The Nissan GTR is the unicorn of all supercars. Fueled by a satisfying V6 turbocharged engine, this all-wheel-drive powerhouse is a joy to drive with enough seating for four and all the latest tech features you could want. It’s no wonder why this car can be enjoyed by a vast array of drivers. Having launched at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2007, Nissan’s legendary supercar hasn’t lost its mojo throughout the years. While it may be argued that the revisions were far from immense, sometimes it’s better to stick to something that works and is adored. The current Nissan GTR R35 platform is so unique and intuitive, that the car is great for both daily driving, spirited weekend getaways, and hardcore track days. When it comes to the ideal sports car, some argue that the GTR has everything you’d want from a well-rounded vehicle.
The heart of this legend is a twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6 engine that delivers a prodigious (and standard) 565 horses with an equally impressive 467 pound-feet of torque. When developing the GTR, Nissan had challenged the conventional large and heavy fuel-thirsty engines. Instead, the Japanese marque opted for a more ideally sized one that is built from a closed-deck cylinder block to a ladder frame structure for added support. An IHI turbocharger is mounted on each bank of the engine. The exhaust manifolds, inspired by the latest racing technology, have optimized turbo flange attachment points that allow for easier servicing and potential tuning. In order to ensure that there is no turbo lag as torque rises, high-precision electronic controls are employed. Nissan also implemented an abradable seal housing from its GT3 racing program to deliver enhanced engine response at lower RPMs.
The Nissan GTR R35 also features a stunning titanium exhaust that helps guarantee appropriate cooling from the engine’s massive output. Speaking of cooling, however, upgrading your Nissan GTR’s air intake system can really take your car to a whole new level and unleash some of its hidden power. With an upgraded air intake system, you will experience a plethora of benefits that include: improved sound, better performance, increased power figures, reusable filters, enhanced acceleration, and more fuel economy. It’s no wonder why it is one of the most popular first mods that enthusiasts install.
If you are looking to get more out of your GTR, replacing its restrictive air intake can make a noticeable difference. After all, the OEM manufacturer spends a lot of time reducing turbo noise at the expense of horsepower. Upgrading to a cold air intake system, for example, will allow your turbos to ingest all the cold air they need to perform and their best. The result? A significant boost in power and better audio of the turbos spooling up. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to let your engine breathe a little freer and fun a little better with fresher, cooler air. To help you along, we have listed the top 3 best aftermarket air intake systems below based on factors such as performance, value, and quality. In addition to the following systems, you can browse through more intake options right here.
#1 AMS Alpha Carbon Fiber Cold Air Intake
AMS Performance’s Alpha R35 GTR Carbon Fiber Cold Air Intake was designed to draw a higher volume of cool air into the stock turbochargers, while also improving the metering capability of the factory MAF sensors. With this intake installed, your car’s bulky air filter boxes are replaced with the AMS high-flow dry media filters and carbon fiber tubing. This system eliminates clutter within the engine bay to give it that added show quality, while also drawing cooler air in. By increasing the cross-sectional area of tubing, it allows the stock MAF sensors to accurately meter airflow up to and beyond 1000 horses! That’s an immense improvement over the stock Nissan intake system. Beyond that, this system delivers four pounds of weight savings and makes your car’s turbo and blow-off valve (BOV) more audible.
AMS Performance originally designed this system to complement its Alpha 7 Performance Package. Since the intake pipes are in close proximity to the exhaust manifold, AMS chose a motorsports-grade carbon fiber material that is both hand-laid and high-temperature resistant. The Alpha intakes use 3-layers of 1mm twill weave prepreg carbon fiber capable of sustaining a 240-degree Celsius temperature threshold while maintaining the structural integrity and aesthetic appearance without any fading or yellowing over time.
This system boasts a seamless installation process, without requiring any trimming, cutting, or bumper removal. It can be installed in just minutes using basic hand tools. The intake’s couplers are also compatible with the factory turbo inlet pipes, as well as other aftermarket inlets that use stock 2 bolt compressor/turbo inlet suction pipe configurations. Furthermore, with the purpose-built, reusable synthetic high-flow dry media filter, you will no longer have to purchase factory paper filters down the road.
Should you ever exceed the limits of your GTR’s stock MAF sensors, the Alpha Carbon Fiber Cold Air Intake can be easily upgraded to operate as speed density by simply adding the Alpha R35 GT-R MAF Block-Off Plates. Also, because the pipe size offsets the calibration of the factory GTR MAF sensor, this system requires an aftermarket ECU calibration. AMS recommends the Cobb AccessPort, but the intake is compatible with all other ECU calibration solutions too.
#2 aFe Takeda Stage-2 Cold Air Intake
The aFe Takeda Stage-2 cold air intake system features a 29” cylindrical air filter mounted horizontally behind your car’s center grille. This design draws a massive amount of air during high boost. Two smaller auxiliary conical filters are placed outside of the grille, directly in line and closer to the turbo in order to draw airflow early and provide additional air across the entire powerband. What’s more, the dual 3”-diameter aluminum wrinkle-black powder-coated intake tube is mandrel-bent for improved volumetric efficiency.
This unique dual-flange filter is specifically designed to fit into your car’s OE bumper with core support for maximum airflow. The Pro 5R pre-oiled filter is also washable and reusable for the ultimate in convenience, value, and overall efficiency. aFe reports that this cold air intake delivers up to 17 horsepower and 20 pound-feet of torque for the R35 GTR. It also outflows Nissan’s factory intake by 24 percent!
aFe’s cold air intake for the Nissan GTR has been flow-tested and dyno-tested using the latest cutting-edge engineering tools so that no additional tuning is required to experience real performance gains. This system also boasts a hassle-free, quick installation. It comes with all the necessary hardware, including silicone couplings for added strength and durability. This is a direct bolt-on kit that does not require any cutting or drilling of your GTR’s factory parts. Additionally, this cold air intake is legal in all 50 states.
#3 GotBoost 3-inch Intake w/ Green Filters
The GotBoost 3″ intake system for R35 GTR has been expertly engineered and rigorously tested to bring you significant gains in both horsepower and torque, together with enhanced boost response and a tantalizing soundtrack. This system is available in a satin black wrinkle powder-coat or a polished finish. It also comes with the new GotBoost proprietary high-performance Green Filters. The Green Filters have a larger, custom-sized design that boasts more surface area than the K&N filters they replace and also allows for more airflow.
The GotBoost intake system is fully manufactured right here in the USA. It features one-piece aluminum mandrel-bent tubing with proper MAG orientation with relation to the bends. It includes silicone couplers with stainless steel clamps, and also mounting brackets to firmly stabilize the intake tube. This system has been fully tested with Cobb canned 3″ intake maps and is guaranteed to deliver awesome performance and sound. It is also very simple to tune; the MAF re-calibration is necessary and easily done via an e-tune.
On top of all that, this air intake system boasts show-quality welds, fitment, and finish for an all-around great value with proven gains and a no-hassle installation. Bumper removal is not necessary for installation. The filters are sized to easily fit through your GTR’s radiator cooling panel without destroying them. The ease and convenience of filter installation and removal also mean that owners are more likely to clean and service the system for better performance.
