experience of it myself, just what I've heard. The same would apply to any other oiled filter.
Ohhhh! Well thats why I am asking before I move forward
 

t-tony

Zorg Expert (II)
Supporter
British Zeds
#ZedShed
Joined
Dec 31, 2013
Points
226
Location
Torksey Lock,Lincoln, England
Model of Z
E89 Z4 23i Auto

2DunnsZ3

Zorg Guru (I)
American Zeds
Joined
Jun 1, 2018
Points
87
Location
Canton USA
Model of Z
Z3 2.8 5 speed roadster
so why does ram air not use oil and k&N does. they look the same. can you install a K&N without using oil
 

Pingu

Zorg Guru (III)
3rd Party Trader
Joined
Dec 8, 2011
Points
145
There are four things that you should be looking to do if you want to increase performance.

1. Increase volumetric air flow by reducing restrictions to the air flow.
2. Increase volumetric air flow by "ramming" the air.
3. Increase volumetric air flow by using a more efficient filter.
4. Increase the mass air flow by cooling the air going into the engine.

#1 all the examples shown above do this as they have removed the restrictive air filter box. The standard air filter box has noise reduction characteristics inside it (such as reversing flow and baffles).
#2 "ramming" the air can make a big difference.
#3 you need to be assured that the filter that you choose can actually filter. Don't be tempted to run an unoiled K+N just because it flows well;).
#4 is very important and often overlooked. You lose 1% of mass air flow for for every 7°C of increased air temperature.

OBD testing will show what effect your changes have made. Testo is a very good free datalogger.

Here is a independent test that may convince you to take a different route, and concentrate on improving what you have already got...
https://nicoclub.com/archives/kn-vs-oem-filter.html
 

2DunnsZ3

Zorg Guru (I)
American Zeds
Joined
Jun 1, 2018
Points
87
Location
Canton USA
Model of Z
Z3 2.8 5 speed roadster
There are four things that you should be looking to do if you want to increase performance.

1. Increase volumetric air flow by reducing restrictions to the air flow.
2. Increase volumetric air flow by "ramming" the air.
3. Increase volumetric air flow by using a more efficient filter.
4. Increase the mass air flow by cooling the air going into the engine.

#1 all the examples shown above do this as they have removed the restrictive air filter box. The standard air filter box has noise reduction characteristics inside it (such as reversing flow and baffles).
#2 "ramming" the air can make a big difference.
#3 you need to be assured that the filter that you choose can actually filter. Don't be tempted to run an unoiled K+N just because it flows well;).
#4 is very important and often overlooked. You lose 1% of mass air flow for for every 7°C of increased air temperature.

OBD testing will show what effect your changes have made. Testo is a very good free datalogger.

Here is a independent test that may convince you to take a different route, and concentrate on improving what you have already got...
https://nicoclub.com/archives/kn-vs-oem-filter.html
So what do you suggest if you think the aftermarket is not the right way to go.
 

2DunnsZ3

Zorg Guru (I)
American Zeds
Joined
Jun 1, 2018
Points
87
Location
Canton USA
Model of Z
Z3 2.8 5 speed roadster
Thats correct, I had Ramair on my last Z
pingu has me so confused. he sent an article saying the free flowing filters just let more dirt in .
the article says your car is designed to run the best with the airflow it was designed for from the factory.
 

2DunnsZ3

Zorg Guru (I)
American Zeds
Joined
Jun 1, 2018
Points
87
Location
Canton USA
Model of Z
Z3 2.8 5 speed roadster
I cant seem to find which model number of RamAir fits my 97 2.8
 

t-tony

Zorg Expert (II)
Supporter
British Zeds
#ZedShed
Joined
Dec 31, 2013
Points
226
Location
Torksey Lock,Lincoln, England
Model of Z
E89 Z4 23i Auto
Just measure the diameter of the MAF.

Tony.
 

t-tony

Zorg Expert (II)
Supporter
British Zeds
#ZedShed
Joined
Dec 31, 2013
Points
226
Location
Torksey Lock,Lincoln, England
Model of Z
E89 Z4 23i Auto
I fitted the cone filter from my 2.0 Z3 straight onto @Grumps 2.8 if that helps?

Tony.
 

Pingu

Zorg Guru (III)
3rd Party Trader
Joined
Dec 8, 2011
Points
145

Pingu

Zorg Guru (III)
3rd Party Trader
Joined
Dec 8, 2011
Points
145
pingu has me so confused. he sent an article saying the free flowing filters just let more dirt in .
the article says your car is designed to run the best with the airflow it was designed for from the factory.
The statement about your car being "designed to run the best with the airflow it was designed for" is true for older cars, but your Z3 can adapt its fuel and ignition maps to accommodate more air. It is only when you start making very large adaptions that you need to remap the engine. You will be OK if you just add a different air filter.

Every change that you make will have pros and cons. The best pros and cons arrangement is poorer mpg when you give it the beans, but better mpg when you bimble. My original mpg range was 15-26, it is now closer to 10-30 :D.
 
Top