Page 3 - nissan

We recently designed a performance intake system for the 2003-2006 Nissan 350Z. This included an airbox and filter that attaches to the end of the stock mass airflow (MAF) housing. Our results were positive in that we achieved a significant improvement in intake sound, and we increased power output by 10 whp and 13 wtq without any additional tuning.

This project is not so much performance oriented but is intended to add reliability and additional aesthetic appeal to the intake system on the Z.

To start this project, we rolled our test vehicle into our development facility and started inspecting the stock piece. Check out our test subject.

350Z intake hose test vehicle

350Z intake hose test vehicle

As we typically prefer, this vehicle was bone-stock in terms of performance adders.

350Z intake hose test vehicle

Stock Intake Hose

Let's take a closer look at the stock rubber hose.

Stock 350Z induction hose

Stock 350Z induction hose

The stock hose is molded plastic and rubber. This component

Interested in purchasing our awesome intake system? Check out our product page linked below!

Mishimoto Nissan 350Z Performance Air Intake!

Last time we dyno tested our assembled prototype for sound and performance. Maximum gains were achieved in the midrange of the rpm band to the tune of 10 whp and 13 wtq. These are impressive numbers. We saw gains from the start of the pull through redline, averaging around 5-7 whp/wtq throughout.

The sound produced by the VQ with our intake installed is nothing short of awesome! The large air filter and reduced restriction produces a deeper, amplified induction tone that sounds quite satisfying from behind the wheel.

Our last task is to fully model our design in Solidworks and construct our final prototype for fitment confirmation. As we mentioned last time, minor tweaks were needed to perfect fitment.

Intake 3D Models

With our prototype airbox in hand and our adjustment notes ready, we began constructing our 3D models of the final design. Check out

Interested in purchasing our awesome intake system? Check out our product page linked below!

Mishimoto Nissan 350Z Performance Air Intake!

With our initial design completed, it is time to strap our Z to the dyno and make a few pulls. We would be evaluating power output and engine sound, both of which are important aspects of our Nissan 350Z intake design.

Dyno Testing

Setting vehicle up for Nissan 350Z intake testing

Once we had the car lined up properly, we were ready to make some pulls!

Setting vehicle up for 350Z air intake testing

Check out a compilation from our dyno runs! You can really hear the VQ sing with our intake system installed.

Man, what an engine! The VQ sounds so good and is quite refreshing compared to the turbo four-cylinder vehicles we focused on for previous intake designs. The Mishimoto 350Z air intake elevates the volume and seems to deepen the overall tone, especially during initial throttle application. Overall, we had positive results for the sound produced, and

Interested in purchasing our awesome intake system? Check out our product page linked below!

Mishimoto Nissan 350Z Performance Air Intake!

We're back with more grinding, fitting, cutting, and welding. The fabrication of our intake prototype for the Nissan 350Z continues!

Airbox Fabrication

When we left off, we had fabricated three sides of our airbox and created a 3D model for our MAF-to-filter adapter. The next plan was to continue designing and constructing our airbox, starting with the base.

Template for 350Z intake airbox base

We mapped out our base on steel, made a bend, and trimmed some excess material.

Cutting Nissan 350Z intake airbox base

A few tack welds and it was starting to take shape.

Fabricating 350Z intake airbox base

Fabricating 350Z intake airbox base

The base of the stock airbox utilizes some interesting mounting points, shown below.

Nissan 350Z intake airbox - lower mounting grommets

Our team would need to design pegs on the base of the airbox assembly, which would sit

Interested in purchasing our awesome intake system? Check out our product page linked below!

Mishimoto Nissan 350Z Performance Air Intake!

The Nissan V6 is a familiar animal here at Mishimoto. We have designed various cooling components for this model, and several of our employees have owned or presently own a Nissan of this particular vintage. After covering the cooling system of the Z, we decided it was time to turn our attention toward a power-adding component.

The first product we want to tackle is a performance 350Z air intake system. Over the past couple years our team has been designing and testing intake systems for a variety of vehicles, including the Subaru WRX/STI, Subaru BR, BMW E46, and Mercedes CLA45 AMG, to name a few. Each project introduces a unique challenge and an opportunity for our team to produce additional vehicle power and improve intake sound and volume.

Project Goals

Goals drive an appropriate end product, and we needed to construct a set of basic guidelines so