3.3TT K&N Typhoon Cold Air Intake System for Kia Stinger GT

[Daniel @ K8 Stinger Store]

If you noticed the K&N intake is open to the engine bay. Our current setup is drawing air into the boxes from outside the car. Yes you get more air flow with the aftermarket but it's not cold air. Im waiting for someone to crecre a aftermarket true cold air intake then I'll go with that one .

You also have to realize the vehicles air enters through the turbo right after this then gets cooled via the intercooler.

Do you think a CAI is going to matter pulling in any temperature of air if its going to be heated in the turbo? This has been debating so many times and I think if you were making this arguement with an N/A engine then you'd be onto something. IMO I dont think a CAI will make a different and the increase in volume of air is fine (although pulling from the engine bay) regardless of its temperature.

I think the stock vs. SRI vs. CAI debate was more valid a few years ago, and only with naturally aspirated engines. With newer high performance vehicles the stock airbox is usually well designed providing adequate air flow. K&N is claiming 9 HP with their SRI, and it does say results may vary. I'm skeptical you gain anything. For SRI vs. CAI there might be a small difference in immediate intake temperature. However, in a forced induction engine you have an intercooler that is efficient at cooling air so I doubt there is any difference in air temperature once it goes through the intercooler. You also run a higher risk of hydrolocking your engine with a CAI in rainy weather. I think stock airbox probably does a good enough job, SRI is nice if you want a bit more sound and a nice look, and CAI is not worth the risk.

I agree with this ^^

 

[StingerGTandMe]

You also have to realize the vehicles air enters through the turbo right after this then gets cooled via the intercooler.

Do you think a CAI is going to matter pulling in any temperature of air if its going to be heated in the turbo? This has been debating so many times and I think if you were making this arguement with an N/A engine then you'd be onto something. IMO I dont think a CAI will make a different and the increase in volume of air is fine (although pulling from the engine bay) regardless of its temperature.

I agree with this ^^

Never thought about that. Good point

 

[Chris from SoCal]

OK, got them installed!

Takes about an hour from start to finish to remove the original air boxes and strut support/sway bars (which I think must just be for looks?), and install the new intakes.

They definitely look good! They have weatherstripping around the edges of what K&N is calling a “heat shield bracket” that looks to fit pretty tightly against the bottom of the sheet metal above the wheel wells. The existing cold air inlet that fed into the original air box is still used and feeds air into the new “heat shield bracket”. It’s clearly not sealed to the hood, and so will still likely pull some warm air from the engine compartment, as expected - but I was happy to see it using the factory air inlet that runs under the bumper out of sight somewhere.

What I was NOT expecting was just how dramatic and loud the intake sound is. It sounds like the boosted Imprezas that I hear around town, and the whistle from the turbos is extremely loud outside the car and even inside with the windows up while driving. It’s kinda fun but I haven’t really decided how I feel about it yet. I’m not sure how I could capture the sound to upload it, but I’ll try to figure something out. I was expecting a slight change - this is anything but slight.

Can’t speak to the horsepower change yet because I’m at around 700miles on the motor and still reluctant to really mash the pedal, plus I don’t have free access to a dyno (although I will be paying for a test when I finish all my minor mods). I can say that it is obviously getting a whole lot more air into the turbo inlets, so I do expect there to be a difference. K&N sent a dyno test graph in the box, and as I expected they are showing the 9hp gain happening at 6100-6200 RPM, which is when the power curve drops off - so not sure the 9hp means much unless you’re drag racing to redline anyways without all the other mods.

I am still planning on adding the LAP3 chip, plugs, oil catch, and exhaust over the next few months. I’m sure this will be a needed mod by the time I finish all those projects.

Thanks for all the great advice and knowledge in this thread!!

