My former car was a 2002 Altima SE. In stock mode, this was a serious sedan capable of 0-60 runs in 5.9 seconds and a quarter mile of 14.4 seconds at 100 MPH (MotorWeek road test, fall 2001). But there were two areas where it suffered: the stock intake and the stock catback exhaust.

So 9 months after purchase, I installed a Frankencar intake with the fine Apexi "Power Intake" dry element filter. Then not long after, I installed a full Mossy catback exhaust system.

The Frankecar/Apexi was the best WAI on the market and exceeded even the CAI units in both horsepower and torque production (CAI units are notorious for having a drop in torque). But Frankencar's service leaves a lot to be desired (although I was in the first group of 6 to receive their intake with the Apexi filters).

So Berk Technology came out with a very similar unit, also with the same Apexi filter, and great customer service... perhaps the best you'll find. So I ordered one of theirs. However, I never installed it because my Frankencar worked so well.
Which means, I still have both since I removed my Frankencar when I traded in the Altima for my TL. Where is this leading, you ask?

About an hour ago, I installed the Apexi filter and Apexi cast aluminum adaptor I received from Berk on my TL. Then I took it out for a test. Just like on my Altima, this made a very noticable improvement, only on the TL, it's even more noticable!!

I ran two tests; one with the stock unit and a new filter and one with the Apexi filter. Ignoring the fact that the Apexi makes a lot more engine noise at WOT (which is a good thing), here are the results. At full throttle in second gear, the push in the seat is noticably more with the Apexi than with the stock unit. But what really told me about the difference was the second test. Keep in mind that the short intakes like this increase both horsepower AND torque.

For test #2, I started out on a nice level piece of asphalt and got the car going up to around 2000 RPM in first gear (clutch fully engaged). Then full throttle. With the Apexi, wheel spin was immediate and a LOT with both tires in full loss of tracton. I let up then went full throttle again and the same thing happened.. serious and constant wheel spin.

I went home and installed the stock unit with a new filter, then went back out and did the same test again. The second gear run was noticably less, but the first gear test was telling. Same piece of road and same full thottle from 2000 RPM. There was wheel spin but it was more intermittent and more like a scuffing.

So friends, it you are serious about installing an after market intake and are worried about water intrusion, get this system. I am going to go out and buy a 4" hose clamp to get a better seal at the filter adaptor and re-install the Apexi. It's too good to pass up.

Oh, go to www.berktechnology.com for more info. What you'll want to do is call Bryan and talk to him. Tell him you only need the Apexi filter with the cast aluminum Apexi adaptor, gasket, and bolts to attach it to the filter. Expect this to cost around $90 since the filter is like $75 by itself.. because it's the best there is. I have two of them in my basement.

 

I find some info: Questions and Answers about Apexi and K/N Filters



Q. What's the deal with this "dry" element in the Apexi Air Filter?

A. The Apexi Power Intake features a dry cotton element that nevers needs to be cleaned or maintained, they last for 30K-50K miles depending on climate and use. The advantage of the dry filter element is that it poses no threat to your Mass Air Flow Sensor. The Mass Air Flow elements in newer vehicles are more sensitive to the oil from an OVER-oiled K/N filter.

Q. So should i still use a K/N filter??

A. Yes you can still use a K/N air filter, K/N has a proven reputation and when properly maintained will, in most situations, work fine. They have been used on Nissan's for years and still are being used. The advantage the Apexi filter has is you do not need to worry about cleaning your filter at all.

Q. Is there is horsepower or sound difference with the Apexi Filter?

A. The Apexi filter has been shown in dyno tests* to have a 3.5HP advantage over the K/N Filter. I have personally heard both filters and the sound is almost identical, maybe a little deeper with the Apexi but overall they are similiar.
*Dyno Tests were performed on a 2002 Nissan Maxima with 2 runs per filter, K/N then Apexi

Q. Why is the Apexi Filter so much more expensive?

A. The Apexi filter's cost is much higher then the k/n filter, just the Apexi filter unit costs about twice as much as a K/N filter. Also due to the design of the Apexi filter you need an additional aluminum Apexi adapter, one silicone coupler and two hose clamps.

