Darkstar Motorsports Turbo Inlet Pipe

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AllLostThings

Member
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2007 Mazdaspeed 3
For all those curious or a bit skeptical of the group buy I just wanted to say I got my inlet pipe in the mail today. It looks lke a pretty nice peice too I have to say. Rolled lip on one end, powdercoated black, a few hose clamps and a silicone coupler peice. I'll post pics of it later and try to throw it in on Monday and do some install pics and a review.

+1 to darkstar as far as I'm concerned. I've never done buisness with them before but I more than likely will again.
 
can't wait to see it man - LOL... I can't wait to see the inlet pipe I ordered on the 15th. It's been an up-hill battle to get the tracking number. Glad you like the piece!
 
Ok so the inlet pipe is in....I have to say...I'm no pro at installs but I can do bolt ons. This ******* sucked...swearing out loud just to hear my own voice sucked...but it's in. It's pressed real hard against the battery box so I couldn't bolt that all the way down. Part of the problem is also that I got a Vibrant racing silicone recirc hose for and it wouldn't fit over my turboxs bov....overall I'm PISSED but it's in. I'm cleaning my intake cone now. I chopped the CAI down so I figured I'd clean the filter while it was within reach. I went for a little test spin and it seemed to have a bit more low end and the sound is diffrent for sure. I'll take pics later on when I dont' want to smash something.
 
Sorry to hear that the install was a pain in the a$$ dude. Well I finally did get my tacking number but even with it, I still have no clue as to when I will receive the inlet pipe. Did you have the same issue with USPS? Can't wait to see the pics man.
 
Honestly I got an email about 2 weeks ago that my shipping label was made and that it would ship shortly. I had read the group buy was ending on the 31st of Jan so I figured mine would ship out the following Monday at the earliest. Boom...it was on my doorstep on the 30th of Jan...

Here's some pics of the whole kit you get. I took some install pics but it was really dark out so they kinda suck. I'll do more later.
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It's also not the best install ever. I was kinda at the end of my rope so I buttoned it up and went for a test drive. I'll "pretty it up" on another warm day.
 
Like many of you, I ordered mine a while ago (about 3 weeks) and haven't received it yet. I was under the impression this would be an easy install AND be well worth the $100 but this thread is giving me second thoughts. Since (I'm assuming) it's not too late to cancel my order... what are your thoughts on the actual performance of this thing? Any buyer's remorse?
 
No...honestly no buyers remorse at all. I've been hearing all along that it's not a huge butt dyno gain and that the turbo only really spools up 500RPMs sooner, the sound of the turbo is louder with a diffrent BOV sound, and there is a little power noticed. It has done all of that. Plus I got mine in a group buy and payed $99 shipped to my door. I'd find it a little less worth while if I'g payed for a CP-e or the COBB. Great companies but the cost...I honestly beleive this this is doing what it's intended to do. I just had a b**** of a time getting it in. Also, I'm 6'4 205 and have big hands. This might have been easier for someone else.
 
So.... you dont' really notice much of a difference and the install was a pain in the ass... but it was still worth $100?

Hmm... since it's not a lot (relatively speaking) of money... I guess I'll just stick with my order and hope for the best. I guess, with all the claims made 'best bang for the buck' etc, I was hoping for more....
 
I'l also add that the weather has really been CRAP since I installed this thing. Other than the first night when I test drove it about two miles, it's been snowing and the roads are slick. I'm going to try and hammer on it a bit on my way to work tonight. The batter ywas removed so the ECU has to reset itself and I'm sure it hasn't yet.

The CAI thing...no it makes it harder, it did for me anyway. That's part of why I chopped mine. I wanted to do it anyway but it wasnt' lining up right so I just hacked it up. It only takes a hacksaw blade if that's the route you want to go.
 
hacksaw blade? lol wtf? I just had my Injen CAI installed and am definitely not interested in chopping it...

damn... I was really hoping this intall would be on the easy side. looks like I'm gonna have to pay a shop to do it... further increasing the overall cost and thus raising my expectations on how well this thing must perform (in order for it to be worth the cost) I'm thinking the fact taht I haven't received it yet is a blessing in disguise. Time to cancel and get a refund...
 
CHICO2003 said:
hacksaw blade? lol wtf? I just had my Injen CAI installed and am definitely not interested in chopping it...

damn... I was really hoping this intall would be on the easy side. looks like I'm gonna have to pay a shop to do it... further increasing the overall cost and thus raising my expectations on how well this thing must perform (in order for it to be worth the cost) I'm thinking the fact taht I haven't received it yet is a blessing in disguise. Time to cancel and get a refund...
Click to expand...

You can do it man... all you need really is a pair of pliers and a 10mm socket with an extension. Just take your time.
 
I'll make another comment and say that the boost really does kick in a bit earlier and it's quite nice. I was able to give it some on the way home this morning and I really do like the diffrence.
 
AllLostThings said:
I'll make another comment and say that the boost really does kick in a bit earlier and it's quite nice. I was able to give it some on the way home this morning and I really do like the diffrence.
Click to expand...

I thought the same thing when I had an inlet on. It was almost instant response.
 
Installs are horrible on inlet tubes... Everyone should be aware removing your battery and battery box is mandatory and if anyone remembers installing a CAI all those wires and hoses over the stock inlet need to be removed and getting in there is not a good fit either... Heads up!
 
Well its going on (as of today), the third week since I payed for my inlet pipe. I'm getting more and more anxious when I get home from work - hoping for a sweet box at the door step! Man this is killing me! If I don't get it by the 5th week - I'm pulling the order.
 
corner-hard said:
Well its going on (as of today), the third week since I payed for my inlet pipe. I'm getting more and more anxious when I get home from work - hoping for a sweet box at the door step! Man this is killing me! If I don't get it by the 5th week - I'm pulling the order.
Click to expand...

I hope you get it soon 'cause I'd love to hear what you say about the change in sound as you still have the stock airbox, like me.

Call up the vendor to be sure they didn't mess up somewhere on your order.
 
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