Air intake

[12sonicltz]

I have a stock 2012 ltz 1.4T. I am thinking about getting a better air intake. Have had several recommended to me: K&N, AEM, ZZP. Has anykne else ran these that could steer me in the right direction? I'm not trying to start am argument over brands, just curious if anyone has had any luck with one. Also, do I need a tuner if I change air intake? Again, not trying to start a debate, but have heard trifecta is good and bnr is good.

 

[sanics]

I just installed the zzp. Overall I like it but they use an oiled filter. I'll probably switch it over to an aem dryflow. K&N and some people claim that the oil will not affect the mass air flow sensor, but my anecdotal evidence suggests otherwise. I would have went with the aem intake but I didn't want anything that seals to the hood. I've also read that you do not need a tune for most intakes. I only ran mine for a few days before getting the tune so maybe someone else could weigh in on that.

 

[ShadowT]

I have the zzp intake now just for a week I don’t have a tune and the cel light didn’t come on


2017 Sonic 1.4T Sedan Premier

 

[12sonicltz]

Thanks for the info. I like the look of the zzp, but also like the AEM. I've ran K&N regular filters on other vehicles. I've heard the problem is people cleaning and over oiling the filter.

 

[12sonicltz]

Also what tune did you use? I'm surw there is a thread for this somewhere. I would like something to give me a little more throttle response and maybe not downshift so much to pull a hill.

 

[dtbrown]

GM performance I think looks the best but it's expensive and you need a tune as it'll throw a code as it's a larger pipe compared to zzp, K&N and others that'll work with no tune. Also don't expect to much of a power gain with stock tune as the ecu fights any mods in my experience. But with a tune it comes to life same as with adding an exhaust.

 

[12sonicltz]

What tune would everyone recommend? Anyone with the trifecta tune have any issues after install?

 

[sanics]

What tune would everyone recommend? Anyone with the trifecta tune have any issues after install?

I've had the Trifecta tune for a few days. No issues whatsoever and I'm quite happy.

 

[Andy3521]

What tune would everyone recommend? Anyone with the trifecta tune have any issues after install?

I'm edging on a year now with Trifecta Elite with no issues to date.

You can't go wrong either way really.

I'm running a MP Fab intake just for argument sake.

 

[Smashley23]

Here is a clip I made the other day of the ZZP CAI.

If anyone has any questions, feel free to contact me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFMuPgs4tLI

 

[dtbrown]

What tune would everyone recommend? Anyone with the trifecta tune have any issues after install?

Basically the companies to go with for tunes are trifecta or BNR. Just do some research and go with either that you feel best fits what your plan for the car. Either way you'll be happy.

 

[66roadie]

I just installed the zzp. Overall I like it but they use an oiled filter. I'll probably switch it over to an aem dryflow. K&N and some people claim that the oil will not affect the mass air flow sensor, but my anecdotal evidence suggests otherwise....

I use K&N filters on my turbo PT Cruiser, my Harley, my pickup & will use one on the Sonic when I hard pipe the intake & lose the restriction in the fender well. I have never oiled them. They work fine dry unless you frequent dirt roads.

 

[ARM]

Thanks for the info. I like the look of the zzp, but also like the AEM. I've ran K&N regular filters on other vehicles. I've heard the problem is people cleaning and over oiling the filter.

that is the number one issue i've seen, personally never had an issue with one out of the box.. anyone in doubt can simply stuff the inside of the filter tight with paper towels overnight to remove any excess oil.

 

[1.4boosted]

I recommend the Morgan Performance (MPFAB), hands down great design, noticeable pick up and throttle response and I would opt for the premium AMSOIL filter along with the honeycomb insert for the MAF. Had it on for about 2 weeks now with no issues what so ever with CEL lights etc.