Authors Posts by Kyle@STILLEN

Kyle@STILLEN

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A few years ago the DOT (Department of Transportation) cracked down on all of the replacement light manufacturers due to their non-compliance.  After that a few companies have risen up and shown themselves to be of superior quality.

Because of the history of poor fitting, sealing, and cracking problems I have seen over the years I was skeptical about the overall performance and quality of aftermarket lights.  Recently we started working with a headlight manufacturer known as Anzo and they were confident that I would be nothing less than impressed.

Anzo USA Logo



We figured we’d put them to the test.

Well, after installing the Anzo’s and driving with them, and trying to flood them with a hose we can say that Anzo lights are phenomonal. We are very impressed with their ease of installation, the perfect fit and finish, and the awesome light they put out. We have no problem recommending these to all of our customers.

Anzo Projector Headlight Installation Article

Anzo Headlights Tundra

Anzo LED Taillight Installation Article

Anzo Taillights Tundra

Look back in the near future for a how-to on installing HID conversion kit into these head lamps.  (Which basically voids the DOT approval but perfect for off-roading…)

Why did I take the time to write up a full installation article of this project? Well, it’s simple. I’m scared of wiring. I hate wiring things. I am comfortable building engines, wrenching on suspension, and basically EVERY other part of a vehicle. But, wiring is not something I’ve ever felt comfortable with. So, I figured that if I can do this, anyone can.

To remove the O.E. headlight you must first remove the lower panel. That is a bit of a pain to get off. There are two little button clips on the inside (image below) and there are two additional pins that have to come out of their mounting locations on the other side. These are TIGHT and require a firm tug to remove them.

Tundra Headlight


At this point I got smart and decided to tape up my front bumper to protect the paint. I highly recommend this as you will be leaning the headlight against it quite a bit. When you are ready to remove the headlight unbolt the two 10mm screws on top and the one on the outside of the headlight (attached to the fender.) Removing the headlight is pretty straightforward however there is a little clip built into the factory light that is locked in by a metal brace. Just release that clip and the headlight basically falls out. This step does take some maneuvering and tolerances get pretty tight. Take your time and be careful.


Go ahead and remove all of the clips from their lights. Just leave the light bulbs inside the headlight housing as they will not be re-used. I did pull out my bulbs first and happened to notice that the amber bulb that is always on gets REALLY hot!!! Up to this point I have not made any modifications to my lights and the truck only has 25,000 miles on it. You can clearly see that the bulb is burning in its mount.


Once you have the old headlight out of the way you will need to begin preparing your new Anzo light. Begin by wrapping together the red wires then the black wires (red to red and black to black.)


Next, locate the parking light connector. This is the smallest of all of the connectors. It uses a tiny little bulb and is located in the top corners of the headlight housing. Go ahead and strip the protective black plastic shell and the electrical tape. This will expose the green and white wires. Once you’ve done that, go ahead and splice in the wiring to the new headlights. Red wires go to green and black wires go to white. Anzo recommends just wrapping them up and connecting them with electrical tape. I don’t personally think that’s good enough so I went ahead and soldered them together. Then I wrapped them all up in electrical tape. I would have used some heat shrink tubing but I didn’t have the right size handy.


At this point you will want to make sure that your halo’s and lights are fully functional before bolting everything back into place. Go ahead and clip everything back together so you can confirm that everything is working.


Once you have confirmed that everything is working perfectly go ahead and re-install the headlights and proceed to the other side. Here are some more comparison pictures.


And some completed pictures…


And some outdoor night time pictures…(With the hood up ‘cuz you know, that’s how EVERYONE drives at night…Gimme a break, it was midnight by the time I finished.)

 

Article and photography by Kyle Millen

We’ll be trying to aggregate our informational articles for install on the various products we have here at STILLEN, as well as additional vendor products we install here and there.

Check back often for new things being added.

Installation Articles:




























STILLEN is proud to announce the opening of Beshoff Infiniti in San Jose, California.  STILLEN has long had good working relationships with dealers, and we’re proud to have Beshoff in the STILLEN family.

Beshoff Infiniti San Jose - Carries STILLEN Products

Beshoff Infiniti in San Jose, CA

Beshoff’s gorgeous new facility is a premier full service dealership offering many automotive products and services, including STILLEN performance parts for the Infiniti line.

