Frontier / Xterra / Pathfinder Intake Manifold Spacer (IMS) was designed to improve horsepower and torque across the powerband where your truck needs it the most.
The intake manifold spacer is a popular modification for Nissan's 4.0L V6 engine, and since we launched our off-road store it has been one of our most requested products. Before we start production on any new products we first worked towards validating any proposed claims or benefits. On paper, some of the numbers seemed too good to be true.
At the start of this project, Z1 engineers used design software to render CAD models of the spacer in various thicknesses to find what size spacer produces the best results on the VQ40 engine. After modeling the proposed sizes, we put our resin-based SLA 3D printers to work to create a functioning prototype that could be used for repeated testing on the dyno and road testing. When testing the typical size spacers we weren't at all surprised to find that the peak numbers other people advertise seemed to be....optimistic to say the least. However, it seemed to be a good starting point with some improvements to partial throttle drivability.
The Final Product
Through thorough testing and analysis, we determined that the best performing spacer was 20mm thick. The Z1 Intake Manifold Spacer is precision machined from 6061 billet aluminum and receives a type II anodize coating for best appearance and corrosion resistance. Unlike other spacers that include a flat paper gasket, Z1 spacers were designed to accept OEM style intake gaskets (also included) for optimal sealing performance and longevity. Additionally, Ethanol compatible gaskets can be used for later model Frontiers with flex-fuel capability. By machining these adapters to utilize factory intake gaskets, you can be confident that a proper seal can be achieved.
The Gains
When testing on multiple vehicles, we saw peak gains of up to 14whp and 20lb-ft of torque, but the numbers alone don't tell the whole story. In addition to the increase in overall horsepower and torque, we saw moderate improvements in power and torque spread throughout the powerband as illustrated in the dyno chart below. On the dyno graph directly below, the Z1 Intake Manifold Spacer was tested on a Frontier with a manual transmission and various bolt-on modifications such as a cold air intake. These mods worked well with the spacer and we feel they helped provide great gains.
This next dyno graph illustrates the gains on a completely stock Frontier with an automatic transmission. This truck showed a slightly lower increase in peak power and torque but the improvements in the powerband were consistent with all of the other vehicles we have tested.
On the roads, we noticed this improvement most under partial throttle loads in mid to low RPM where your truck operates the most. The day-to-day performance improvement stood out to us more than what you see on just a dyno graph.
Features:
- Easy to install
- Improves mid-range power and torque
- Manufactured from 6061 Billet Aluminum
- Includes hardware and gaskets
- Standard gaskets are now compatible with standard fuel and ethanol (E85 / Flex Fuel)
- Includes flange head bolts properly sized to work with the factory upper plenum
- Uses OEM style gaskets for best sealing performance
Fits:
- 2005-2015 Nissan Xterra
- 2005-2019 Nissan Frontier 4.0L
- 2005-2012 Nissan Pathfinder 4.0L
*** This item does not qualify for any additional discounts or promotions *** |
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