Assessing skill level needed to. . .

[TitaniumSpeed24]

install some parts. Here's the deal; this is my first car and, while i've read a ton of stuff on the forums here, I've never worked on cars before besides installing my sub and changing the brakes (with my dad). What I would like to do mod-wise is a CAI and a Midpipe (or Downpipe, whatever you want to call it). I would also like to do an upgraded SMIC in the future if I save enough. Now, for the CAI, I dont think that will be TOO hard and theres a few guides for it. . . what do u think? But I want to know if its possible for me to do the downpipe / midpipe myself. My dad completely rebuilt his 69 camaro when he was 16 but he knows nothing about new 4 cyl engines so, while he can help me a bit, I'd like to be able to do it myself - what do you guys think? Will I have to worry about an 02 sensor if I replace the stock midpipe with a catless one? Also, I can jack the car up in my garage but jackstands are about as good as I can get; I dont have a lift. What do you guys think?

 

[gone_fishin]

install some parts. Here's the deal; this is my first car and, while i've read a ton of stuff on the forums here, I've never worked on cars before besides installing my sub and changing the brakes (with my dad). What I would like to do mod-wise is a CAI and a Midpipe (or Downpipe, whatever you want to call it). I would also like to do an upgraded SMIC in the future if I save enough. Now, for the CAI, I dont think that will be TOO hard and theres a few guides for it. . . what do u think? But I want to know if its possible for me to do the downpipe / midpipe myself. My dad completely rebuilt his 69 camaro when he was 16 but he knows nothing about new 4 cyl engines so, while he can help me a bit, I'd like to be able to do it myself - what do you guys think? Will I have to worry about an 02 sensor if I replace the stock midpipe with a catless one? Also, I can jack the car up in my garage but jackstands are about as good as I can get; I dont have a lift. What do you guys think?

Installing a cold-air intake should be no problem for you-- it's very straight forward, especially if you're following a how-to. Installing a new side-mounted intercooler likewise is practically a no brainer.

As for installing the downpipe and midpipe, that's significantly more difficult-- especially without a lift and the proper tools. Getting the turbo studs out will give you the biggest headache. It's one of those things where if you need to ask about it, you'd be money and time ahead to just take it to a shop.

 

[TitaniumSpeed24]

alright, well, let me just clarify incase this helps, I mean the midpipe. Not like the S or J pipes, just the Midpipe that everyone replaces to get the most gains - the Apex'i type one. I think some people call it downpipe and some call it midpipe but its more a midpipe. it looks like ________/.

But thanks for the input man! now, I'm looking at the midpipe because i can potentially get one for cheap, and I'm not sure how noticable the gains would actually be from a CAI and SMIC, although i plan on getting them anyway. . .

 

[gone_fishin]

As for the lower 02 sensor, I'd recommend getting a new one when you replace the midpipe, but if you don't have the hundred some dollars on hand, use your old one (so long as you can get it out without damaging it). The midpipe you get should have a bung for it in the same location as the stock midpipe-- if it doesn't, carefully drill an adequately sized hole, then use an NPT to thread that hole, then screw in the o2 sensor.

 

[PlatinumMSP]

Installing a cold-air intake should be no problem for you-- it's very straight forward, especially if you're following a how-to. Installing a new side-mounted intercooler likewise is practically a no brainer.

As for installing the downpipe and midpipe, that's significantly more difficult-- especially without a lift and the proper tools. Getting the turbo studs out will give you the biggest headache. It's one of those things where if you need to ask about it, you'd be money and time ahead to just take it to a shop.

I would have to highly disagree. Unless you are changing the s-pipe, the exhaust should be a relatively easy install. You need an impact wrench and deep impact sockets. You will also need to buy some pb buster to help get those bolts nice and loose. The only hard part will be removing the hangers. Just use brute strength and they should come right off. You shouldnt have a problem with the intake either. You'll need a drill, 12mm, 10mm, and 8mm sockets, and some extra 10mm vac line for the install so keep that in mind.

 

[gone_fishin]

alright, well, let me just clarify incase this helps, I mean the midpipe. Not like the S or J pipes, just the Midpipe that everyone replaces to get the most gains - the Apex'i type one. I think some people call it downpipe and some call it midpipe but its more a midpipe. it looks like ________/.

