I have a 2001 IS. I just bought a RMM body kit,front lip, side skirts. I am now looking to get a high quality intake but i want some opinions first. Like prices, manufactor, i was also wondering if it is easy to install an intake? I Installed one in a 300zx once it was easy for that car. If anyone can help that would be great,thanks!

There are essentially two types of intakes currently on the market.

The open element types are more abundant and are the usual cone filter at the end of metal tubing. Manufacturers include SRT (Swift Racing Tech.), Injen, RMM, AEM, Weapon R. The engine bay will get louder w/this type of system. Costs range anywhere from $200 to $700. Some of the systems like the SRT and Weapon R include piggy-back ECUs that modify the A/F ratio to create even more power. This is the reason why their systems are significantly more than the intake only setups.

There is currently only one closed element system. It's being sold by Area 51. It's similar to the OEM system, but uses machined and welded parts instead of plastic. It also features a piggy back ECU. Cost is around $650. The benefit of this system is that it keeps the engine bay quiet - almost OEM quiet.

You should be aware that intakes alone create very little perceptible power on the IS 300. It is the intake w/the addition of the piggy-back ECUs that create the power. If you don't want any add'l engine noise (and it is considerable), try the Blitz SUS power filter that fits in the OEM air box and match it w/the Area 51 piggy-back ECU called the "Black Box". You'll get double digit hp/torque gains w/o the add'l noise of the open element intake systems. BTW the Blitz filter is also cheap - about $45.

thanks for the info.

Oh I forgot...it's not more difficult to install any of the current intakes on the market. However, some care needs to be used when installing the piggy-back ECUs because you are tapping into an important part of the car (and very expensive).

hey risk!!
did u know that TRD has a filter out?? its just like the BLITZ.. i think it runs about 80 dollars, but from what i heard, u can feel a difference..
what u think?

dp,

I just read about it at the other place (IS.net). Anyway, if the TRD filter is anything like their other filters, it's cleanable and reusable. You probably have to oil it. Very similar to K&N products.

I like the idea of reusable filters, but they make the intake system oily. I currently have a K&N on my V6 Toyota pickup and the airbox and initial part of the intake tube has an oily residue on it. If you oil too much, it could foul up the MAF sensor.

Personally, if I can get 30k from the Blitz, then I'm happy. It's not cleanable, but it also doesn't have any oil to muck up my engine bay. It's what they call a dry filter element. I like the engine bay on my IS clean, whereas I don't mind the oil on my truck.

IMO go w/what you like. I'm plan on installing an Area 51 Black Box, once a little more feedback is posted on that particular product by other members. I think a drop-in filter and Black Box are the ultimate sleeper mods.\

Don't expect too much from just a drop-in filter. If anything, improved throttle response is likely across the rev band, but not a perceptible amount of power gain. The filter will just allow the engine to run more efficiently; maybe 1-2 hp up high on the tach is my guess.

Hey guys, as you know from my numerous posts on dotNet, the a51 intake is great... I can't say enough good stuff about it. If you have any questions, just ask!

risk...I have an '02 IS 5 spd, and am considering and intake/ECU upgrade. I like your idea of the BLITZ SUS intake with the A51 ECU. Where do you recommend getting one, and how easy are the ECU's to install? Thanks.....

The Area 51 Black Box is obviously available only through Area 51.

The Blitz SUS Power filter can be obtained anywhere. Online you can try Options Auto Salon and ask for Jasper. I got mine locally.

I'm close to purchasing the Black Box, but want to let a little more dust settle and allow some bugs to be sorted out before purchasing.

IMO this setup should allow for double digit hp/torque increases, yet maintain the quiet and refined engine bay that is so much a Lexus trademark.

How much hp do you think it really adds? Is it more powerfull than the SRT with the piggy back?

I agree with Risk about getting the "Black Box" with your intake. I for one bought the RMM intake through a friend at a really good deal and was expecting some great things from it, but after I installed it,I was really considering taking it off and putting back the stock air box. Then after reading some stuff here on the boards, I took a trip to Area 51. They were extremely helpful with all the questions that I had. After getting all the info I decided to purchase their "Black Box" to use with my RMM intake. All I can say is that it was well worth my time to drive down their and get one. Without the Area 51 "Black Box" it seemed like a waste of time putting on the intake but I can say now that whatever you purchase, make sure it has the piggy back ECU or a "Black Box" to go along with the intake.

BLITZ NORTH AMERICA- 1-714-777-9766. ask for will

AREA 51 FAB 1-949-472-6320. ask for chuck,sonic, or sharon

these are the numers if you guys want info. I am friends with both shops.

tell them tommie sent yah.

A51-SRT both give pretty good results... call both places and talk to the ppl and get a good feel for what they gots to say