AMS Cold Air Intake vs AMS 80mm Intake

[Cujo2811]

Does anyone have a comparison between the 2 AMS intakes? I just picked up my Z and has 30mo factory warranty left on it. Don't want to completely ruin that with a tune, of which is recommended with the 80s. From my understanding I could go the 80mm rout and leave the spacers inside and it would not require a tune until I am ready. I like the sound and the future power adaptability of the 80.

On the other hand, looks to me the 80s are open in the engine bay. Would this not mean you are taking in hot engine air, vs cold air from the front of the car? I live in Florida so its hot enough already. Would the cold air intakes that are covered be a better choice here?

1st turbo car, a lot to learn, looking forward to the journey.

 

[VR30Z6spd]

i had the AMS closed and then switched to AMS 80mm

sound with 80mm is much louder, but i did notice that intake air temps are higher

depends on where you live as climate will vary

is there any power changes i did notice a bit more top end

 

[Cujo2811]

i had the AMS closed and then switched to AMS 80mm

sound with 80mm is much louder, but i did notice that intake air temps are higher

depends on where you live as climate will vary

is there any power changes i did notice a bit more top end

Cool!

Are you running the 80s open w/o sleeves with downpipes and tune, or 80s with the sleeve and no tune?
How much higher are the intake temps?
Heat exchanger help with that?

 

[Jim Calombaris]

You answered your own question! Yes, I would rather have the closed system giving the engine the colder air rather than the open high heat from the engine bay!

 

[Mizu500tt]

Deciding between the closed AMS intake and the 80mm open setup really comes down to what you’re trying to do with the car. The usual knock on the 80mm system is valid—it bypasses the factory ducting, so you lose the OEM pressure advantage and you see higher IATs, especially when the car heat-soaks. That said, once you upgrade the cooling stack, those hotter intake temps get scrubbed out long before the air hits the cylinders.

I took the middle-ground route: AMS boxed intakes, but I pulled the windows. You still get the cleaner airflow path, you keep the factory plumbing doing its job, and you get better sound without leaving the filters totally exposed. It’s a balanced setup for a daily that sees spirited driving.

In my opinion, the 80mm system is really for guys chasing big numbers—500+ to 600+ wheel. My plan is more conservative: downpipes, a proper tune, and a clean, reliable ~500 hp. That’s the ceiling where the stock VR30 tends to live a long, peaceful life without you driving around wondering which rod wants freedom today.

If someone is pushing into the 600+ club, the 80mm makes sense—just make sure the heat exchanger gets upgraded (AMS or Z1). Without that cooling support, you’re basically feeding the engine lukewarm air and hoping for the best, which is not a strategy.

 

[ZMidlife]

You answered your own question! Yes, I would rather have the closed system giving the engine the colder air rather than the open high heat from the engine bay!

With an upgraded HX, the additional thermal capacity should be more than enough to keep charge air temps a bit above ambient

 

[Hernandooo]

If you want the open air intakes, i would suggest at least fabricating a heat shield, you can still get the cold air benefits by doing soo.

I tried the open air, even with upgraded AMS HX, Intercooler and Z1 Coolant pump upgrade, my Z didn't like it, and water & air intake temps were fluctuating from 70C to 110C. I put the cover back on, and it was fine.

 

[Cujo2811]

If you want the open air intakes, i would suggest at least fabricating a heat shield, you can still get the cold air benefits by doing soo.

I tried the open air, even with upgraded AMS HX, Intercooler and Z1 Coolant pump upgrade, my Z didn't like it, and water & air intake temps were fluctuating from 70C to 110C. I put the cover back on, and it was fine.

See this is what I was thinking! TY.

Where are you guys getting the intake temperature data?

 

[VR30Z6spd]

i am going for max power on stock turbos
80mm intakes without sleeve so from 2.5 inch to 3 inch (much be tuned)
full DP catless
full ehaust
AMS intercoolers
AMS heat exchanger
lower pressure pump upgrade
stage 2 AMS hpfp
flex kit

pushing 500rwhp

 

[Hernandooo]

See this is what I was thinking! TY.

Where are you guys getting the intake temperature data?

Ecutek Bluetooth ODB