06 M45 Intake and Exhaust Questions

[Tunedin302]

Looking to get a little more performance out of my 06 M45.

1) Has anyone used the cold ari intakes (Injen etc)? Is there really a benefit over a flat panel K&N?

2) Looking at doing the Stillen cat-back. Anyone have any other suggestions or reason not to go with Stillen?

Thanks, Matt

[M4T5]

Looking to get a little more performance out of my 06 M45.

1) Has anyone used the cold ari intakes (Injen etc)? Is there really a benefit over a flat panel K&N?

2) Looking at doing the Stillen cat-back. Anyone have any other suggestions or reason not to go with Stillen?

Thanks, Matt

Matt, leave the cold air intakes alone. There are many people that reported loss in performance with a cold air intake.The K&N direct replacement filter adds no gains to our cars. (money wasted)The factory filter element does a great job and flows very well. The stock air box has small ram air ports that take in air from behind the front grill. The O.E. air box is not restrictive at all. For exhaust, Stillen is a great choice. Element 114 is another good choice.Megan Racing makes an axle back kit and a cat back kit separately. The choice might come down to what exit styling you like the best out of those. They are all different. There are also several guys here that have used mod parts from a 350Z or G35 and retrofitted them onto their M35's.Good luck!

J

[ken in az]

Matt, leave the cold air intakes alone. There are many people that reported loss in performance with a cold air intake.The K&N direct replacement filter adds no gains to our cars. (money wasted)The factory filter element does a great job and flows very well. The stock air box has small ram air ports that take in air from behind the front grill. The O.E. air box is not restrictive at all.

J

I beg to differ and agree to a point.....

The ecu's on these cars don't react well to upgrades. You either add an intake by itself, an exhaust by itself, but never both. People have shown gains with an exhaust but when they added the intake it actually lost power back to where it was stock. To take advantage of the mods for this car you need ecu tuning software.

And guess what No on offers ECU programming yet for these cars, yet. Me and some others are working with UpRev to get the ecu's opened up and become tunable. when this happens you will see the engine really pick up in the power department.

So for right now only do one or the other, not both. Or wait about 2-3weeks till programming is available and do all 3 and make loads of power.

Also M45T - where have you found a direct replacement K&N filter for the 06 M45?

[M4T5]

Either way, he asked about intakes and exhaust kits. Not tuning. I responded accordingly to his question. I know there are no programmers available. I also know Uprev can tune my 07' M45. I already spoke to Rich. He will be setting me up with a laptop program and Cipher cable so I can place the stock tune in and the tuned program back in when I want. I just have to wait until I have the time to make 2 separate trips to their shop. Yes this is required unless I leave my car with him for 4-6weeks. The good thing for me is, they are located within Texas. About a 2-3hr drive for me. BTW, what are working with them on at Uprev?? They are already capable of tuning these cars. Also, K&N's website shows a 33-2398 flat panel filter fits the 06' M45. The 06' M35 is the only one that shows no application.

J

[Tunedin302]

Thanks for the great info guys. I'll probably go with Stillen as it seems to add the most power. Please keep me or the site updated as more items become available for our cars. I'm doing all that I can to not get smoked by a Hyundai Genesis Also, the K&N flat panel is available at Stillen: http://www.stillen.com/product...l=M45

[M4T5]

Also, the K&N flat panel is available at Stillen: http://www.stillen.com/product...l=M45

Why are you still looking at getting the K&N filter?? It adds no hp gains and allows dirt contaminants to get past the filter. You are also taking a chance of damaging the MAF meter sensor's thin wires from the oil that the K&N filter will expell. It seems the M45's MAF system is quite a bit more sensitive compared to most other vehicles. Just worry about the exhaust until someone produces a worth while hand held tuner for our cars.

J

[Tunedin302]

I'm not pursuing any of the air filter/intakes - just listed the link to answer Ken in Az's question.

