Real Life Pics: STi TB Hose, STi and Zerosports Drop-in Panel Filters

[Dendrobium]

My gf was really good to me at Xmas

Anyways, I thought I'd share some pics of these items as I've rarely seen pics posted before of what they look like in real life:

1. STi Throttle body hose - I've had a SAMCO TB Hose, and I must say that the STi one is more than just a rebranded SAMCO. It is indeed better made - "beefier" as it appears to be made of a stiffer grade of silicone than the SAMCO, and has reinforced, stiffer edges.

However, the inside of the Sti one seems not as smooth as the SAMCO, perhaps owing to the stiffer grade of silicone rubber used.



My gf also gave me this rare item - an STi drop-in panel filter. The construction really is top notch. What you can't see from pics on websites is the quality of this piece. I was really impressed with it.

Upon closer examination (As you'll see in the pics below) it turns out it is actually a combination foam/thick "cottony" paper media and is NOT OILED - to ease all fears of sensor contamination. During it's lifetime - I am pretty confident that it'll do a great job at filtering.



You can see here in this close up pic that this filter actually has a THIN foam-based filter media behind a fine stainless steel mesh on top -- the "STi" is 3D painted into the foam layer.


Here's the bottom of the filter - it uses the OEM METAL frame and rubber seal for strength and 100% correct fitment, I feel good knowing it'll fit EXACTLY.


Here's a close-up of the bottom filtering media - my best description is it is like K&N cotton gauze on steriods. It is VERY THICK and plush -- yet also very STIFF so it holds its shape without need for a reinforcing mesh like K&N uses. It almost looks like a combination of cotton fibers and paper to me - judge for yourself:


(continued in next post..)

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[Dendrobium]

Finally, my gf ALSO gave me this authentic zerosports N1 panel filter for WRX. It also is paper-based and NON-OILED so you don't risk sensor contamination. It is of a design very similiar to OEM, but looks like it has more pleats, and the pleats look more rigid.




So far, I've only installed the TB hose (which is really just a dressup item) The filters, I'm saving them for my next two major service intervals -- guess I won't be going back to OEM paper for awhile.. ! maybe never if my gf keeps getting me japanese goodies! She really is the best.

-- Dendrobium

[z wrx]

She's definately a keeper

Nice pics!

[esteve]

Is your gf that knowledgeable about cars or did you tell her what to get you??

Either way, marry her NOW!

[Dendrobium]

I think it's more from looking over my shoulder while I'm on the computer (and looking through my browser history) than anything else.

Honestly - it surprised me too -- ie. never underestimate a woman's sharp eye and skill in shopping!

[Wheeldog]

On the STi panel filter - Are there any instructions that come with it that tell you how long it is supposed to last, or whether it can be cleaned and re-used? They're about five times as expensive as the OEM filter so I'm guessing they can be cleaned and re-used.

[Dendrobium]

yes, everything came with instructions, and boxed in STi part #'d boxes so it's all genuine. (even the TB hose came with instructions) but they're all in japanese.

AFAIK though, both of the above filters were not designed to be cleaned and re-used (fyi: there was no trace of oil on either filter) I believe it really is a one-time use thing (albeit $$$)

perhaps someone who can read the japanese instructions can chime in - or if there's interest - I can look into posting a scan of the instrs so that someone can translate?

-- Dendrobium

[Wheeldog]

Okay. It's no big deal, I was just wondering. Thanks for the response.

[Dendrobium]

no worries wheeldog! Sorry if my last reply sounded too serious - didn't mean for it to be.

Actually, your questions are part of the reason why I posted the pics in the first place -- because information on these particular filters is hard to find.

-- Dendrobium

[Arnie]

Originally posted by Dendrobium
I think it's more from looking over my shoulder while I'm on the computer (and looking through my browser history) than anything else.

Honestly - it surprised me too -- ie. never underestimate a woman's sharp eye and skill in shopping!

Who knows, she could have gotten you some porn star off of another one of the sites you frequent! Be careful about those histories!

Very nice filters.