Review Stillen CAI Generation 3 Thoughts, Dyno, and Vid with Berk HFC & FI Carbon Exhaust
10-28-2008, 03:42 AM
#1
Premier Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 3,346
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Stillen CAI Generation 3 Thoughts, Dyno, and Vid with Berk HFC & FI Carbon Exhaust
Where to start? Well Saturday was a very long day for me at the dyno. I think I spent close to 8 hours up there. First we will start with the testing process. The installs were done on the dyno like Stillen requested. This required the removal of the front bumper before we put it on the dyno as you will see in the pics. Since Stillen did not say to do any ECU resets they were not done except for one, by accident, before the car was put on the dyno. I got up to the dyno shop about an hour early so I had them install a part on my car which required them to disconnect the battery and this reset the ECU. Not a big deal especially since I still wanted to set up the gearing on the Magden computer which I hadn't done yet so that took some dyno time up and got they ECU adjusted. Stillen wanted 3 baselines done but we did 4. On the 3rd and 4th runs with the stock intake we lost power so we stopped doing runs. Stillen also wanted 8 runs done with their intake which we did. The intake gained power all the way up to the 7th run. All runs were done at 83 degrees Celsius (one or two of the Stillen runs might start at 84). Stillen requested 183 to 186 degrees fahrenheit for the test which came out to 83 to 85 Celsius which the Magden computer monitors in. One the Magden computer we logged RPM, Engine Coolant Temp, Intake Air Temp, Ignition Timing, and Mass Air Flow. Also the Stillen splash guard was installed for the runs as you can see in the pics.
We tested the JWTs for which is not important for this review and will be discussed in another thread. We then put on the stock intakes and ran them for 4 runs until there was power loss. Here are some dyno pics for you people:
Stock setup
Stock setup
Here are some pics of the Stillen CAI Gen 3 setup:
Here is a pic of the only issue we had with the intake. The intake bolts for the clamps that are up by the intake manifold were way to long and required cutting when we were done dynoing:
Long Bolt
Bolt cut down
I must say that this is the best intake for the G37 so far and the Magden computer showed why. It irritates me now know what I saw with the Stillen intake which you didn't see with the JWT or the Stock. I had to go back over the log data for the stock intake to confirm that this didn't happen on that intake or the JWT (still need to look at the JWT logs). What I am getting at here is the Intake Air Temp. I ran some decent numbers with the JWT at a temp of 36 Celsius and some good numbers with the stock at 30 Celsius. When the stock intake got up to 32 C is lost power and I would imagine the intake would get a little bit hotter. The Stillen CAI ran in the 28 to 29 C temp. Now you have to understand that when we got up to the 5th run and higher the Stillen intake was sitting at 34 to 36 C when we started the runs but at soon as we started the run the intake air temp would drop like a rock to 28 or 29 C in a matter of a couple seconds or less. This didn't happen with the stock intake. It stayed consistent with the temp it was at when the run started. It would maybe drop 1 C. Now before the Stillen I was mainly looking at this section just to verify how hot the intakes were getting and I was pleasantly surprised to see the temp drop like that with the Stillen. The placement of the sensors must be part of this equation. Before going any further, here is a video of the Stillen intake. I don't have a great camera so sorry if the quality sucks:
Stillen CAI Gen 3 dyno run
I think the Stillen intake sounds rather good. It seems to sound a lot like the JWT but the sound seems to be more equalized across the total RPM range. What I mean by this is that you can hear the sound sooner on the Stillen then on the JWT. I think they both sound similar but because of how soon the Stillen starts to make noise and how the noise picks up at an even pass, I like the Stillen a little better than the JWT. Sorry Stillen but I had to compare it to JWT because the stock intake system SUCKS for sound.
Now without anymore waiting here is the dyno. This dyno sheet has the best of the Stock and the best of the Stillen runs.
Now you can definitely feel the power increase across the whole band for this intake. The stock and Stillen do touch around 6k to 6500RPM but this should be correctable with an ECU tune/reflash. The same would go for the dip between 2k and 2500RPM. My tuner does this all the time so as soon as the Cobb AP is available then this will be better. I was amazed at how much more power I had out of my car. Sixth gear on the way home felt like it had a good more kick in it. Didn't have to downshift once to pass anyone due to the additional kick. Now before you flame out, you can fell the power but it is not like hitting a NOS button or anything like that.
The increased power felt the same as when I got my HFCs installed but this felt a little better just because you don't loss that initial power that you will loss on your G over a stock G between 2000 and 2500RPM when you install any power performance part. Take a look at my stock versus this dyno which I will be posting in the dyno sticky after I am done with this post. 
