Another vote for opening up stock grill for more air

[Mick]

There was a long discussion on this on one of the "other" Protege forums:http://www.clubprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1977&page=1&pp=15&highlight=cai

holy....


Information overload!!! geez, lots of comflicting ideas on that thread that all seem to have a great amount of relevance.

 

[tschanrm]

I did this plastic mod, but made it more of a plastic scoop instead of cutting it out completely. If the whole area is cut out, that just gives the intake more breathing room. By cutting just the front and sides of the plastic area, the plastic can be bent down. This causes air to be forced, somewhat, into the air intake. It's a little difficult to explain, but I'll try and post pics of what I did tomorrow.

 

[Mick]

I did this plastic mod, but made it more of a plastic scoop instead of cutting it out completely. If the whole area is cut out, that just gives the intake more breathing room. By cutting just the front and sides of the plastic area, the plastic can be bent down. This causes air to be forced, somewhat, into the air intake. It's a little difficult to explain, but I'll try and post pics of what I did tomorrow.

I understand what you mean, but i highly doubt that would have any effect on anything. In fact, i bet you are doing nothing more than just blocking some air from getting to the radiator. Not that its a huge deal.

Take a look at the link that sombody posted above, it talkes about some guys trying to make scoops like you did and it sounds to me like it wasnt a good idea. I read through the entire thread in that link.

 

[mazdaddy]

I have now, after long thought (and the fact that my warranty is up in ...oh about 3 days) performed this mod. And well....there is a change! The engine seems to rev more freely, idles more smoothly and overall driveability seems to be enhanced. Can't tell you if I have got anymore HP, but the engine appears to be breathing better, and it's a little more fun to drive...Wonder what my fuel mileage will be now....Possible Mazda restricted air flow in order to meet CAFE standards? (thumb)

 

[ke20sprinter]

In the front of the grill there is a space between the diamond grill part that's blocked off (right below the chrome trim). I just used a drill and drilled holes in it, along with this mod to get a little bit more breathing room...

WiL

 

[Firewired]

I just replaced my Ebay junk intake for the stock intake + this mod. The car is seems easier to get going. Like taking off from a hill ... The car also lost some power at around 3500-5000 RPM ... but overall I think power output stayed pretty much the same.

I think ill keep it this way. I never really like the sound of that motor, so I rather have it quiet.

The SR20 in my NX was a different story... that motor sounded sooooo good with an intake (first)

 

[mazdaddy]

I have to report that since I performed this mod I have suffered a drop in fuel mileage....because now that the engine breathes sooo much better it really likes to rev, which has awakened by latent Lead Foot! (drive2)