[ken in az]

Thanks for the great info guys. I'll probably go with Stillen as it seems to add the most power. Please keep me or the site updated as more items become available for our cars. I'm doing all that I can to not get smoked by a Hyundai Genesis Also, the K&N flat panel is available at Stillen: http://www.stillen.com/product...l=M45

Cool, thanks for the link and yeah I agree, don't use the oiled filters....they are garbage. My 01' Silverado came with an oiled cone Airraid air filter kit when I bought it and the first time I cleaned and oiled it I sterted having a cold start problem. Shortly after that I started getting a mild detonation problem which got so bad I couldn't take it over 4K rpm. I then took out the AFM and used AFM cleaner on the elements and reinstalled it and all the problems went away and the truck drove like it was brand new. Since I cleaned the AFM is has started to degrade again bit by bit....I'll be changing that cone filter out for a non oiled type from Amsoil as soon as I get off my a$$ and measure the dimensions of the Airraid filter so that I can order the correct replacement.

Also, when I bought my car back in october I searched high and low for the K&N drop in replacement and every book and catalog listed the 03 and 04 m45 but not for the 06 and up so this must be new to their catalog....and when I say new...obviously it has been a while since I searched. I just wanted a K&N part number to cross reference with Amsoil's website for a suitable replacement. They don't have a drop in equivelent yet, but they do have an amsoil non oil type Injen filter kit p#ASP1996P

Also the titan guys have problems with aftermarket filter kits because the filter company cannot duplicate the internal diameter of the MAF housing correctly which also causes air fuel mixture problems so we would also need to data log anyone that has an injen that is loosing power to see what it is doing to the air fuel mixture.

And M4T5 - that's a good suggestion, just get the exhaust for now. I'm working with UpRev to get a good stock base tune and each time I get an upgrade I will be back in for a tune so that they can provide others with mail order tunes. The UpRev should be capable of multiple(up to 5) tunes on one program allowing the user to switch between the tunes on the fly via the cruise control switch. I've already sent in my stock tune to Rich and the last I heard it would be 2-3weeks before it would be readyand that was 10 days ago. I live very close to a Pro Tuner so it is very easy for me to go in and get dyno tuning session done. Hopefully with tunes available there will be many that get the upgrade. With the Osiris mail order tune it's only $400 and that's pretty darn cheap for what they can do. here's the link to the page http://www.uprev.com/products.php

And sorry if I came off sounding like I was putting you down that was not my intention at all and sorry if I did. I just wanted to get the word out that just adding mods to these cars without tuning was almost pointless without a good tune.

Also, I will add my small upgrades to this site as it seems that we are more performance oriented here.

[M4T5]

Nahh....its cool. I just wasn't aware of many people knowing about Uprev. I wasn't going to post about it until I had my own personal experience with the tuning from them. You know, I recently drove a G35. I noticed how much firmer they shifted when at 1/2 to 3/4 throttle. Though at regular driving throttle inputs the car drives very tame and soft. If this tuning could enhance our M45's transmission shifts, that alone would increase the overall performance outcome. I would say an additional 2/10's could be possibly shaved off the 1/4 mi performance specs. I wouldn't mind having the Injin cold air kit at the time for tuning to see if more gains could be had. At the same time I wouldn't want to have wasted any more money on the product if the end results netted losses or no gains. If there was a direct replacement non oil type high flow filter available I would snatch one up. Though I would only use it for off-road performance aspects. Not for every day use. Any higher flowing air filter obviously has a more porous filter media. This may increase air flow, but it decreases trapping small dirt and dust particles. Not good for long term use. Period. They are finally breaking the M series ECU code. It will eventually make it to all enthusiasts wanting better performance from their M's. This isn't for everyone, but for performance minded guys like us this is ground breaking! We will finally see what more "may" be possible from the 4.5L. I can almost guarantee MPG gains from a mild tune. The amount of TM (torque management) that Infiniti has placed in the ECU programming is what is holding down the 4.5L engine from better fuel economy and better performance. I would almost put money on it.I wouldn't mind having a mild everyday fuel saving driving tune, a stage 2 tune, stage 3 tune, and a 100 OCT Race tune to choose from. Oh yeah, and the factory stock tune. You will probably get yours tuned before me. Therefore, I want to know the outcome as soon as you get this all done by Uprev.Need to provide: -base dyno hp/tq numbers. -tuned dyno numbers.-Stock mpg numbers.-Tuned mpg numbers (AFTER YOU GET OVER THE WOT WILD HAIRS OF COURSE).-drivability changes -Maybe even a few 1/4 mi passes before and after if possible.-List your upgrades too (that should be short and sweet!)