Now before answering Kyle's questions I would just like to get my thoughts out about hydro-lock with this system since that seems to be a concern. After thinking this over a good bit and talking to the dyno shop, I would have to say that hydro-lock on this system would be rather hard to do. The only two variables that would have to happen to get the car to hydro-lock would be for the filters to get submerged of course. The other way would be for the intake filters to get soaked by direct water and the filters would need to retain the water. With the K&N filters being oiled, I don't see how this is possible but I honestly don't know if they can hold water like a towel for example which might cause enough suction for the intake to take in water. It would be like taking a water hose and a vacuum hose and letting the water hose stream water down that then taking your vacuum and trying to suck in the water as it is falling. Water is much heaver than air so no water will get sucked in unless some type of suction happens which cuts the airflow from the vacuum. I hope this makes sense. Take it as you see fit though.
Here are the questions that Kyle wanted answered with my answers:
1) Power gains- Obviously...haha
The power gains are felt across the whole power curve. To be honest I was amazed and shocked to see that this worked.
2) Appearance- What do you think of this intake visually? What do you think of the build quality?
The intake looks great and I got many compliments from the dyno staff and customers that were at the shop. Many people stayed around just to check it out. The build quality was excellent. The only problem I would point out is the length of the bolts for the top clamps. Not sure if I just received the wrong bolt size but two of them were to long.
3) Fit and finish- What do you think of the intake when it is finally installed? Does it look good? Do you not like it? If so, what don't you like?
The intake looks great. Polished look makes my engine bay look so much better. Plus I can trick people into thinking that my intake system is going down to an inter-cooler for a turbo setup.
4) Ease of installation- We know that this is not going to be an easy intake to install as we do recommend removing the fascia. However, it would still be good to hear about it.
This is a horrible install. By horrible I mean it is not easy because of the front bumper removal. The installer also need to cut out the inlet piece that the Stillen intake goes through (where the stock intake pulls air) to get the tubes through. I am told that you don't need to remove the front bumper but the Stillen instructions were followed and it worked out in the end.
5) Sound- Does it give you a warm fuzzy feeling when you accelerate and hear it howl?
This system sounds great. It is a little hard to hear with my setup when I drive though because of my Fast Intentions Carbon Fiber exhaust though but you can still hear it. You just have to listen for it.
Enjoy everyone.
BBoysteele
We tested the JWTs for which is not important for this review and will be discussed in another thread. We then put on the stock intakes and ran them for 4 runs until there was power loss. Here are some dyno pics for you people:
Stock setup
Stock setup
Here are some pics of the Stillen CAI Gen 3 setup:
Here is a pic of the only issue we had with the intake. The intake bolts for the clamps that are up by the intake manifold were way to long and required cutting when we were done dynoing:
Long Bolt
Bolt cut down
I must say that this is the best intake for the G37 so far and the Magden computer showed why. It irritates me now know what I saw with the Stillen intake which you didn't see with the JWT or the Stock. I had to go back over the log data for the stock intake to confirm that this didn't happen on that intake or the JWT (still need to look at the JWT logs). What I am getting at here is the Intake Air Temp. I ran some decent numbers with the JWT at a temp of 36 Celsius and some good numbers with the stock at 30 Celsius. When the stock intake got up to 32 C is lost power and I would imagine the intake would get a little bit hotter. The Stillen CAI ran in the 28 to 29 C temp. Now you have to understand that when we got up to the 5th run and higher the Stillen intake was sitting at 34 to 36 C when we started the runs but at soon as we started the run the intake air temp would drop like a rock to 28 or 29 C in a matter of a couple seconds or less. This didn't happen with the stock intake. It stayed consistent with the temp it was at when the run started. It would maybe drop 1 C. Now before the Stillen I was mainly looking at this section just to verify how hot the intakes were getting and I was pleasantly surprised to see the temp drop like that with the Stillen. The placement of the sensors must be part of this equation. Before going any further, here is a video of the Stillen intake. I don't have a great camera so sorry if the quality sucks:
Stillen CAI Gen 3 dyno run
I think the Stillen intake sounds rather good. It seems to sound a lot like the JWT but the sound seems to be more equalized across the total RPM range. What I mean by this is that you can hear the sound sooner on the Stillen then on the JWT. I think they both sound similar but because of how soon the Stillen starts to make noise and how the noise picks up at an even pass, I like the Stillen a little better than the JWT. Sorry Stillen but I had to compare it to JWT because the stock intake system SUCKS for sound.