Sounds good for me.

But if Bryan is not there, could you post here parts numbers.

 

What I did when I had my Altima was order the "Short Ram" intake. It came with a curved elbow (which I still have) and the cast aluminum filter adaptor. For my TL, I just used the adaptor (it's back on now) and the filter, so the distance from the filter to the throttle body is quite short compared to stock or to an after-market CAI.

 

I also have the Frankencar intake on my 2002 Maxima SE 6-speed. I absolutely LOVE the sound at WOT. How does this set up compare on the TL? Were you able to install it yourself? I installed the intake on my Max in about 45 minutes (about 2 1/2 years ago) and never had a problem with it.

Thx!

 

When I installed my Frankencar/Apexi intake on my '02 Altima in August of 2002, I took my time and spend about 1 hour to do it right.

For my TL, all I installed was the Apexi filter and it's adaptor (also made by or for Apexi - has their name on it), it took all of maybe 15 minutes. Going back to the stock unit takes about 20 minutes because the housing is larger and getting the ribbed coupling on the upper housing takes a little effort.

As for the Frankencar/Apexi on my former Altima, in my opinion, the two most beneficial things about the intake were the nice, straight and smooth midpipe and the Apexi filter. It did make a difference.

As for my TL, right now I have the Apexi installed and will try it out again tomorrow. I'm not sure I'm going to leave it on because I'm not too sure I want to go with modding my TL. We'll see.

 

Can you post some pics of the parts? and what it looks like installed on the TL?

 

To VelfarreClubber;

If I can get around to pics, I'll see. But as for how it looks, imagine this.

Loosen and raise the upper air filter housing as though you were going to replace the filter element. Now completely remove the upper housing from the ribbed coupling which joins the throttle body. Now imagine attaching a "cone" shaped red filter via an adaptor which fits into the ribbed coupling opening, and secure with a 4" hose clamp. That's basically what it looks like. The Apexi filter hangs down a little into the lower air filter housing.. I stuck a square section of foam material in the lower housing to raise the Apexi filter some and take most all of the bending stress away from the ribbed coupling.

Here's the link to Apexi and their wonderful filter. You can follow it from here.

http://www.apexi-usa.com/

I'm not 100% sure that I'm going to leave this adaptation installed on my TL. I am leaning to removing it and putting the stock stuff back in place, mostly because I'm just not so sure I'm going to want to mod this car like cars I've done in the past. I just haven't made up my mind yet as to what I'm finally going to do.

 

Does adding this Apex filter change the sound of the car at WOT? How about standard cruising speed?

 

To carguyrob;

Yes. No.

That is "yes" as for the sound changing at WOT. I mean a LOT of change. Some folks might think it too loud at WOT, but then again.. my guess is they have never had the wonderful experience of hearing a serious American V8 at WOT, sucking air through a low-restriction air cleaner/filter into a 4-barrel carburetor. The WOT sound that emanates from the TL and the Apexi filter is not only loud, but is a very nice sound as well.

As for "standard cruising", you wouldn't know it's there until you tip into the throttle some. If your thing is a quiet car under all conditions, do not go for this or any other after-market intake mod because you are going to be disappointed. If, on the other hand, you classify yourself as a gearhead, you will find the sound most satisfying.

 

BTW. I reverted my intake to the factory stock unit about 15 minutes ago. I may go back to the Apexi filter sometime down the road, but there is a side to me that tells me to leave this car as is and don't mess around with it. So for now and perhaps the foreseeable future, it will have the air cleaner in place.

One thing I found out that was quite unusual about the Acura (Honda) stock filter is that it is an oil wetted filter... on one side only! The side which receives the incoming air stream is blue and is oil wetted. The side which faces the throttle body is a dry paper element. I've never seen a dual filter like this.

 

And all the parts you would need for this are about $90? That is FAR less than the Frankencar intake system. Sounds like this is simpler though.

Do I have to call in to get it or do you find anything on the website at all? I couldn't find anything.

 

Ooh its that simple, i think im gonna do this

 

and whats WOT?

 

Wide Open Throttle.

