stillen intake

install time>> less than 1 hour

The performance mods I plan for my max are simple with the best bang for the buck.  Plus since my car is old (let's be realistic) I am not sure I am willing to put BIG MONEY into it.  That will probably change.  Anyway, getting more power is simple physics: get more air and fuel into the engine and get it out as quickly as possible.  So I started with the intake.  Stillen's (http://www.stillen.com)  intake is not least expensive but definitely on of the best.  Here are the steps I used to install.  

This is for reference only, I am not liable if you screw your car up.  Use caution and common sense when working on your vehicle.  Read the directions (like you will) use the right tools and use the appropriate safety equipment.

The most important thing to do is to have a clean area, proper tools and of course read the directions.  Tools for this installation are pretty simple, I used the following

>9/16" Nut Driver
>#2 Phillips Blade Screwdriver
>Flat Blade Screwdriver
>10mm socket with extensions

First step is to remove the factory airbox.  This is a pretty simple thing to do.  First, snap off the four clips that surround the air filter box, remove the single screw behind the airbox and loosen the clamp (with the 9/16" nut driver or a flat blade screwdriver) connecting the airmass sensor to the rest of the intake.  Wiggle the intake back and forth.  It should come out.  If you have a problem, try a little WD40 around the rubber seal.  

To remove the bottom, there is three bolts. You can use the Phillips or 10mm socket.  

  Using a Phillips or 10mm socket, remove the airmass sensor from the factory airbox.  Be careful not to damage the mesh screen.  This will make your airmass sensor a cool paper weight.  Also make sure when you remove the airmass sensor from the factory airbox you also get the little o-ring.  This is necessary to properly seal the airmass sensor to the Stillen Air horn. 

Next take the supplied 10mm bolts with the washers and mount the airmass sensor to the Stillen Air Horn.  Make sure that the control box is up and lines up the the name Stillen cast on the backside of the air horn.  Also, bolt the bracket on and make sure to put it on the right way.  (Not the way I have it in the pic.  No I am not perfect.)

You will also need to remove the temperature sensor from the factory airbox.  Use the Phillips to remove.  You will need to take apart the sensor mounting (see pic) so that it will fit the K & N Air filter without air leaks.  The piece with the wired goes on the outside the as does the black rubber gasket.  The silver spacer goes on the inside before the treaded metal plate.  Use the supplied screws and washers from stillen to mount. Also you will need to take of the bracket that is connected to the other end of the sensor. 

We are almost finished.  No install intake to your factory plumbing.  It is a lot easier to take the rubber gasket and stick it in the factory plumbing before installing the intake.  This way it is already lined up.  Slide the intake in and mount it with the single supplied bolt using your 10mm socket with extensions.  (The extensions make it a lot easier) 

Reconnect both the airmass sensor plug and the temperature sensor plug.  (Don't screw this up otherwise you will have to make a trip to the dealer to get rid of that damn "Check Engine" light.)

Now install the K & N Air filter.  use a 9/16" nut driver or a flat blade screw driver to tighten the clamp.  Double check your connections then fire her up.  Hear that growl of power, no bad light?  Great.  Done.  Enjoy.  

This is the first power mod done and I might feel a slight difference.  Not really sure though.  It does get a lot louder than stock.  But the sound is cool. I guess if I really want it to make more power I need to install the "Stillen" stickers.  (Just kidding)

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