Now without anymore waiting here is the dyno. This dyno sheet has the best of the Stock and the best of the Stillen runs.
Now you can definitely feel the power increase across the whole band for this intake. The stock and Stillen do touch around 6k to 6500RPM but this should be correctable with an ECU tune/reflash. The same would go for the dip between 2k and 2500RPM. My tuner does this all the time so as soon as the Cobb AP is available then this will be better. I was amazed at how much more power I had out of my car. Sixth gear on the way home felt like it had a good more kick in it. Didn't have to downshift once to pass anyone due to the additional kick. Now before you flame out, you can fell the power but it is not like hitting a NOS button or anything like that.
The increased power felt the same as when I got my HFCs installed but this felt a little better just because you don't loss that initial power that you will loss on your G over a stock G between 2000 and 2500RPM when you install any power performance part. Take a look at my stock versus this dyno which I will be posting in the dyno sticky after I am done with this post. Now before answering Kyle's questions I would just like to get my thoughts out about hydro-lock with this system since that seems to be a concern. After thinking this over a good bit and talking to the dyno shop, I would have to say that hydro-lock on this system would be rather hard to do. The only two variables that would have to happen to get the car to hydro-lock would be for the filters to get submerged of course. The other way would be for the intake filters to get soaked by direct water and the filters would need to retain the water. With the K&N filters being oiled, I don't see how this is possible but I honestly don't know if they can hold water like a towel for example which might cause enough suction for the intake to take in water. It would be like taking a water hose and a vacuum hose and letting the water hose stream water down that then taking your vacuum and trying to suck in the water as it is falling. Water is much heaver than air so no water will get sucked in unless some type of suction happens which cuts the airflow from the vacuum. I hope this makes sense. Take it as you see fit though.
Here are the questions that Kyle wanted answered with my answers:
1) Power gains- Obviously...haha
The power gains are felt across the whole power curve. To be honest I was amazed and shocked to see that this worked.
2) Appearance- What do you think of this intake visually? What do you think of the build quality?
The intake looks great and I got many compliments from the dyno staff and customers that were at the shop. Many people stayed around just to check it out. The build quality was excellent. The only problem I would point out is the length of the bolts for the top clamps. Not sure if I just received the wrong bolt size but two of them were to long.
3) Fit and finish- What do you think of the intake when it is finally installed? Does it look good? Do you not like it? If so, what don't you like?
The intake looks great. Polished look makes my engine bay look so much better. Plus I can trick people into thinking that my intake system is going down to an inter-cooler for a turbo setup.
4) Ease of installation- We know that this is not going to be an easy intake to install as we do recommend removing the fascia. However, it would still be good to hear about it.
This is a horrible install. By horrible I mean it is not easy because of the front bumper removal. The installer also need to cut out the inlet piece that the Stillen intake goes through (where the stock intake pulls air) to get the tubes through. I am told that you don't need to remove the front bumper but the Stillen instructions were followed and it worked out in the end.
5) Sound- Does it give you a warm fuzzy feeling when you accelerate and hear it howl?
This system sounds great. It is a little hard to hear with my setup when I drive though because of my Fast Intentions Carbon Fiber exhaust though but you can still hear it. You just have to listen for it.
Enjoy everyone.
BBoysteele
10-28-2008, 04:11 AM
#2
Great review BBoy, I have the same feelings about the intake, it kicks a$$! I also had long bolts on the clamps, but they didnt bother me 
I'm gonna go get my car tuned at technosquare and see what ponies I can pull with all my mods and a reflash! The install isn't that bad, because the bumper in NO WAY needs to be removed. I can see why they suggest it, it would help with the cutting and stuff, but it is too big of a pain in the a$$, and I had zero problems with it staying on. I'm just glad we have some dyno sheets now to shut the non-believers up. 11hp on a modded car is SICK
I'm gonna go get my car tuned at technosquare and see what ponies I can pull with all my mods and a reflash! The install isn't that bad, because the bumper in NO WAY needs to be removed. I can see why they suggest it, it would help with the cutting and stuff, but it is too big of a pain in the a$$, and I had zero problems with it staying on. I'm just glad we have some dyno sheets now to shut the non-believers up. 11hp on a modded car is SICK
10-28-2008, 04:32 AM
#4
Premier Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 3,346
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Hey AZ, you know what the rear sick part is? That was the best Stock and best Stillen run but the average on the stock intake was 287HP and 239TQ. Almost all my runs with the Stillen except the first one was 299HP and 243TQ and the stock started dropping after the 2 run were as the Stillen kept going up.
