A&Q about 350Z
Q:
Jim Wolf has been making the pop chargers for a while now. It may be new to the 350 scene, but they have been around for all the 300zx owners for a lot longer.
'03 350Z Redline
JWT Pop Charger
JWT clutch
JWT lightened flywheel - 14lbs
Kinetix Racing plenum
Grounding kit
A:
I just installed a pop charger and love it. Better throttle response, better idling, increase in seat of the pants power, better sound and I'm guessing better gas mileage. I didn't want a metal tube either cuz i'm in the low deserts of So. Cal with 110+ degree summer temps and don't want that extra intake air temp from the metal..
A:
Back when the CAI were $400.00 and the POP Charger was $145.00 the difference was easier to see, but with the drop in prices of the CAI, the line is a little more blurre, IMO.
Both the POP charger and most CAI will give you from 3 to 6 HP, and both will give a nice addition to the sound of the intake. The operative thing here is to replace the closed intake box, and both ways does that.
That being said, now with the Nismo CAI going for $250.00 and the POP Charger for $110.00 the gap has been closed.
If you just want the sound and little hp then go with the Pop Charger, and save your $100.00.
If you plan on showing the car even at local venue, the CAI will get you more ooohhss than the POP Charger and if only $150.00 more then go with the "bling" of the CAI. After your first show you will realize that the CAI is almost a requirement.
I owned the POP Charger and then the Nismo CAI. Both are good options depending on your individual needs.
One last thing to think of though. If you live in an area with a low lying area with lots of rain, that can puddle up, I would go with the POP Charger, to avoid water ingestion. The POP Charger is located high in the engine compartment, and you would have to practically submerge the up to the cowl to suck up water. The CAI is located very low in the left fender and though it may have a bypass value protection, it can ingest standing orf splashed water causing engine damages.
Hope this helps.
A:
Finally...the response of all responses! Thank you BrickydZ...I have been reading these thread for a couple weeks now trying to decide which to buy and have yet to read an answer I thought explained everything. One last question though...what about snow, will it be a prob with a CAI...I see you're from IL so you know where I'm coming from....unfortunately I don't have the $$$ to turn my Z into a summer car only!