I'm sure we all can not wait for these results! Keep all of us informed!

J

[ken in az]

I'll be posting another thread with these mods, but just a precursor, I did a TB coolant bypass and removed the bottom intake horn from below the airbox.

If you are doing any performance driving removing the TB coolant line is a no brainer. Also, you'll see that the stock airbox has a extra inlet at the bottom allowing more air in. I can tell you without a doubt that the butt dyno showed an increase but I won't know till I take it to the track again.

Stock track times 1/4 mi drag14.7 @ 96.7mph 2.3 60ft times

I agree, the stock ecu is terrible. Even with the VDC off the car won't launch on a power brake. The rear tires will break loose but they'll only spin at like 3mph rotational speed and never light up. If you power brake to launch it the engine bogs down like it just ate a sock and then opens up again but it's a significant amount of time before it comes back.

I ran several times down the track and each time I tried the power brake method, I was dumbfounded. I thought they were faster than that. Then on the way home I got a red light in the middle of nowhere and no one was around, so instead of brake launching it I just stabbed it WOT and it launched like a some bisch....wish I would have done that on the track.

I ran twice in auto mode and twice in manual, in auto it shifted right at 6700rpm and actually shifted into 4th gear before the end of the track. In Manual mode I timed the shifts perfectly and the revs would just barely touch 7Krpms before hitting the next gear and I was also able to keep in in third through the traps. Neither method was better than the other. All times were very close to that time I listed

To be honest, my 7K lb diesel was faster. It ran 14.5 @100mph lol. It did have 1114 ft/lbs of torque though - I loved that truck

I have to say if I lauched it without power braking, I would bet that the 60ft time would be closer to the 2.0 sec range, which almost everyone knows that a tenth there can = 1.5 to 2 tenths for the ET. That would put the car right where the magazines rated it at 14.0 @ 100mph

I'll run at the track again before I dyno and get tuned just to see #1 what the difference is between the launching technique and also to see the gains from my "free" mods.

[menlund19]

Really interesting stuff guys....I was going to ask the same question on getting more performance out of my 07 M35x and was thinking about adding a cold air intake. Now I am not so sure.

Are those performance chips worth the time and money? Do they actually work? I found some out there for my M35 for $59...I can't imagine they do anything for that price.

[ken in az]

The mods we are referencing too are for the M45 with the 4.5L V8 so things would be a little different for the M35 with the 3.5L V6.

On a side note you should read up on the g35 and 350Z forums about UpRev and all the other ECU performance tuning available. They share the same VQ35DE Engine with your car. There is tons of stuff available for your vehicle with tons of support and people with experience with those mods.

Be Very Careful about those cheap "chips" you can buy for your car. ECU modification is a serious thing and these so called "chips" that cost next to nothing are really just small resistors put in line with your coolant sensor to trick your ecu into thinking it's cold out. They are not the real deal are are definitely a waste of money.

[menlund19]

Thanks Ken!

I will take a look...much appreciated.

