Recently I had the opportunity to work with Gary (protephile on M3F)@ West Imports. He was looking for a Test Fitter for the new Simota Carbon Charger for the 2010 Mazda 3 (2.5L). I have a 2010 Mazda 3 GT 6 speed, and have been with M3F since shortly after the 1st Gen came out way back in 2004. I never had any firsthand experience with Simota, but on the Internet and this forum especially they have a trustworthy reputation with their products, so I jumped at this opportunity. Plus it gave me the chance to own the first one available in North America.
So after working out some details Gary promptly shipped me the kit, as seen here:
It comes with everything you need to install the system on your Mazda 3. Once the stock system is removed, the Simota install is very easy, and it comes with directions. I have also written up a more detailed set of instructions, for someone that has never installed a system before. I feel the write up should help people save some money by being able to install it themselves, plus it is fun working on your own car. Instructions thread:
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123757946
As for the install, it was very easy as I mentioned, the kit comes with everything you need. The quality of the parts is excellent and everything fits properly.
I was a little worried about the Check Engine Light coming on after the installation, even after Gary said that it would not. And of course he was right.
I let the car warm up properly, checked for leaks, found none and took it for a nice long drive around 1 hour 30 minutes. During the drive I tried a lot of different speeds, at cruising speed the intake is not heard. Only at hard acceleration and high RPM driving can you hear the intake. I have had quite a few cars with intake systems on them:
2002 Eclipse GT, Dodge Neon, 96 Grand AM, 2000 Hyundai Elantra (same engine as a Tiburon), 2000 VW Jetta 2.0 and a 2002 Jetta 1.8T.
The intake brands have include K&N, AEM v1 and v2, Weapon R, Generic and of course Fujita. This is my first experience with Simota, and I must say I am very impressed.
The sound is great, and the added response is great. I know a lot of people myself included have commented on a "dull" spot in first gear, it's kind of like a little lag. After the install of the intake it is nowhere as bad. Obviously don't have access to a dyno, so I cannot comment on real numbers, but you can definitely tell that there is more there, and the intake makes the 2.5 sound like it is supposed to.
PROS:
-The ease of install and fit.
-The sound.
-The response of added power.
-Price of a brand name component.
-A great salesman, well I guess that isn't related to the intake but Gary knows his stuff.
-AND the BIG one, No CEL (Check Engine Light)
CONS:
-The filter support is a little tight but can be adjusted slightly (nothing major)
-And if you aren't careful, you can scratch the CF filter cover with the metal support (nothing major).
Nothing is perfect that is why I listed CONS. But as you can tell they aren't anything major.
If you have any questions let me know. And in talking with Gary, we thought it would be an excellent time to do a group buy on this product. So for questions relating to that shoot him a message, as he is easy to get a hold of.
So after working out some details Gary promptly shipped me the kit, as seen here:
It comes with everything you need to install the system on your Mazda 3. Once the stock system is removed, the Simota install is very easy, and it comes with directions. I have also written up a more detailed set of instructions, for someone that has never installed a system before. I feel the write up should help people save some money by being able to install it themselves, plus it is fun working on your own car. Instructions thread:
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123757946
As for the install, it was very easy as I mentioned, the kit comes with everything you need. The quality of the parts is excellent and everything fits properly.
I was a little worried about the Check Engine Light coming on after the installation, even after Gary said that it would not. And of course he was right.
I let the car warm up properly, checked for leaks, found none and took it for a nice long drive around 1 hour 30 minutes. During the drive I tried a lot of different speeds, at cruising speed the intake is not heard. Only at hard acceleration and high RPM driving can you hear the intake. I have had quite a few cars with intake systems on them:
2002 Eclipse GT, Dodge Neon, 96 Grand AM, 2000 Hyundai Elantra (same engine as a Tiburon), 2000 VW Jetta 2.0 and a 2002 Jetta 1.8T.
The intake brands have include K&N, AEM v1 and v2, Weapon R, Generic and of course Fujita. This is my first experience with Simota, and I must say I am very impressed.
The sound is great, and the added response is great. I know a lot of people myself included have commented on a "dull" spot in first gear, it's kind of like a little lag. After the install of the intake it is nowhere as bad. Obviously don't have access to a dyno, so I cannot comment on real numbers, but you can definitely tell that there is more there, and the intake makes the 2.5 sound like it is supposed to.
PROS:
-The ease of install and fit.
-The sound.
-The response of added power.
-Price of a brand name component.
-A great salesman, well I guess that isn't related to the intake but Gary knows his stuff.
-AND the BIG one, No CEL (Check Engine Light)
CONS:
-The filter support is a little tight but can be adjusted slightly (nothing major)
-And if you aren't careful, you can scratch the CF filter cover with the metal support (nothing major).
Nothing is perfect that is why I listed CONS. But as you can tell they aren't anything major.
If you have any questions let me know. And in talking with Gary, we thought it would be an excellent time to do a group buy on this product. So for questions relating to that shoot him a message, as he is easy to get a hold of.
Last edited:
