Stillen Intake - They weren't lying

[Vladec]

This thing was a complete PAIN in the ass to put in. Both rubber hoses required trimming.
1hr installation....JOKE! Passenger side took an hour alone. The driver side seemed like it was going to be easier but found myself trimming more and more of the rubber hose for it to sit low enough so I could install the cover. I eventually got it in but its still sitting a bit high and pushing up on the strut brace. I thought everyone was just overreacting to this being difficult to install but they weren't lying. I dread the day I need to replace the filters......

 

[djerickd]

Wow dang

 

[Toddasaurus]

Hot damn... And here I was judging everybody that said that intake was a pain. My bad!!

 

[Vladec]

Hot damn... And here I was judging everybody that said that intake was a pain. My bad!!

I know we talked about this lol.....seems like about 9/10 when I read reviews about something and I buy it I never encounter any of the issues there describing but this thing is alot of work. If anyone chooses to buy it here's my advice.

Install the filter brackets and filters after removing everything and move them out of your way ( both sides ). Don't completely tighten down.
This is important as to use as a guideline to line everything up. You'll figure out real quick that although everything is lined up nothing will fit without something popping out. This is where trimming the rubber fitting comes into place.

1) Passenger side I only trimmed one side
( can't remember which one ) but I only trimmed maybe 1/2 max and I'm pretty sure it was the filter side. Used a box cutter to cut a small a slit down vertically and then just horizontally ( almost like peeling an orange )

2) Driver side you you'll need to trim the filter side.....and then you'll realize you need to trim the turbo side to because you won't be able to put the plastic cover on ( filter will sit to high ) I trimmed maybe 1" in total but I still needed to trim more filter side I believe. Filter sits an asshair to high and pushes up on the strut brace once installed.

3) Screw using a screw driver for the hose clamps. There will be a ton of pressure on each joint from nothing lining up properly so make sure to use a 1/4 ratchet with 8+" extension to tighten the hose clamps. Make sure you position all your hose clamps facing up or towards the center of the motor.

5) Pilot hole ( pre-drill) all the connections for the plastic shields before putting on. You don't have the leverage or space to press hard enough if your trying to do it in the engine compartment.

6) You'll need some muscle and it'll be a big plus if you have baby hands

7) Don't buy this unless you want a challenge

 

[Toddasaurus]

#6 is the best.

 

[itoig]

at least you got yours in. I have been trying to install it for the last 3 weeks now. I was fighting with them because the coupler to the driver side turbo was .5 inches too big, and no what it would stay on there. i was told that they sold so many kits (700, then 600, then 500) and no one had that problem, so i was doing something wrong. so a ton of photos later i finally got them to send the replacement part, which they were reluctant to do so. When the part came on sunday, I quickly went out to install it to find out the one this was too long to fit in there. and caused the filter to sit way above the line of the hood. If i tried to "force" it into place the section from the coupler hose to the metal pipe would pop off a bunch of heated emails back and forth and i am returning it for something else. Khartunerz was more than helpful with the information i provided and is going to exchange it for something else.

 

[Vladec]

at least you got yours in. I have been trying to install it for the last 3 weeks now. I was fighting with them because the coupler to the driver side turbo was .5 inches too big, and no what it would stay on there. i was told that they sold so many kits (700, then 600, then 500) and no one had that problem, so i was doing something wrong. so a ton of photos later i finally got them to send the replacement part, which they were reluctant to do so. When the part came on sunday, I quickly went out to install it to find out the one this was too long to fit in there. and caused the filter to sit way above the line of the hood. If i tried to "force" it into place the section from the coupler hose to the metal pipe would pop off a bunch of heated emails back and forth and i am returning it for something else. Khartunerz was more than helpful with the information i provided and is going to exchange it for something else.

I'd say if your nearby id help you out. Are you talking about the hose clam when you refer to "coupler"? Yea mine both popped out alot. The fitment of this thing is complete dog shit.....I hope Stillen reads this!

 

[itoig]

I keep getting errors saying i am posting an image when i am only posting text

 

[itoig]

No the silicon hose from the turbo to the metal pipe that connects to the filter. it is the right angled one for the driver side. the replacement part was too long and caused it to bend funny in order to get it installed. plus i caused the seal to break between the silicon hose and metal pipe

 

[Vladec]

No the silicon hose from the turbo to the metal pipe that connects to the filter. it is the right angled one for the driver side. the replacement part was too long and caused it to bend funny in order to get it installed. plus i caused the seal to break between the silicon hose and metal pipe

Yea like I stated...I cut mine down to make it work

 

[Intelliburn]

Yea like I stated...I cut mine down to make it work

That’s the first mod I put on the car. It did take me a while. However, with the video (which does a decent job on most but not all of the installation) And instruction sheet, it wasn’t too bad. Aside from stoping and starting the video a bunch of times. Anyway. I didn’t have to cut or puncture or change any of the parts. I love the CAI. But agreed, it took me a while. It sucks it was such a pain for you.

 

[Vladec]

That’s the first mod I put on the car. It did take me a while. However, with the video (which does a decent job on most but not all of the installation) And instruction sheet, it wasn’t too bad. Aside from stoping and starting the video a bunch of times. Anyway. I didn’t have to cut or puncture or change any of the parts. I love the CAI. But agreed, it took me a while. It sucks it was such a pain for you.

Turns out he got the wrong rubber fittings or ones to big. I'm thinking I did too....you may have been one of the lucky ones

 

[Intelliburn]

Turns out he got the wrong rubber fittings or ones to big. I'm thinking I did too....you may have been one of the lucky ones

Ahhh. I see. Terrible production packaging then on Stillen’s part.

 

[Vladec]

So I complained to stillen about the fitment issue. Got this response below:
"Thank you for your input on this situation. I have had a two more situations in which this coupler is stated as being “too long,” and this was due to a supplier of ours selling the company, so I am guessing the couplers the new company shipped out in this last batch was different to spec. While I would love to tell you the issue, I do not have an answer at the moment, but I ask that you please give me some time, as I have advised my president about this matter, and we will be doing extensive work, and quality control to find a solution for this. Once everything has been tested and proven to work, I will reach out to you so we can do an exchange. In regards to this intake that you currently have, you may reach out to the vendor and request a refund, and I will approve the return.



Please let me know if you have any questions. We apologize for the inconvenience, I will have a response and a solution for you soon!"

 

[G-793149]

That was a nicer reply than what i got the first time. I was basically told there was nothing wrong with their product since they sold x quantity

 

[itoig]

That was a nicer reply then what i got the first email. I just told there was nothing wrong since they sold x amount of intakes

 

[Vladec]

That was a nicer reply then what i got the first email. I just told there was nothing wrong since they sold x amount of intakes

I'd be lying if I wasn't incredibly thorough in my explanation. I literally wrote these guys in essay on my issue with putting this thing in.

 

[Stiletto]

Although I got my Stillen intake second-hand, aside from swapping the shielding (my fault), I had no issues. My hoses went on without any fanfare. I even put gold reflective tape on the pipes.

I did opt for using T bolt clamps everywhere except on the filter base(s).

 

[Vladec]

Interesting... guess we're the unfortunate ones lol.