[M4T5]

A 14.7 in the 1/4????? If that is true, these cars are slow. That's not impressive or even close to it. My 2005 SS Silverado ran a 14.8xx in 1/4 stock. I had a custome tune done, Corsa exhaust, and a Volant ram air kit installed. I was turning out 14.228 and one 14.135 in the 1/4 after those simple mods. That was even with the factory 20" wheels and tires (275/55/20). I even had tire spin on take off. I had to launch at low rpm to get a good take off. If your thinking all Silverado SS trucks were AWD, then your mistaken. In 2005 they had AWD and 2wd models. I had the 2wd model. In 2006, all Silverado SS trucks were only offered in 2wd versions. Man I miss that truck.

J

[ken in az]

Like I said I'm going back to see what it is with it actually launching. I haven't tracked it down yet but I'd like to pull the VDC fuse and see what that does as well - lol

It launched terrible and didn't even think about spinning the tires.

[Tunedin302]

Ken,

Can you please give the details on what is needed to do the TB coolant bypass. Also, do the dealers ever hassle you guys with honoring the warranties due to the mods?

Matt

[ken in az]

Have never taken my car in for warranty work so I'd never know, but anything that I would ever do to my car would either be invisible to the dealer or easily reversable back to stock. And I beleive there is a law against manufacturers denying claims just because the car has been modified. They actually have to prove that the modification is what cause the failure in order to do that.

[M4T5]

Have never taken my car in for warranty work so I'd never know, but anything that I would ever do to my car would either be invisible to the dealer or easily reversable back to stock. And I beleive there is a law against manufacturers denying claims just because the car has been modified. They actually have to prove that the modification is what cause the failure in order to do that.

You are correct! There is a direct name for this law. It's called the Magnuson-Moss Act. The manufacturer basically has to prove that what you did was the direct cause of a particular part failure.

J

[infinitiandbeyond]

MENLUND,

For VQ35DE you also have the option of a plenum spacer.

http://www.motordyneengineering.com/G35.php. They also offer a lower manifold upgrade. At the top of the page, go to the "GUIDE" tab and it has a video showing the installation.

Another provider...http://www.skunk2.com/engine-2.php?code=ENGPLN.

Looking at dyno results, these appear to offer more performance for the dollar.

[nisinfguy]

get a fujita intake and you will be happy. Got mine on yesterday and wow it feels like a different car, sounds sick and amazing how much hp it adds.

[Bob24]

get a fujita intake and you will be happy. Got mine on yesterday and wow it feels like a different car, sounds sick and amazing how much hp it adds.

The only problem is that the Fujita intake is only available for the M35 from my understanding.

[nitteo]

get a fujita intake and you will be happy. Got mine on yesterday and wow it feels like a different car, sounds sick and amazing how much hp it adds.

Fujita has some dyno #s anywhere? I want proof before I buy.

[jbracefan1977]

Either way, he asked about intakes and exhaust kits. Not tuning. I responded accordingly to his question. I know there are no programmers available. I also know Uprev can tune my 07' M45. I already spoke to Rich. He will be setting me up with a laptop program and Cipher cable so I can place the stock tune in and the tuned program back in when I want. I just have to wait until I have the time to make 2 separate trips to their shop. Yes this is required unless I leave my car with him for 4-6weeks. The good thing for me is, they are located within Texas. About a 2-3hr drive for me. BTW, what are working with them on at Uprev?? They are already capable of tuning these cars. Also, K&N's website shows a 33-2398 flat panel filter fits the 06' M45. The 06' M35 is the only one that shows no application.

J

I have the same K&N also and love it, I could not find a good deal on ebay so I found a discount coupon here: K&N 33-2398, or you can try one of the vendors on the forum here, you can usually find a good deal that way as well. This was very easy to install and I love it. good luck

[Backdoc7]

I'll be posting another thread with these mods, but just a precursor, I did a TB coolant bypass and removed the bottom intake horn from below the airbox.

