As you may have read my posts if you've been so lucky enough to glance over (j/k ), you may have noticed me looking for new wheels. Well, I've decided to hold off until these new tires need to be replaced, and afterwards, I'll bump up to an 18" RonJon set (seriously, these wheels were made for this & only this car. :P ).

But, that doesn't mean I'm holding off on everything since there are cheaper mods to do. However, I do have some questions regarding intakes & exhausts, as well as one other key subject. To provide a bit more info that'll probably be key, it is a Type-S '07 and coming up on 20K miles (if that makes a difference).

First, intakes.
Ok, maybe I'm stupid, but after a bit of searching, is cold air the only intake available for the 3rd Gen. TL? TBH, I have seen no one offering Short Ram, Warm Air, etc., though this may be due to me not knowing what each of these intakes are built for. Regardless, what company does AZine recommend? I have searched reviews and sadly, the K&N ones aren't as high rated as AEM, though that could be brand snobbery. I'm also looking for an intake that'll give the car a grow until the exhaust setup is decided.

On to exhausts, I only have a question regarding the pipes. I have a general idea of the different types (Y-Pipe, J-Pipe), but what exactly is the Race Pipe & High-Flow Cat, and how do these differ from each other & other setups such as ATLP's Quad Exhaust system?

And lastly, onto a question that could bring some nasty answers. I am under a lease, but before you throw your stones, I do want to buy this car afterwards (I'm refraining from asking what you all may think a '07 TL-S will be worth in 2011; different factors). Thus, should I refrain from any mods to keep the factory from completely throwing out my "warranty" (I use that term loosely as it seems very little is covered; oil change isn't covered? Seriously?), or should I go ahead?

I do know of the Magusson-Moss Act, though my only issue with it is does the dealer have to physically prove my part caused an issue, or will I have to fight if they just say, "Yeah, this part caused it. End of discussion. Sorry?" I've always heard AEM offers a strong warranty behind their intakes, but this last issue is the biggest thing keeping from buying anything....

Ending this thread, I know I sound like a complete nitwit, but seeing as this forum isn't one of the many that'll just bite off newbies' heads, I feel like I'll get a pretty good response, even if it is a "Search is your friend" type.

~Rick

 

Intake: I'd probably go with the AEM V2. I believe Stillhere has a comparison of V1 and V2.

Racepipe/testpipe/highflowcat all do the same thing.. It replaces the 3rd cat, I think, and allows the vehicle to 'breathe' better. These are just pipes, basically, that allow better air-flow. In terms of differences between each other, some produce more noise and some produce more emissions. I believe the HFC[high flow cat] is more quiet.. as well as more 'emissions friendly'.
A member, I forget who, also made a thread explaining the differences between these.

There are also J-Pipes and pre-cat-deletes that are also replaced in the exhaust system.

That being said, you may also want to look at the different exhausts that are offered.
ATLP, XLR8, Comptech... Tanabe. You can check the sticky that was just made for more performance part-list.

Warranty: Generally an intake doesn't cause warranty issues--unless you hydrolocked the vehicle. The plus side to the AEM is that it is C.A.R.B certified... The downside to installing an intake is that you have to remove these 2 special bolt/clips ... and if you want to put it back you're going to need to find a way to put the two pieces back together [since the 2 bolts/clips requires drilling through them].

I'm a little unsure if the information I posted is correct... so don't take my word for it until someone confirms. Hope that helps in the mean time though!

edit: check out this thread https://acurazine.com/forums/car-parts-sale-361/sold-04-tl-aem-v2-cold-air-intake-701775/ for a used AEM V2.

 

I was actually just skimming through that, and saved it to my Bookmarks for tomorrow.
Of course. Can't believe I didn't give more thought to that question.

Looks like a new search is in order, then.

Checked. Has helped me do a lot of research.
That sounds like the warranty-deal I heard of with AEM, then. As for the 2 bolts, I'm positive I won't be going through that issue. TBQH, I'm probably going to hire someone else to do the intake; I don't trust my 10 fingers with my engine.
It sounds like a pretty solid answer, so I'll trust your response.
Kudos. Will check through it.