COBB NISSAN REDLINE CARBON FIBER BIG SF INTAKE SYSTEM GT-R 2008-2 SKU: C-7C125
Here are the key advantages of the COBB Tuning Nissan Redline Carbon Fiber Big SF Intake System ( 2008-18 GT-R, SKU 7C1250), especially for a car like the Nissan GT‑R (R35) — followed by some caveats to keep in mind for your build.
✅ Advantages
- Increased airflow capacity / “headroom” for the MAF sensor
- The intake uses 3.0-inch diameter carbon fibre tubing, which increases the cross-section of the intake path.
- That means the stock mass-air-flow (MAF) sensor has more “headroom” — it can stay within its optimal operating range even when the engine is pulling more air.
- According to COBB, they’ve used this intake to support builds of over 600 hp and 600 lb-ft at the wheels on the GT-R, roughly a ~40% gain compared to stock (under the right supporting mods).
- For your use case (you like aggressive, high-performance builds), the extra airflow capacity is a good match.
- Lightweight, premium materials & aesthetic upgrade
- Carbon fibre tubing reduces weight compared to stock/intake-systems with heavier materials. While a full figure isn’t always published, lighter intake assemblies reduce overall mass and inertia of the airflow path. (Carbon fibre is referenced in the spec sheet.)
- Visually, the carbon fibre and polished / black clamps give an upgrade in under-hood looks, which matters if you show the car or just like refined parts.
- Better induction sound / driving “feel”
- The description mentions “Increased induction sound” and more audible turbo spool / bypass valve sound.
- While sound alone isn’t performance, for a driver looking for excitement this enhancement helps the sensory experience.
- Reusable, cleanable filter and “no cutting/trimming” install
- The kit includes a pre-oiled, cleanable & reusable custom filter element.
- Install is designed to require no bumper skin removal or major trimming — it’s intended as a “bolt-on” upgrade.
- For maintenance and long-term use that’s a plus: cleaner filter replacement, better quality clamps and silicone couplers.
- The materials for couplers: 3-ply steel reinforced silicone.
- Tuning support and compatibility
- COBB offers off-the-shelf (OTS) maps for their intake (for the key car/ecu combinations) which helps reduce tuning complexity.
- The “car from stock to big power builds” tagline emphasises it can be used on a relatively stock setup, but is also suitable for further upgrades down the line.
- This aligns with your build philosophy (you like high-performance parts).
⚠️ Things to Consider / Caveats
- Even though the airflow capacity is increased, the actual performance gain will depend a lot on what else is done (turbo system, intercooler, exhaust, tuning, etc). It’s not simply a huge hp number by itself.
- Because the MAF sensor behaviour is changed, proper tuning or use of the correct map is critical. A poor tune can result in poor air-fuel ratios, hot intake temps, etc.
- Intake heat soak / hot air ingestion: Although the kit includes quality materials, as with all air-intakes one must think about intake air temperature (IATs). If the intake draws in hot ambient or engine-bay heated air it can reduce performance, particularly in a turbo car.
- Fitment / clearances: Even though no trimming is required, you should still verify fitment in your local region — climate, installation conditions, local parts availability (carbon parts, clamps, etc).
- Emissions / legality: The kit states “50 State legal when used in accordance with OEM guide” and has CARB Executive Order D-660-63.
- Cost vs benefit: Carbon fibre intakes tend to be premium priced. Ensure the cost aligns with the “value” for your build objectives (agility, cornering, raw power) and maybe compare with other intake systems to see cost/performance trade-offs.