10-28-2008, 04:43 AM
#5
Im just glad my big a$$ butt dyno wasn't broken! With this mod I felt gains just like with my hfc install, and it adds such a mean growl! very sweet, and nothing like the fujitas and JWT. JWT's felt good, but the gen. 3 feels like pop chargers all hopped up on mountain dew and ready to punch someone
10-28-2008, 05:47 AM
#6
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
like I said before. the system kicks butt and the power can be felt through the power band. also I did not have to remove the front bumper. it took me 1 1/2 hours to install the system.
Last edited by Blackjack; 10-28-2008 at 07:00 AM.
10-28-2008, 06:40 AM
#7
Just to clarify the installation issues.. I'm sorry for the confusion, the t-bolt clamps you installed for the top clamps are intended for the middle section, and the typical worm drive clamps are intended for the top.
Yes, I can imagine trying to get the t-bolt clamps at the top would have been a frustrating experience. I'll look at the instructions ASAP to better clarify.
As we've discussed in other threads and you point out, removal of the fascia is not mandatory, but does make it a lot easier to do the necessary enlargement of the holes in the front core support bracket to get the tubes through, while helping to reduce scratching of the polished tubes on installation.
Glad you enjoy the system, we'll take a look at your results and the detailed info you've supplied.
Thanks again for agreeing to test this, and your amazing detail.
Yes, I can imagine trying to get the t-bolt clamps at the top would have been a frustrating experience. I'll look at the instructions ASAP to better clarify.
As we've discussed in other threads and you point out, removal of the fascia is not mandatory, but does make it a lot easier to do the necessary enlargement of the holes in the front core support bracket to get the tubes through, while helping to reduce scratching of the polished tubes on installation.
Glad you enjoy the system, we'll take a look at your results and the detailed info you've supplied.
Thanks again for agreeing to test this, and your amazing detail.
Trending Topics
10-28-2008, 07:54 AM
#9
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Ewa Beach, Hawaii and Guam
Posts: 315
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Thanks for the write up BBoy, really wish I would have waited a couple months before getting the JWTs now. I know you were getting a little hot at some of the comments about you on other threads, but winning an online argument is like winning gold in the special olympics..they'll still be retarded Hope that didn't offend any one lol!Now I am not sure if I should buy anymore Mods cuz it seems like right when I get something, along comes something better in the next couple weeks. Thanks again bro.
Hope that didn't offend any one lol!Now I am not sure if I should buy anymore Mods cuz it seems like right when I get something, along comes something better in the next couple weeks. Thanks again bro.
10-28-2008, 08:02 AM
#10
Administrator
Quick question.. highways here are loaded with sandstorms.. you sure it wont be a problem? Also, its illegal to manually wash your car here in public roads (unless you have a garage which I dont) so its 99% pressurized auto car wash.. wont that be a prob?
If both answer to no I'm dayum sold!
cheers,
If both answer to no I'm dayum sold!
cheers,
10-28-2008, 10:12 AM
#14
Registered User
Good review, that has got to be the best intake sound I've heard yet. 11Hp gains though on a modified G no less is not that impressive when you consider JWT's were tested at 10Hp gains, correct me if I'm wrong here. That 10-11 HP limit pre-ECU tune is begining to look like the sound barrier .
I wouldn't be worried about hydro-lock but I would be worried about my filters getting loaded sooner with their location virtually unprotected. It would be interesting to see a dyno 6 months later, expecially in AZ, I noticed the dust in your engine bay Az... I remember living in Yuma..lol.
Wasn't there someone else doing a dyno as well on a stock G? This would make for a nice comparison. I'm curious as to what effect exhaust mods have on intake dynos.
. I wouldn't be worried about hydro-lock but I would be worried about my filters getting loaded sooner with their location virtually unprotected. It would be interesting to see a dyno 6 months later, expecially in AZ, I noticed the dust in your engine bay Az... I remember living in Yuma..lol.
Wasn't there someone else doing a dyno as well on a stock G? This would make for a nice comparison. I'm curious as to what effect exhaust mods have on intake dynos.
![]\[ /-\ ]\/['s Avatar](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 50 50'><circle class='avatar-circle-default' fill='%23de8a71' cx='25px' cy='25px' r='20px'></circle><text class='avatar-text-default' x='49%' y='53%' fill='white' text-anchor='middle' alignment-baseline='middle'>]</text></svg>)