Chris

My experience with K&N's hp gain claims is that you will absolutely get what they claim - BUT it might not be at peak hp. For example, you might gain 9+hp at 6200 RPM, but probably less (or nearly 0) in the mid to high 5000s where the HP curve peaks. Either way, I'm planning on putting it on mine - just ordered it today. I'll report back once I have it installed on whether or not it's a noticeable improvement.

I'm also considering fabricating my own baffle to try to direct more truly cold air to it, but I'm not talented enough to do it myself so I'll probably need to enlist some help.... I'm betting a baffle won't make a noticeable difference.

As I mentioned in another thread, I'm also planning on installing the LAP3 uncle chips (dual) at some point after 5k miles. I definitely would advise anyone considering installing those to use SOME sort of free flow or cold air intake, and possibly exhaust. For them to work properly, you need to get more air in and more air out. Does anyone have any feedback on how "free flow" the OEM exhaust is? I can't imagine it can compete with the big aftermarket names when it comes to airflow.

Also, I've seen some dyno videos on where they've used heavy duty fans to simulate freeway speed winds (and flow cold air through the grill). Would be interesting to see if K&N is using that technique to 'exaggerate' their dyno tests.

 

[StingerGTandMe]

View attachment 3067 View attachment 3068 View attachment 3069

OK, got them installed!

Takes about an hour from start to finish to remove the original air boxes and strut support/sway bars (which I think must just be for looks?), and install the new intakes.

They definitely look good! They have weatherstripping around the edges of what K&N is calling a “heat shield bracket” that looks to fit pretty tightly against the bottom of the sheet metal above the wheel wells. The existing cold air inlet that fed into the original air box is still used and feeds air into the new “heat shield bracket”. It’s clearly not sealed to the hood, and so will still likely pull some warm air from the engine compartment, as expected - but I was happy to see it using the factory air inlet that runs under the bumper out of sight somewhere.

What I was NOT expecting was just how dramatic and loud the intake sound is. It sounds like the boosted Imprezas that I hear around town, and the whistle from the turbos is extremely loud outside the car and even inside with the windows up while driving. It’s kinda fun but I haven’t really decided how I feel about it yet. I’m not sure how I could capture the sound to upload it, but I’ll try to figure something out. I was expecting a slight change - this is anything but slight.

Can’t speak to the horsepower change yet because I’m at around 700miles on the motor and still reluctant to really mash the pedal, plus I don’t have free access to a dyno (although I will be paying for a test when I finish all my minor mods). I can say that it is obviously getting a whole lot more air into the turbo inlets, so I do expect there to be a difference. K&N sent a dyno test graph in the box, and as I expected they are showing the 9hp gain happening at 6100-6200 RPM, which is when the power curve drops off - so not sure the 9hp means much unless you’re drag racing to redline anyways without all the other mods.

I am still planning on adding the LAP3 chip, plugs, oil catch, and exhaust over the next few months. I’m sure this will be a needed mod by the time I finish all those projects.

Thanks for all the great advice and knowledge in this thread!!

Chris

That amazing I'm still not sure which one I want to go for yet or wait for someone else's. Yeah the sound Probably sounds like my STI did when I put the cold air intake on it sound like a jet engine every time I took off

 

[Kamauxx]

Found a sound clip.

 

[Kazz]

View attachment 3067 View attachment 3068 View attachment 3069

OK, got them installed!

Takes about an hour from start to finish to remove the original air boxes and strut support/sway bars (which I think must just be for looks?), and install the new intakes.

They definitely look good! They have weatherstripping around the edges of what K&N is calling a “heat shield bracket” that looks to fit pretty tightly against the bottom of the sheet metal above the wheel wells. The existing cold air inlet that fed into the original air box is still used and feeds air into the new “heat shield bracket”. It’s clearly not sealed to the hood, and so will still likely pull some warm air from the engine compartment, as expected - but I was happy to see it using the factory air inlet that runs under the bumper out of sight somewhere.