Some aren’t aware that a lot of STILLEN products are sold and installed by dealerships, and it’s not uncommon for dealerships to outfit a new Infiniti with product as it’s sold, or after the purchase of a vehicle. Beshoff would be happy to accommodate you.  It can also be nice to amortize those add-ons into the loan of the car.

If you’re in the San Jose area, we’d encourage you to drop by Beshoff for a cup of gourmet coffee and take a tour of their facility.  Let them know STILLEN sent you, and get a chance to see the STILLEN performance items in person.


Beshoff Infiniti is located at 2198 Tully Road in San Jose, CLICK HERE for a map, or give them a call at (888) 653-9064.

Continuing with the performance success of the STILLEN Generation 3 Intake System for the 3.7L engines in the G37 Coupe and G37 Sedan, STILLEN is proud to release the Gen 3 Intake for the Dual Throttle Body G35 Sedan.

STILLEN G35 Sedan Gen 3 Ultra Long Intake


STILLEN G35 Sedan Gen 3 Ultra Long Intake

When developing these intakes, we’ve seen the highest gains after 7-8 dyno runs. This intake was installed on a customer vehicle, so we limited testing to 3 runs.  During this testing, gains are up just over 15hp to the wheels (dyno below) at high RPM’s, 12hp peak, and may increase slightly.

Sound is mild during normal driving, but spirited under acceleration, especially over 5,500 RPM.  These intakes are in stock and shipping.  Pricing and additional information available HERE.

More information and a video (for approximate reference on sound) is available on the G37 Coupe Gen 3 Intake Blog post HERE.

Additional Gen 3 Ultra Long Intake Photos

STILLEN is proud to release our line of high performance STILLEN Lightweight Standard / Underdrive Pulleys for popular Nissan/Infiniti applications.  OEM steel pulleys, especially crank pulleys, can be quite heavy, robbing horsepower.

Upgrading these pulleys to a STILLEN 6061 Aluminum set reduces rotating mass, allowing for easier and quicker revving of the engine, resulting in increased performance.

In the case of underdrive applications, the reduced outside diameter of the pulley allows for the accessories to run slower, freeing up additional horsepower from the drivetrain, and putting that recovered power to the wheels.

STILLEN has a long heritage of machining precision pulleys for our supercharger kits, and used that expertise to create pulleys with a bold new design.  Weight savings is dramatic, up to 80% lighter than stock and up to 10% lighter than other aftermarket pulleys. We have seen power gains of up to 10+ HP at the wheels.

SSTILLEN Lightweight Standard / Underdrive Pulley Features:

  • 6061 Aerospace Grade Billet Aluminum
  • Bold New Design Maximizing Performance, Strength and Minimum Weight
  • 304 Stainless Steel Sleeves for Main Seal Contact Points For Durability
  • Stock Timing Marks Maintained – Keyways are Precision Broached
  • CNC Turned, Milled and Balanced from CAD Designs
  • Underdrive Applications – 20% Approximate Underdrive

Click Here for a full list of applications and features.

Or for specific pulleys see below:

Nissan 350Z (Z33) underdrive lightweight crank pulley

Nissan 350Z (Z33) standard performance lightweight crank pulley

Infiniti FX35 standard performance lightweight crank pulley

Infiniti G35 standard performance lightweight crank pulley

Nissan Frontier/Pathfinder/Xterra/Suzuki Equator standard performance lightweight crank pulley

2002-2006 Nissan Sentra SE-R/Altima standard performance lightweight crank pulley

Nissan 370Z Underdrive Performance lightweight crank pulley

Infiniti G37 Underdrive Performance lightweight crank pulley

2009-2015 Nissan Maxima/2007-2012 Nissan Altima 3.5 liter underdrive Performance Lightweight Crank Pulley

Nissan 350Z/Infiniti G35 Standard Performance lightweight crank pulley

2007-2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 liter/2007-2012 Nissan Sentra SE-R standard performance lightweight crank pulley

More applications of the STILLEN Lightweight Standard / Underdrive Pulleys are currently in R&D and will be released soon!

STILLEN Lightweight Pulleys

No, you didn’t read the title incorrectly… this is a unique opportunity… the ability to own the STILLEN 350Z Magazine Cover and Show Car!

STILLEN 350Z

UPDATE 3/16: Relisted on eBay – Original sale didn’t go through:  eBay Auction

2004 Nissan 350Z 6MT

STILLEN built this 350Z as a showcase for all of the parts we manufacture. It has been featured in numerous media outlets, including several magazine covers, TV shows, online features, etc.