But thanks for the input man! now, I'm looking at the midpipe because i can potentially get one for cheap, and I'm not sure how noticable the gains would actually be from a CAI and SMIC, although i plan on getting them anyway. . .

For future reference, the "downpipes" are the S and the J pipes-- the S downpipe comes directly off of the turbo outlet, and meets the J downpipe-- which extends down to midpipe. Removing just the midpipe will be more difficult than the CAI and intercooler, but it's within your reach.

As a general rule of thumb, any work you do on or around the underside of the car is going to be a thousand times more frustrating than any work in the engine bay, because it's where you'll be running into seized and rusted bolts. It can be hugely difficult to get some of those bolts loose, even if it's on a flange. I'd be slightly nervous about using air tools or a tourque bar under a vehicle on jack stands. Just use good judgement and you'll be OK.

 

[gone_fishin]

I would have to highly disagree. Unless you are changing the s-pipe, the exhaust should be a relatively easy install.

He had said "downpipes" initially-- hense the difficulty I was trying to explain in swapping them out-- it's generally very difficult to get the S pipe off of the turbo.

He later clarified to say just the midpipe, which is straight forward.

 

[PlatinumMSP]

alright, well, let me just clarify incase this helps, I mean the midpipe. Not like the S or J pipes, just the Midpipe that everyone replaces to get the most gains - the Apex'i type one. I think some people call it downpipe and some call it midpipe but its more a midpipe. it looks like ________/.

But thanks for the input man! now, I'm looking at the midpipe because i can potentially get one for cheap, and I'm not sure how noticable the gains would actually be from a CAI and SMIC, although i plan on getting them anyway. . .

you'll actually get more gains from the smic than from the downpipe or cai

 

[PlatinumMSP]

He had said "downpipes" initially-- hense the difficulty I was trying to explain in swapping them out-- it's generally very difficult to get the S pipe off of the turbo.

He later clarified to say just the midpipe.

fair enough bro, i can tell you some great stories about the s-pipe removal, that is definatly something worth paying someone else to do, lol

 

[gone_fishin]

fair enough bro, i can tell you some great stories about the s-pipe removal, that is definatly something worth paying someone else to do, lol

Exactly.

 

[orng1]

Oh come on platinum, I know you loved working on your car when you did the S pipe. The only time I didn't was when you did the intake mani. Almost all ofthe work I've done has been with simple hand tools and occasionaly a breaker bar (jack handle). The only time I needed air tools was when I replaced the trans and that's just because the axle wouldn't come out. Stupid axle...

 

[TitaniumSpeed24]

alright guys, thanks for the input. The midpipe should just bolt right on right? Like, what is there to do besides remove the bolts, pull it off, take out the 02 sensor, put the 02 sensor in the new midpipe, put it in place, and bolt it on? (hahaa, im sure its not NEARLY that simple but im just typing the basic steps) and also, Platinum, you're saying the SMIC will yield better gains? I believe it dyno'd at like 20 whp yes? is a CAI even worth getting? The only reason I would do so is because right now I have a cone filter on the stock intake - someone said this actually dyno's at LESS horsepower than the stock box. So I figured I'd just go for the CAI instead of getting a stock airbox instead. And with a SMIC, wouldnt the effects of a CAI be enhanced / don't they work well together? With these 3 mods + the reflash, is it possible to be looking at like 190-200 whp? Oh, one more thing - would I even notice the power gains these mods would give?

 

[gone_fishin]

you're saying the SMIC will yield better gains? I believe it dyno'd at like 20 whp yes?

The aftermarket SMIC for the mazdaspeed protege will single-handedly yield much greater gains than any of the mods you've listed. 20 whp without supporting mods is likely an overstatement, you'd realistically be looking at more like 10-15.

is a CAI even worth getting?

To be completely honest, no. The cost just doesn't justify the minimal gains. The stock air box is efficient to beyond what your tranny and block will tolerate.

The only reason I would do so is because right now I have a cone filter on the stock intake - someone said this actually dyno's at LESS horsepower than the stock box.

You're 100% correct, that actually hinders performance.

So I figured I'd just go for the CAI instead of getting a stock airbox instead.

