The Truth from 350z is that the Intake is already a great design on 350z, They just need to use a Drop panel filter and it's already Perfect. But if you want the Noise you can go for the POD (ie JWT pop Charger). also most of the tuner in japan uses the SS tube like Matt did. So about the heatsoak i'm not too sure, if you want can just heatwrap it or so.
myself uses the CF Tube on mine with the K&N Drop in Filter.