Posted: Sep 18 2010 at 12:39pm | IP Logged

I have a 2005 Frontier ext cab SE 4x4 4.0L. I am looking for an aftermarket exhaust and possibly an intake for my truck. I am looking to get a performance boost out of my truck and have been reading the forums to get a good idea of whats out there and how people like their choices in upgrades. 

Exhaust: I am looking for an exhaust kit that offers an increase in fuel economy, power, and a good sound when you step on it.  Right now i plan on spending between 300 - 550. I am leaning towards a BANKS system from what others have posted. Please post what product you have, the price you paid, and what performance you have recieved from it.

Intake: I am a little undecided about the intake due to reports of intakes like K&N allowing more dirt particles to enter through the filter.  I also read about resolveable issues involving increased revs at idle. I plan on spending between 40 - 350. If i get an intake I am leaning towards a K&N cold air intake.  Please post what product you have, the price you paid, and what performance you have recieved from it.

Any info helps. This is my first post. Thanks to all.

Posted: Sep 19 2010 at 12:03pm | IP Logged

For intake I went with the AEM Brute Force Dry Flow. Had a K&N before and lost the MAF due to the oiling of the filter (Truck was a Chevy) after that little episode swore off all oilable filters. I got lucky and fell into a chrome AEM for $99 brand new on EBAY.

For exhaust I am planning on a Banks Monster like you. My reasearch shows it to be amoung the best for the money. Plus replacing the Y pipe is a bonus.

Programmer is what I am reasearching into now. Once I settle on one I will order the exhaust and programmer at the same time.

I would like to hear some real MPG gains with the various exhaust and programmers.

Posted: Sep 21 2010 at 8:47am | IP Logged

Did you see similar performance from the AEM dry intake as you did with the K&N? Was the K&N a replacement filter or was it a CAI?

I agree on the need for data on the programmers and exhaust. Hope some more users post their mods. 

Posted: Sep 27 2010 at 3:58pm | IP Logged

frontierguy wrote: Nissan requires an oil impregnated air filter-Chevy can not tolerate them.

Hmm first I hear of that. Haven't had any issues with the AEM. It was sold as a kit with the dry filter included made specifically for the truck. The factory one was dry. Also read the sticky at the top of this forum "Basics of adding HP" It addresses the Brute force dry filter and know where does it mention the Frontier requires an oiled filter. Not trying to start anything just pointing out what I have read.

Posted: Sep 27 2010 at 4:00pm | IP Logged

They both seemed to perform the same and both were CAI.

Posted: Dec 26 2010 at 2:37pm | IP Logged

I have an 05 frontier and my mods include an Airaid quick-fit intake and a Gibson exhaust system. I am very happy with my chioces. My driving is mostly city, so thats where I wanted to improve my mpg. Conservative driving gets me about 18 or better, lot of stop and go. On the highway driving between 65-70 with cruise on at times, 262 mile trip got there with a little over half a tank of fuel left. I guessing about 23-24 mpg. Am happy with the performance of both products. Exhaust is not too loud, just a nice rummble sound. Intake sounds great. Sounds and runs really great when you step on it,compared to how it ran when stock. The  airaid cost me $199p/t and the exhaust cost $436 aluminized. Thinking on programer, but how much of an improvement will it give me and the cost.