Stick with the stock airbox and spend your 200 some dollars on something else, like motormounts, a PnP manifold, and/or the PG intake manifold.

And with a SMIC, wouldnt the effects of a CAI be enhanced / don't they work well together?

All modifications complimentarily enhance one another.

With these 3 mods + the reflash, is it possible to be looking at like 190-200 whp? Oh, one more thing - would I even notice the power gains these mods would give?

Not likely. Will you notice on the ass dyno? Most definately.

 

[TitaniumSpeed24]

Ahh, thank you SO much gone fishin, youre being extremely helpful. You too Platinum.

lol, as far as the ass dyno goes, thats what i mean - can i feel a difference driving. Ok so, I'm gonna go with the SMIC for sure then, and I guess I'll go with the stock airbox? I was planning on getting a used CAI for like 100-125 tops - even for that, it wouldnt be worth it? I mean, I'd prob get like what, 2-5 hp more than stock? yeah, for 100 bucks thats probably not worth it.

I've heard that the midpipe is a pretty good mod for the money; I think I'd go with the SMIC over that but should I look for a used midpipe anyway?

Also, I just saw that supposedly an intake manifold gives big gains as well - upwards of 20 whp (when dyno'd with a SMIC) according to ProtegeGarage.com - I dont REALLY know what this is; its probably a hard install, right? If you have any other suggestions thats cool because normally most people just suggest intake, exhaust, and reflash - Now that I'm looking into it, there are other mods like the SMIC and intake manifold that give more gains for less money than the typical suggestions.

I'm gonna take a pic of the intake w/ cone filter - can you just verify that its the stock intake? (I'm 99% sure that it is).

Basically, I'm looking for max performance for minimum money. I'm leaning towards a used SMIC (Turbohoses or CustomMSP or what?) and a midpipe. the CAI is out at this point.

 

[orng1]

I don't think your really getting that much hp from an intercoolr. It just brings back what heat soa takes away they just dyno a HOT car then throw on the intercooler and theres where the big difference is. The stocker heat soaks quick. I think most of the power is hiding in the dual cat mid pipe. my 2 cents

 

[gone_fishin]

lol, as far as the ass dyno goes, thats what i mean - can i feel a difference driving.

You will most definately.

Ok so, I'm gonna go with the SMIC for sure then, and I guess I'll go with the stock airbox? I was planning on getting a used CAI for like 100-125 tops - even for that, it wouldnt be worth it?

Like I said before, that's money better spent somewhere else.

I mean, I'd prob get like what, 2-5 hp more than stock?

Realistically, probably closer to 2. In fact, I could be wrong but I remember reading somewhere that someone dynoed just their CAI on the msp without supporting mods and there was no gain over stock.

I've heard that the midpipe is a pretty good mod for the money; I think I'd go with the SMIC over that but should I look for a used midpipe anyway?

New or used-- if you go with used, go with lightly used.

Also, I just saw that supposedly an intake manifold gives big gains as well - upwards of 20 whp (when dyno'd with a SMIC) according to ProtegeGarage.com - I dont REALLY know what this is; its probably a hard install, right?

It's a single-runner manifold as opposed to the dual runner that is on the MSP. Those numbers are real. The install is straight forward for me, but then again I can do it with my eyes closed. It could be difficult for an up and commer. I did a how-to for an IM swapout, I'll see if I can find it.

 

[TitaniumSpeed24]

yeah, i kinda felt like that originally but now people are saying it gives much better gains. . . like, i felt that, there wouldnt be much difference between my car barely warmed up and my car with an upgraded SMIC that had been running for an hour. Is there? Orng1 might have a point. I'm looking for both used so if i can find a deal on either i'll most likely go for it but I would like to know which makes a better first mod.

 

[gone_fishin]

Honestly, nothing beats a front mount. But the aftermarket SMIC is definately a huge improvement over the stock piece of garbage.

 

[TitaniumSpeed24]

but will it actually make it FASTER or just less slow when it heats up? do you know what I mean? because the midpipe will actually make it legitimately FASTER than stock.

 

[503MSP]

i have the k&n panel filter in the stock air box as stated earlier the CAI isnt worth all that money and k&n panel filter is pretty much equivalent to a SRI in my opinion