What I was NOT expecting was just how dramatic and loud the intake sound is. It sounds like the boosted Imprezas that I hear around town, and the whistle from the turbos is extremely loud outside the car and even inside with the windows up while driving. It’s kinda fun but I haven’t really decided how I feel about it yet. I’m not sure how I could capture the sound to upload it, but I’ll try to figure something out. I was expecting a slight change - this is anything but slight.

Can’t speak to the horsepower change yet because I’m at around 700miles on the motor and still reluctant to really mash the pedal, plus I don’t have free access to a dyno (although I will be paying for a test when I finish all my minor mods). I can say that it is obviously getting a whole lot more air into the turbo inlets, so I do expect there to be a difference. K&N sent a dyno test graph in the box, and as I expected they are showing the 9hp gain happening at 6100-6200 RPM, which is when the power curve drops off - so not sure the 9hp means much unless you’re drag racing to redline anyways without all the other mods.

I am still planning on adding the LAP3 chip, plugs, oil catch, and exhaust over the next few months. I’m sure this will be a needed mod by the time I finish all those projects.

Thanks for all the great advice and knowledge in this thread!!

Chris

Nice job on the review! If you have the dyno chart K&N supplied, is there a way you could post it (photo, PDF, etc.)? Thanks!

 

[ImportSharkMike]

Not a bad write-up at all. Clean install @Chris from SoCal!

 

[Never thought]

Found a sound clip.

That sounds pretty amazing IMO.

Anyone hear anything about K&N doing a drop in air filter for the Stinger?

 

[StingerT303]

@Chris from SoCal Please keep us updated on your build. I think the intake/exhaust/lap3/catch can/plugs mods are the perfect way to go, and interested to see what kind of power gains you get!

 

[Kia Stinger]

View attachment 3067 View attachment 3068 View attachment 3069

OK, got them installed!

Takes about an hour from start to finish to remove the original air boxes and strut support/sway bars (which I think must just be for looks?), and install the new intakes.

They definitely look good! They have weatherstripping around the edges of what K&N is calling a “heat shield bracket” that looks to fit pretty tightly against the bottom of the sheet metal above the wheel wells. The existing cold air inlet that fed into the original air box is still used and feeds air into the new “heat shield bracket”. It’s clearly not sealed to the hood, and so will still likely pull some warm air from the engine compartment, as expected - but I was happy to see it using the factory air inlet that runs under the bumper out of sight somewhere.

What I was NOT expecting was just how dramatic and loud the intake sound is. It sounds like the boosted Imprezas that I hear around town, and the whistle from the turbos is extremely loud outside the car and even inside with the windows up while driving. It’s kinda fun but I haven’t really decided how I feel about it yet. I’m not sure how I could capture the sound to upload it, but I’ll try to figure something out. I was expecting a slight change - this is anything but slight.

Can’t speak to the horsepower change yet because I’m at around 700miles on the motor and still reluctant to really mash the pedal, plus I don’t have free access to a dyno (although I will be paying for a test when I finish all my minor mods). I can say that it is obviously getting a whole lot more air into the turbo inlets, so I do expect there to be a difference. K&N sent a dyno test graph in the box, and as I expected they are showing the 9hp gain happening at 6100-6200 RPM, which is when the power curve drops off - so not sure the 9hp means much unless you’re drag racing to redline anyways without all the other mods.

I am still planning on adding the LAP3 chip, plugs, oil catch, and exhaust over the next few months. I’m sure this will be a needed mod by the time I finish all those projects.

Thanks for all the great advice and knowledge in this thread!!

Chris

Looks great and apparently sounds great! Thank you for all the information and pictures. This seems like a great modification for anyone who wants their Stinger to sound as aggressive as it looks...

 

[Chris from SoCal]

You could hear the “blow back” pretty clearly in that one, but it doesn’t really show how loud it is outside going down the road. I got this one holding the mic of my iPhone up to a little crack in the window, sounds more true to life to me... I’m going to ask my 17yr old son to help me get some better sound clips. This was from 10mph to about 55mph.

