[bigdog]

CAI Options for 1st Gen

Just to remind everyone, this is a 1st gen so their intake choices are limited.

I am trying to make this decision for a recently acquited 1st gen xterra. It seems like the options are:

- K&N Flat-Panel High-Flow Air Filter - $40
- JWT POP-Charger Air Filter - $110 (Jim Wolf Tech)
- AIRAID QuickFit Intake System - $215 (reuses factory inlet tube)
- K&N High-Flow Intake System (6005) - $265 (HP: 5.45 HP @ 5660 RPM)
- K&N High-Flow Intake System (6010) - $290 (HP: 12.73 HP @ 4824 RPM
- AEM Brute Force Intake - $268 (Avaliable in Gunmetal Grey and Polished Chrome)
- Nismo R-tune CAI - $242 (AEM Intake painted black and relabled)
- Volant Cold Air Intake - $315

So based on this analysis I'm torn between the JWT and the NISMO/AEM.

 

[bigdog]

Between the 2 I would go with the Nismo since it replaces the intake tube which causes turblence in the air flow.

What are you looking to do with the Xterra? This will help the decision between and open intake compared to a closed one. Then go from there.

It is 2WD used for DD for my son. Don't plan to do much to it, but a little more power would be a plus.

So that's what is interesting about the JWT, they claim that the venturi affect cleans that up.

"Interestingly, it is the POP-Chargers aluminum venturi that accounts for the largest performance gain; the filter element itself is designed simply to not adversely affect this venturi."​

So if it adds power and sounds a little more agresive for $120 less that could be a win.

 

[bigdog]

Now if he catches the "modding" bug that most of us get, you are in for a heck of a time, lol. You may be SASing in the future.

If he catches the "modding" bug then he will also need to catch the "earn some money" bug.

 

[bigdog]

If its a open filter I'd go with whatever is the least costly and has the better of the heat sheilds

Good point on the heat shield. The JWT pop-in option would not have a heat shield so while it may increase flow, it will not seperate heat.