Mike

 

I am not finding info on it for the Acura TL, all i see is the G35 and Altima>? What do i order, and how....I watched the video of one in action and it sounded tight!@

 

do you know how this compares to the AEM?

 

SouthernBoy mentioned at the bottom of his first message that you need to call Brian to order this stuff. I am assuming the phone number for Apex is on their website...

 

Oh, thanks, I guess I got too excited and forgot to look for that info!

 

Can you describe or post pics?

1) You remove the entire factory air intake?

2) You are just replacing part of it?

 

Looks like you are just taking off the top portion of the air box where the filter will be put in its place, attaching itself to the 4" hose coming from the engine block.

Southern Boy-I called Bryan and emailed him and no return phone call. ANy other suggestions?

 

To Pro Stock John;

I just removed the top portion of the air filter housing.. the section which has the 4 bolts and attaches to the ribbed coupling. Once the open ribbed coupling was exposed, I inserted the Apexi filter with the adaptor into it then tightened a 4" hose clamp over the "spring" tension clamp of the coupling to improve the seal. Then I placed a small (approximate) 4" square by 2" deep piece of foam I had laying around in the back of the bottom section of the air filter housing (by bottom, I mean the end closest the engine). This helped to raise the filter and coupling assembly and gave it something to rest on.


To coop1018;

Bryan is usually very good about getting back to you.. give him a little time. In the past with us Altima owners (me = former), he was most helpful.


To carguyrob;

Bryan is with Berk Technology, not Apexi. He assembles and sells Apexi filters with his intake kits, though.

In all fairness to Frankencar and Steve, I was in the first group of 6 to receive his intake with the Apexi filter in August of 2002. I have nothing but good things to say for the performance gains I experienceed with his product. Now Berk (Bryan) has a very similar product that does a fine job with the adde BIG plus of customer service.


To VelfarreClubber;

It's ridiculously simple. I removed my setup and reverted to stock in all of maybe 10-12 minutes on Sunday (WD-40 is your friend). Changing back and forth is a piece of cake.


To all;

As for sound, you will hear a hissing sound when you first tip into the throttle. This is perfectly normal and is common with low restriction intakes. You will also hear a LOT of sound at WOT.. especially as the RPMs go beyond 4000. Second gear is GOOD.

 

I just went and reread your first post, pretty informative. I know what you mean by scuffing of the tires.

 

To Pro Stock John;

Yeah, one side of me wants to re-install the Apexi and the other says leave it stock. The other side has won for the time being, but who knows.. I might revert back to the Apexi at some point.

I see your bird doing a wheelie. Did you watch any of the Las Vegas meet this past weekend? Jegs' Pro Stocker cut the perfect light (I've never seen this before). He cut a .000!! Man, that's 1/1000th of a second from the red!

 

SouthernBoy:

So I sent Bryan an e-mail early last week saying that I was looking for an Apexi filter with the cast aluminum Apexi adapter, gasket and bolts to attach it to the filter of my 2005 TL 6-speed and wanted a price on this.

His response last night was:

The Apexi filter adaptor will only fit a 3” pipe. So if you had an aftermarket intake then you can adapt it to the intake pipe. But on a stock intake the bolt pattern will not fit.

I am not confused. When I mentioned the parts I needed, I took it right from your first e-mail. Is there something else I would need to make this work considering I don't have any aftermarket intake parts at all?

Thanks!

 

I got the same reply from Bryan last night. He wanted pics of my intake so I just sent them to him. I am awaiting a response.

 

When you install this do you need to disconnect the battery to reset the computer? and leave it idle for 15-20 mins?

 

sounds like everyone likes this so much. Is this better than the AEM or KN or other intake products out there? ALso, whats the price? I just got my TL a-spec but i love modding cars so i may start with the intake

 

answer please

 

So whats going on with this? What parts do we need beside the filter and bolts? where can we buy the goods?

 

I had difficulty with this Bryan from Berk Technology. Him not getting back to me, etc. I bought the AEM. Cant go wrong with that.

 

did u have to do something with the sensors? LIke did u have to have the inatke professionaly installed"?