DSport September 2006 Cover
DSport September 2006
Click Here to Read

NOPI Street Performance Compact – December 2005
Click Here to Read

Here is the spec sheet and modifications list:

385HP in the Stage 2 CARB Legal configuration, and can easily be upgraded to Stage 3 non-CARB legal configuration bringing horsepower to 410.

This 350Z has just under 6,900 miles, and has always been warehoused indoors. Vehicle is only used for shows and special engagements.

$30,380 is the value of the parts, labor, paint and graphics installed onto this 350Z, in addition to the original cost of just over $40,000 with tax and license. Total investment of over $70,000!

This car is ready for the track, without compromising the ride quality for use as a daily driver. It has an excellent balance of performance, handling and styling, and features virtually everything STILLEN has available for the 350Z.

Modifications List:

ENGINE
• STILLEN Stage 2 – Intercooled Supercharger (CARB EXEMPT)
STILLEN Hi-Flow CAI Airbox
STILLEN Center Exit Cat-Back Exhaust System
STILLEN Performance Aluminum Radiator
STILLEN Power Steering Cooler
STILLEN Oil Cooler
STILLEN Grounding Kit – Red
• STILLEN Engine Oil Cap

SUSPENSION
STILLEN Adjustable Front & Rear Sway Bars
• STILLEN Front Strut Tower Brace
• STILLEN Rear Camber Adjusters
• STILLEN Rear Adjustable Toe Arms
• Koni Sport Shocks (Yellows) – Adjustable Front/Rear
Eibach Pro-Kit Springs

EXTERIOR

STILLEN Series 2 Hood
STILLEN Urethane Front Fascia – Series 2
STILLEN Urethane Side Rockers – Series 3
• STILLEN Urethane Center Exit Rear Valance- discontinued
STILLEN Type 1 Urethane Rear Wing
STILLEN Adjustable Splitter for Series 2 Fascia
STILLEN Brake Ducts – for Series 2 Fascia
STILLEN Urethane Roof Wing
• STILLEN Vinyl Exterior Graphics (easily removable)

BRAKES
• AP Racing Front 6-Piston / 14.25″ 2pc. Rotor Brake Kit – Red- discontinued
• AP Racing Rear 4-Piston / 2pc. Rotor Brake Kit – Red- discontinued

WHEELS & TIRES
• Front – Volk Racing TE37 Gunmetal 19×8.5″ (29mm offset)
• Rear – Volk Racing TE37 Gunmetal 19×9.5″ (34mm offset)
• Yokohama AVS Sport
– 245/35ZR19 Front
– 295/35ZR19 Rear

STILLEN and AP Racing are proud to announce the release of upgraded Curved Vane Front and Rear Brake Rotors for the R35 Nissan GT-R.  These AP Racing R35 GT-R Brake Rotor are a track-proven upgrade to the OE Brembo components.

STILLEN AP Racing Nissan GT-R R35 Upgraded Curved Vane Brake Rotors

The STILLEN / AP Racing Curved Vane Rotors utilize a curved-vane core (48 vanes) which allow for better thermal management, providing improved cooling over the OE pillar vane design.  They also have 12 curved slots which improve pad bite and not prone to cracking under severe use, which the OE rotors are plagued by.

Nissan GT-R Brake Rotor Cutaway

The need for these rotors became evident quickly when GT-R owners in the UK began touring various race tracks, and having issues with standard discs only lasting 2-3 track days at the maximum.  AP Racing was contacted, and within a couple of weeks rotors were available and testing began.

Results were all positive, with no signs of cracking, and consistency of pedal and performance were reported.

Highlights from the STILLEN R35 GT-R Brake Rotor Product Page:

  • Top quality, proprietary iron alloy with multi-stage thermal processing.
  • Curved-vane core (48 vanes) for better thermal management under extreme use. More expensive to make, but improved cooling over the OE pillar vane design.
  • 12 curved slots (not drilled!) to improve pad bite and resist cracking under severe use.
  • Precisely balanced at high RPM for smooth operation at any vehicle speed.
  • Friction faces finished on the latest generation twin-turning equipment, better DTV (Disc Thickness Variation) and less runout than typical double-disc grinding machines.
  • Includes fresh hardware for track-day confidence every day.
  • Added bonus: Even priced less than the standard OE discs!