IMG_0015.MOV

(Did it work?)

On a side note, my first video was an attempt to have the camera on the gauges - haha, too much acceleration, I almost dropped the phone... :-D

Found a sound clip.

 

[Chris from SoCal]

Nice job on the review! If you have the dyno chart K&N supplied, is there a way you could post it (photo, PDF, etc.)? Thanks!

Ok, I stand corrected. I must have been thinking of one of the dyno charts I saw online from someone else (or had one drink too many in me when I looked at the chart). It looks like they are measuring a 9hp increase at ~5200rpm and a 8.3 ft lb increase at ~3000 rpm.

Wish I had access to a dyno so I could have tested myself. If anyone else is adding these to a stock Stinger, please post your independent before and after test!!

(Slightly embarrassed)

Chris

 

[westcoastGT]

View attachment 3113

Ok, I stand corrected. I must have been thinking of one of the dyno charts I saw online from someone else (or had one drink too many in me when I looked at the chart). It looks like they are measuring a 9hp increase at ~5200rpm and a 8.3 ft lb increase at ~3000 rpm.

Wish I had access to a dyno so I could have tested myself. If anyone else is adding these to a stock Stinger, please post your independent before and after test!!

(Slightly embarrassed)

Chris

No worries ! we all get passionate here ! Youre a solid guy !!!

 

[Chris from SoCal]

No worries ! we all get passionate here ! Youre and solid guy !!!

Thanks @westcoastGT - I’m glad I can share my experience and hear from the real pros on here, too. I wish K&N had a video of their two tests, and could show identical launches and car settings (maybe through a computerized monitoring setup, which you KNOW they have access to). I really want to believe their claims, but it would be really easy to pick the worst stock dyno run and best after-install run to compare... Not doubting their integrity (I’ve been using their products for years) - just questioning how much the ‘human factor’ might affect their dyno results... I guess if they’re only claiming a 2.5% stock hp increase, I’m being awfully nit picky.

 

[Kazz]

Thanks for posting it! Damn hard to tell which line is which throughout the graph when they're both black. I'm wondering how it might improve a decent aftermarket exhaust, as well.

 

[Daniel @ K8 Stinger Store]

I'm surprised more members havent got on a dyno with things like exhaust and intakes! It's always great to compare manufacturer results to personal dyno

 

[Never thought]

Thanks @westcoastGT - I’m glad I can share my experience and hear from the real pros on here, too. I wish K&N had a video of their two tests, and could show identical launches and car settings (maybe through a computerized monitoring setup, which you KNOW they have access to). I really want to believe their claims, but it would be really easy to pick the worst stock dyno run and best after-install run to compare... Not doubting their integrity (I’ve been using their products for years) - just questioning how much the ‘human factor’ might affect their dyno results... I guess if they’re only claiming a 2.5% stock hp increase, I’m being awfully nit picky.

Hi Chris, I am curious how loud the engine noise is with the intake while cruising or under light acceleration

 

[Chris from SoCal]

Hi Chris, I am curious how loud the engine noise is with the intake while cruising or under light acceleration

It’s all based on how hard the turbos are working... cruising there is no sound at all (unless you are on a hill, etc. - and then there’s a slight hiss). If I drive in comfort mode on flat ground and keep it to 15% pedal or less, you don’t hear it at all (turbos are asleep). But it gets noticeable very quickly after that.

Just found out from a friend that had CAIs on his 350z that if a cop in California hears it, he will pull you over and ask you to pop the hood. If there’s no CARB sticker they’ll write a ticket. His advice was tell them you won’t open the hood without a warrant - not sure how well that strategy will work, hoping I don’t find out.

Thanks, California - I’m sure my CAI is really causing gross pollution!

 

[Kazz]

Are you sure the K&N Typhoon isn't CARB compliant?

 

[Chris]

Are you sure the K&N Typhoon isn't CARB compliant?

Almost nothing is carb compliant.. lol