4.5M Q7/8 APR Intake Filter and Elbow (Install/ Review)
Hey everyone, figured I'd be the one to pull the trigger on the APR intake filter/elbow. I see all the SQ(7/8) guys have all the fun with the intakes.
Between APR/Eventuri/IE for the intakes, the regular Q's got left out the inlet elbow game.
So here's my review/install for the Q7/Q8/Cayenne w/ the 3.0 55 motors.
Build
APR like always has had an honest setup w/ their CF intake parts the last 10 years, this one is no different. The filter is spot on 1:1 to the OEM size but the build is quite impressive. The interior of the filter has stronger columns and walls to support the demand/heat, also future filter media washes.
For anyone looking to get a washable filter, and didn't want the elbow, you can stop here. Go ahead a grab this one. Your only other option is BMC which is $50-70 more unless you are the plug (which in that case, wtf you hiding the connect for!)
The elbow replaces the OEM factory 2 piece with a 1 piece setup. Turbo inlet size and filter outlet diameters/shapes are the same as OEM but the neck is about 20-30% larger than stock.
- APR vs Stock filter 1.jpg
- APR vs Stock filter 2.jpg
- Inside stock filter.jpg
- Inside APR filter.jpg
- Intake Elbow (APR vs Stock).jpg
Install
TBH here guys, it wasn't a hard install, not as intensive as the SQ install. If you are a wrencher, after the car cools down some its a 30 minute job (pending you don't drop any screws/hose clamps/fasteners).
The APR install doc/also It’s Pronounced VAGuh video made it a breeze.
Of course the usual, Phillips/Flat/Torx bits, torque/wrenches needed. Remember to plug your turbo inlet with a rag to prevent any unwanted things flying in. Look at your tiny turbine wheel and think of the stage 3 upgrade from 034 Motorsports to keep up with Stage 1 SQ7/8 boys.
I will say getting the elbow at the right angle to match the top filter placement and fitting the silver crash bar under the elbow was a complete PITA. After multiple attempts of getting the angle correct, it should look like this.
Intake elbow installed.jpg
Getting everything buttoned up, the fit is pretty good.
End Result.jpg
Performance review/final thoughts
The Q7 isn't tuned. As expected, I wasn't looking for much but it was great to hear the turbo spool some more when I have the windows down. The engine is taking more air in, I'd definitely look into getting a tune ASAP but I want to wait for warranty period to end (15k more miles/1 year)
This on stage 2 would be great. I'm not sure how great gas milage will be with tune but the intake alone, also w/ HOT ASS WEATHER here in TX 2.5-3 weeks of consistent 100 deg weather, it hasn't be the nicest to these stock intercoolers.
It's a pricey upgrade (1| Filter price is crazy & 2|No competition to this model) but I'm glad I made the purchase. Excited to see the wear resistance to the filter, washing every 10k miles and getting more good cold(er) air as the weather cools. Not sure if I'd use this filter in a dusty environment but based on the size you can use the inlet elbow and stock filter. (not sure of performance goals at that point but its your life/car)
APR if you want to hook your guy up with a APR plus 93 tune, I'm free
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