4.5M Q7/8 APR Intake Filter and Elbow (Install/ Review)

[YouSlyDog]

4.5M Q7/Q8 APR Elbow/Intake Filter (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.

1. APR vs Stock filter 1.jpg
2. APR vs Stock filter 2.jpg
3. Inside stock filter.jpg
4. Inside APR filter.jpg
5. 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

[minman26]

Nice write up. Thinking of jumping in on the Labor Day sale.

[minman26]

How's the sound volume compared to stock?

[Grouch]

How's the sound volume compared to stock?

I just bought the kit for my Q8. I had the filter already but since their kit was on sale, I bought the whole thing since APR would not sell their inlet pipe separately. Calling you out APR. If you're going to sell the filter alone for 200, might as well sell the inlet pipe separate as well. Just saying.

That said, the sound is no different than just the filter alone. I can hear the turbo whine slightly more with the inlet pipe installed, but not that much tbh.

[minman26]

I just bought the kit for my Q8. I had the filter already but since their kit was on sale, I bought the whole thing since APR would not sell their inlet pipe separately. Calling you out APR. If you're going to sell the filter alone for 200, might as well sell the inlet pipe separate as well. Just saying.

That said, the sound is no different than just the filter alone. I can hear the turbo whine slightly more with the inlet pipe installed, but not that much tbh.

Thanks! Also looks like it’s going to add another layer of time to oil changes since you’ll have to remove and re-lineup the inlet pipe each time.

[Grouch]

Thanks! Also looks like it’s going to add another layer of time to oil changes since you’ll have to remove and re-lineup the inlet pipe each time.

The APR kit comes with an adapter you mount to the top of the inlet pipe that will need to be removed but that's about it. From what I remember from installing it this weekend, it was pipe > airbox > adapter > filter > cover.

[11S5V8]

Does this make your super charger make that - that woosh sound?

[minman26]

Does this make your super charger make that - that woosh sound?

This is for the 4.5M / 3.0 turbo. Not the SC engine.

[Grouch]

Does this make your super charger make that - that woosh sound?

When I had an intake on my A4, it would like like a BOV every time I let off the gas. It does not do that on my Q8. You just hear the turbo whine a bit louder.

I have to say though, the intake really wakes up the car with a stage 1 tune.

[YouSlyDog]

Sorry been hunkered down at work.


I love the turbo sound. You hear more whistling on startup, you can go an extra step and replace the recirculating valve with a BOV fore even (more) release noise on upshifts or full throttle release.

Performance isn't too much more. Definitely needed if you are going to tune, the car does appreciate the extra air up top but if you are cruising and not really on your car, you could go without the elbow.

[minman26]

Ended up getting this and APR tune. The elbow definitely lets you hear the turbo spool. It's subtle, but it's there. And the tune really wakes the car up. Couldn't be happier.