More product information and pricing available here.- items discontinued, article kept for information purposes.

Items discontinued, article kept for information purposes.

Here’s your chance to own a STILLEN-built 2004 F-150 that was a Truckin’ Magazine feature and cover truck!

STILLEN 2004 F-150 Truckin' Magazine Cover Truck


The truck for sale has been listed on eBay with no reserve.

This auction ends January 6, 2009 @ 3pm

Here is the spec sheet and modifications list:

2004 Ford F-150 5.4L Extended Cab Regular Bed

STILLEN built this custom truck in 2004 to take to the SEMA Show, and has since been featured in numerous media outlets, including the cover and feature in the Fall 2004 issue of Truckin’ Magazine.  PDF of the feature is located here:  Truckin’ Magazine – Fall 2004

This vehicle is stored indoors and only used for shows or special engagements. It only has 2,600 miles!

The F-150 has an Air Ride air suspension setup, and the ride height is completely adjustable, from slammed to raised, and features independent control of height for each corner, and gauges are installed in the dash for PSI monitoring.

The extensive stereo system is built into the back seat area, but we will send the factory (color matched) rear seats with the truck, in the case of wanting to convert the truck back to a 5 seater.

It features a two-tone PPG paint scheme, along with urethane body components, 20/22″ wheels and tires, exhaust, intake and billet accessories.

There is over $18,000 worth of parts, paint and labor invested into this show truck.  The extensive list of parts and modifications are listed below:

EXTERIOR

• STILLEN Urethane – Front Bumper Cover
• STILLEN Urethane – Upper Bumper Cover w/ 6” Lights
• STILLEN Urethane – Side Rockers
• STILLEN Urethane – Rear Roll Pan
• Street Scene Equipment Urethane – Smooth Bed Rails
• Street Scene Equipment Urethane – Tailgate Wing
• Street Scene Wiper Cowl
• Street Scene Chrome Upper Speed Grille
• Street Scene Chrome Lower Speed Grille
• Street Scene Air Induction Hood
• Street Scene Equipment Sport Signal Mirrors
• Boze Polished Door Handles
• Boze Polished Tailgate Handle
• LineX – Spray Liner
• Exterior PPG Paint – Huckill Paint & Graphics
• PIAA Driving Lights

PERFORMANCE
• Volant Cold Air Intake System
• Gibson Dual Catback Exhaust

BRAKES
• STILLEN AP Racing 6 Piston 15” – Front
• STILLEN Cross Drilled / Slotted Rotors – Rear

SUSPENSION

• 4-Link Shockwave Air Ride Technologies Suspension -Rear
• Shockwave Air Ride Air Struts – Front

WHEELS & TIRES
• Front – 20” American Racing “Titan” Wheels
• Rear – 22″ American Racing “Titan” Wheels
• Toyo Proxes – High Performance ZR Rated Tires

INTERIOR
• Classic Soft Trim Carbon Fiber Seats
• Trenz Billet Pedals
• Integrated Air Bag Meters & Controls – In Dash
• Underhood Radiator Cowl Matched to Exterior

AUDIO & VIDEO
• Pioneer Head Unit w/ Active DVD Monitor
• Pioneer 6-Disc Changer – In Console
• Accelevision DVD Player – Under Passenger Seat
• 4 MB Quart Mids
• 2 MB Quart Highs
• 2 Lightning Audio 12” Subs
• 4 Lightning Audio Amplifiers
• 4 Lightning Audio Power Cells

The highly anticipated development of the STILLEN Generation 3 Ultra Long Tube Intake (Part #402847) for the 2009 G37 Sedan is now a reality.  Sedan owners can now benefit from the extensive R&D done with the 3.7L motor here at STILLEN.

STILLEN G37 Sedan Gen 3 Intake System

Over 50 variations of this intake were used in the development on the 3.7L Coupe to get the largest gains possible.  Gains on the G37 Sedan are 14hp and 10 lb/ft at the wheels. (Dyno below.)

The Generation 3 Intake System has a mild sound when cruising around, and an aggressive, undeniably powerful note when put under throttle.


Pricing and information can be found on the STILLEN Gen 3 Intake product page HERE.  These are in stock and shipping.

More information and a video (for approximate reference on sound) is available on the G37 Coupe Gen 3 Intake Blog post HERE.