JWT Popcharger (FAQ)

From Nissan 350Z & 370Z Wiki

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Contents 1 GENERAL 1.1 What is it? 1.2 Who makes it? 1.3 What comes with it? 1.4 Is it better than the (INSERT NAME HERE) intake? 1.5 Similar Options? 1.6 Do I need to get the car tuned? 2 PERFORMANCE & SOUND 2.1 What performance gains will I get? 2.2 When does the power kick in? 2.3 I hear a whistling noise. Is something wrong? 2.4 What does it sound like? 3 INSTALLATION 3.1 Can I install this myself? 3.2 What tools are needed? 3.3 How do I install it? 3.4 Do I need to reset the ECU? 3.5 Can I replace the OEM intake tube? 4 MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING 4.1 How often should I clean the filter? 4.2 How do I clean the filter? 4.3 What options are there for replacement filters? 4.4 I installed the Popcharger and now my car is running strange.

GENERAL

What is it?

Mistakenly, many call the Popcharger a cold air intake. It is more appropriately labeled an intake filter, and it replaces the OEM air box.

Who makes it?

The Popcharger is made by Jim Wolfe Technology (JWT).

What comes with it?

In the box you get:

1. Filter
2. Mounting adapter
3. Mounting bracket

Is it better than the (INSERT NAME HERE) intake?

This question comes up a lot, and is more a matter of opinion. Cold air intakes (CAIs) come with fancy piping, a filter, and sometimes re-route the intake to a different location outside of the hot engine bay (thus the "cold" part of the name). The JWT Popcharger is only a filter, mounting adapter, and heat shield, and should not be directly compared to CAIs costing more than double it's price.

Similar Options?

Blitz makes an equivalent product; the Blitz SUS Power Intake, but it is priced over $100 more than the Popcharger. See our list of Air Filters for more other options.

You could also build your own if you really wanted to be different. There are filter adapters available on ebay for under $5. Then you can purchase the filter of your choice (K&N is popular). You would then have to construct your own heat shield or air box.

Do I need to get the car tuned?

The idea behind the Popcharger is to allow more air to enter into the engine or allow it to flow easier. In any case, the EMU (engine management unit)]] is designed to adjust the fuel input based on air input. So within a certain range, the EMU will control A/F appropriately. This is not something to worry about.

However, if you want to squeeze some extra ponies from every engine mod, then some engine tuning is necessary (SEE OUR TUNING FAQ)

PERFORMANCE & SOUND

What performance gains will I get?

The goal of the Popcharger is to allow the engine to breathe easier. It is an important step in any modification progress. Expect a moderate ~5hp from the Popcharger alone.

When does the power kick in?

The power never "kicks in" with a simple bolt on. It will be distributed across the power band, and with a mild 5hp increase, will be hardly noticeable on a 300hp vehicle.

I hear a whistling noise. Is something wrong?

No. This is a normal sound from an open cone-type intake filter. You are hearing the sucking of the engine along with the venturi inlet of the intake adapter.

What does it sound like?

The Popcharger will give a more aggressive sound in the upper RPM band.

INSTALLATION

Can I install this myself?

Most definitely yes. This is a very simple installation and only takes a few minutes.

What tools are needed?

Simple hand tools will get the job done. A phillips head screwdriver and a 10mm socket wrench will be all you need.

How do I install it?

Installation is really easy. Follow our tutorial here: JWT Pop Charger Installation

Do I need to reset the ECU?

This is debatable and there are more theories on what the 350Z ECU is really doing than anything else. In a few words: it doesn't hurt.

Can I replace the OEM intake tube?

Yes. There are several companies now offering direct OEM intake tube replacements. These should all work with the Popcharger and help spice up the engine bay.

MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING

How often should I clean the filter?

Service intervals depend on the driving environment. Intervals can be up to 50,000 miles or as short as one day for off-road events. Generally the element can look pretty dirty and still be working at a high efficiency since new particles continue to stick to the previously trapped particles. If you are not sure, remove the element and shine a light from the inside. If you can’t see the light from the outside or it is dim, it’s time for service.

Use caution when cleaning or servicing car batteries located near the filter, as battery acid residue will eat holes in the element.

How do I clean the filter?

1. Remove the element from the POP-Charger aluminum venturi and shake out any loose dirt.
2. Spray the element liberally with a water based cleaner like 409, Simple Green, or laundry detergent mixed with warm water. Basically any cleaner that could be used to remove grease from a cotton tee shirt without damaging it.
3. Rinse the element with low pressure (IE. open ended garden hose slightly opened) water from the inside outward.
4. Dry the element by shaking or swinging it to remove the majority of water and allowing it to final dry naturally. No heat or compressed air!
5. Spray an even coat of gauze air filter oil (most motorcycle, performance shops or Jim Wolf Technology, inc.) lengthwise along each pleat. Wait a few minutes and touch up any thin or missed pleats.

What options are there for replacement filters?

JWT replacement filters can be found for $55-65. Currently there has not been any other filters confirmed to fit.

I installed the Popcharger and now my car is running strange.

First thing is to check all connections. Ensure you have the MAF connection in place and that the vacuum hoses are all connected and clamped down.