If you are doing any performance driving removing the TB coolant line is a no brainer. Also, you'll see that the stock airbox has a extra inlet at the bottom allowing more air in. I can tell you without a doubt that the butt dyno showed an increase but I won't know till I take it to the track again.

Stock track times 1/4 mi drag14.7 @ 96.7mph 2.3 60ft times

I agree, the stock ecu is terrible. Even with the VDC off the car won't launch on a power brake. The rear tires will break loose but they'll only spin at like 3mph rotational speed and never light up. If you power brake to launch it the engine bogs down like it just ate a sock and then opens up again but it's a significant amount of time before it comes back.

I ran several times down the track and each time I tried the power brake method, I was dumbfounded. I thought they were faster than that. Then on the way home I got a red light in the middle of nowhere and no one was around, so instead of brake launching it I just stabbed it WOT and it launched like a some bisch....wish I would have done that on the track.

I ran twice in auto mode and twice in manual, in auto it shifted right at 6700rpm and actually shifted into 4th gear before the end of the track. In Manual mode I timed the shifts perfectly and the revs would just barely touch 7Krpms before hitting the next gear and I was also able to keep in in third through the traps. Neither method was better than the other. All times were very close to that time I listed

To be honest, my 7K lb diesel was faster. It ran 14.5 @100mph lol. It did have 1114 ft/lbs of torque though - I loved that truck <IMG NAME="icon" SRC="http://images.nicoclub.com/forums/image ... owdown.gif" BORDER="0">

I have to say if I lauched it without power braking, I would bet that the 60ft time would be closer to the 2.0 sec range, which almost everyone knows that a tenth there can = 1.5 to 2 tenths for the ET. That would put the car right where the magazines rated it at 14.0 @ 100mph

I'll run at the track again before I dyno and get tuned just to see #1 what the difference is between the launching technique and also to see the gains from my "free" mods.

Did anything ever happen with this? Did Uprev ever develop the ecu program's for the M45? is exhaust still the only decent mod for the M45? Was there ever dyno number done before and after if the ECU was programmed? thanks!

Bill

[fiveliterbeater]

Did anything ever happen with this? Did Uprev ever develop the ecu program's for the M45? is exhaust still the only decent mod for the M45? Was there ever dyno number done before and after if the ECU was programmed? thanks!Bill

im really tempted to get this done before KEN does. i wanna be the first M45 on here with an UpRev tune (at least that we know of) so i can be the first to post results but i'm kinda short of the $600 pricetag they are asking for from the looks of it, Ken should be gettting this done anyday.

[fiveliterbeater]

You are correct! There is a direct name for this law. It's called the Magnuson-Moss Act. The manufacturer basically has to prove that what you did was the direct cause of a particular part failure.

J

that's really good info man. i'm gonna look that up and save it for future reference so that in csae a dealer ever tries to deny me warranty work, i'm going to slap that in their face!

[ken in az]

Did anything ever happen with this? Did Uprev ever develop the ecu program's for the M45? is exhaust still the only decent mod for the M45? Was there ever dyno number done before and after if the ECU was programmed? thanks!

Bill

Yeah, I was scheduled to go in last weekend for the tune, but the weekend before a close friend passed away suddenly in a car accident. All our focus went to her and her family so I did not get it done. This weekend I modded the exhaust that I was planning on doing and this coming weekend I am headed to South Dakota for a family reunion,

It'll get done, just not as quick as I would want.

[Backdoc7]

Yeah, I was scheduled to go in last weekend for the tune, but the weekend before a close friend passed away suddenly in a car accident. All our focus went to her and her family so I did not get it done. This weekend I modded the exhaust that I was planning on doing and this coming weekend I am headed to South Dakota for a family reunion,

It'll get done, just not as quick as I would want.

First.. sorry to hear about your friend, hope her family is doing ok.

Regarding the tune, keep us informed. I just picked up an M45 today.. I'm ready to mod!

Take care,

Bill.

[ken in az]

Thanks, and will do