Cold Air Intake Installation-2010 2.3L Touring

[Jim-ski]

I've come to the conclusion my 5 needs more air! In this thread I will describe the steps I took to install a "Cold Air Intake" in my 2010 Mazda5 Touring - 2.3L normally aspirated (non-turbo), automatic.

Car Specs:

http://www.automobile-catalog.com/car/2010/1690415/mazda_5_touring.html

The machine:

(nana)

 

[Jim-ski]

Step 1-Why in the world does anyone need a "cold air intake"???

(CAI=Cold Air Intake)

The vast majority of people I talked to and read, sources that had absolutely no connection to CAI suppliers or manufacturers and would not otherwise gain financially, overwhelming said their vehicles gained more "pep", especially in the lower gears with a CAI. With my 5, I've never been able to jump on the gas pedal and have the car take off--almost lags like it is a cold, damp day and my engine has a carburetor. For a grocery-getter that handles so well, it is a small disappointment. The other benefit was a more serious sounding engine.

Generically, most suppliers, sellers and techs say that one should gain 7-10% horsepower. Since the 2.3L I4 NA engine produces 153 hp, that gives 164-168 HP. Almost all said the difference was noticeable, even my neighbor's wife, who is the beneficiary of the improvements her husband makes on the car, but shrugs when asked what he did! And that is what I am hoping to improve.

I offer this YouTube video for the rolling commentary of the difference that this 3 owner offers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6eboDTScWs

FYI, there are many similarities between the 2009 3 and the 2010 5, but the 2010 3 was a 2.5L and I haven't figured out how similar the engines are. Much in the engine compartment looks the same, but I don't want to assume.

 

[Vasy]

All that I have actually seen with CAI with actual proof was a loss of power at bottom end insignificant gain on the top.
People who actually had time to do dyno before and after say it is a waist to do CAI unless you are doing any kinda or re-programming or adding turbos.
All this seat of the pants feeling is total nonsense from what I have seen.
The only real difference is the noise and that can make you belive you are going faster.
Got dyno charts to prove it? If not, I call it snake oil

 

[Silentnoise713]

I've come to the conclusion my 5 needs...

sounds like you have much more to read. We all start somewhere. If this makes you feel good, go for it.

Most everything in the auto world is a trade-off. Make sure you understand the difference between a CAI vs SRI
and the TRADEOFFS each bring. if you really want some gains, consider getting a tune (yes, even stock). And weight is this car's worst enemy.

 

[MarkVII88]

Whenever you get around to it, I'd be interested in reading your step-by-step CAI install. Or will it be a short ram intake (SRI) install? Please include pics and any applicable product #s.

I took a look at the YouTube video you linked to also. It's basically unwatchable since the guy putting on the SRI to his Mazda3 has no clue what he's talking about.

 

[Jim-ski]

Yes, there doesn't seem to be conclusive evidence. However, I did not mention I am at 6oooft in altitude! And I spent $50. So not too much loss if it turns out to be snake oil!

In any case, I appreciate having your input on this project!

 

[Jim-ski]

I am also at 6000ft, so ANY additional air is a plus. It's only a $50 investment to not much lost if it doesn't help.

I bought a kit with two tube sections so I can either make a short ram intake with one tube into the air filter box or use both tubes for a cold air intake that replaces the entire air box assembly into the front qpanel. Thoughts?

I look forward to having your input--thanks in advance!

I did talk to a local shop (working on my son's '79 RX-7) about making a MS5, but they said like you, an MS5 has too much weight to make it worthwhile.

 

[Tushawn]

I installed a Cosmo Sri and it makes the car feel slower under 3k rpm, but if you keep it above that mark it pulls a little harder. The biggest pluses are the excellent intake noises and reclaiming the left front side of you car.

 

[Vasy]

Yes, there doesn't seem to be conclusive evidence. However, I did not mention I am at 6oooft in altitude! And I spent $50. So not too much loss if it turns out to be snake oil!

In any case, I appreciate having your input on this project!

Not a big loss at $50. At 6000, wow, living high
Probably the best and really the only help to the 130 HP Mazda 5 (assuming 2.85% power loss per 1000 feet, which is the industry norm) would be a small turbo.
It will actually ram some of the thin air down the intake's throat and make up for the loss of power. Check out the turbo thread, I'm sure they make one for mazda 3 and it should be an easy fit into 5.
Just need to find a shop that can tune the engine.

 

[Tushawn]

I have to update my previous post. I just gained 5hp...........by taking off my SRI.
My car was making a strange valve noise under 3k rpm like it was running lean. It also felt like a dog, reinstalled factory intake and the noise is gone and the low end driving feels better. Stupid SRI!