Considering the re-released MS3-CAI for my 2008, what should I expect?

[rizzle]

Now that Mazda finally has again released the dealer-installed cold air intake, I'm considering it for my 2008 MS3.

The car is completely bone stock so far. I'm wondering what, if anything, is *noticeably* different with the CAI? You see, I have to justify the CAI with the wife

So how's the performance? Engine sound? Overall, what would you say is the biggest difference to driving your MS3 after having installed your CAI?

 

[Nliiitend1]

The car will be faster and louder.

 

[mckraut]

I told my wife it improved MPG. While that may be true, my leadfoot was that much heavier after the install of my Cobb SRI.

 

[rizzle]

Played some Youtube videos (searched "mazdaspeed cold air intake"), and they all sounded different (some had other mods, etc)

I kind of like the stock sound of the MS3, so I guess I'm not looking for something to be too much louder. Definitely don't want the "BLAAAAAT" sounds, like what you get with bigger exhausts (just my personal pref)

Do you guys notice any increase in acceleration?

I know it's a horsepower increase, but I'm hoping that the benefits of the CAI are felt not just driving at crazy speeds

 

[nypz]

youll feel the sri in the low end, and the cai in the high end.

 

[Russm]

Good Day
It both improved MPG, get 28-31 70+MPH from 25-28MPG and runs quicker, 13.6, before 13.8just has a MSCBE but everyone here says it does little just change the tone.

 

[jabba]

I installed mine about a month ago. First thing you'll notice is the wooshing sound when you stomp on the gas. It's loud, but you get used to it in a few days. The car seemed to open up after a day or so, feels more responsive and more midrange power. I wouldn't expect throngs of power, but it's a nice little difference.

As for the wife, I had bought the intake along with a CBE. I had told my wife that I hated the drone of the stock exhaust, thus needed to replace it, especially since the car is a daily driver. When she wondered why I was working in the engine bay (I was installing the intake), I simply mentioned that the intake was part of the exhaust, and voila!

 

[BudUMfan]

I installed mine about a month ago. First thing you'll notice is the wooshing sound when you stomp on the gas. It's loud, but you get used to it in a few days. The car seemed to open up after a day or so, feels more responsive and more midrange power. I wouldn't expect throngs of power, but it's a nice little difference.
^^
What he said. Looks good to.

 

[Mid_Life_Crisis]

A slight mpg improvement. A little louder, nothing dramatic, the powerband seemed to shift upwards a little. Lost a bit off the bottom end but gained some on the top. I know this because before I put it on, I used to bark the tires going into third without meaning to. I don`t do that anymore, but I can feel it pulling stronger in the higher range.

 

[MSMS3]

Expect about a 15 whp gain (some tests report as much as 20, but that is atypical, IMHO), two tenths second quicker in the quarter mile and about 2 miles per hour higher trap speed. Also expect a big smile on your face when you plant your right foot.

You will hear the intake noise that comes with any aftermarket intake. The whoosh is a little different with each brand, and everyone will describe it with different words.

You will also be able to hear your bypass valve operating. Sort of a fffst sound during a quick upshift that was muffled away by the stock air box.

 

[Khasmordan]

I got one these already the week it came out. You definately hear the whoosh as it sucks in air, especially with the windows down. I bought the kit from a certified mazda dealership via ebay and installed it myself. The instructions are a little messy, but I got the job done and it worked fine. The only issue I had was the rubber shock mount that came with it had a bad spot weld, and snapped as soon as I tried to tighten the nut to hold the intake in place. I found an exact replacement from McMastercar. A little smaller, same threading, but was made from Silicone rubber so its shear tolerances are much higher.

Have not had any issues since then and love it! The other gains, such as HP I have definately felt in the mid range, the mpg, not so much do to my right foot and that addictive Whoosh!

 

[JamesCH]

Sound: hear the turbo spool and the BPV vent, sounds awesome

Performance: I've seen 20-25whp quoted, you can definitely feel it driving

Economy: I've noticed 1-2mpg improvement over stock, 25->26/27mpg

Definitely worth it IMHO.

 

[funksilver07]

youll feel the sri in the low end, and the cai in the high end.

You will feel the difference all the way through the power band. It's a good piece. I
I've run both and the real difference I noticed (using my dashhawk) is lower IAT's. Which is a good thing.

 

[azturbo3d]

I'm getting mine installed friday. Just thought I would share haha

 

[JamesCH]

You will feel the difference all the way through the power band. It's a good piece. I
I've run both and the real difference I noticed (using my dashhawk) is lower IAT's. Which is a good thing.

Was there a difference in IATs between the SRI and the CAI?

 

[coololddude]

Tell your wife that it will make her look YOUNGER!!

 

[funksilver07]

Was there a difference in IATs between the SRI and the CAI?

Yep, especially on those hot summer days. I noticed 20*-25* difference in temps...

 

[JamesCH]

Yep, especially on those hot summer days. I noticed 20*-25* difference in temps...

Meaning the CAI was cooler than the SRI?

 

[funksilver07]

You got it...

 

[eg6motion]

You will like it. More power and the Mazdaspeed CAI is the quietest out of all CAI's due to the 2 piece design, Dry-flow filter and splash shield. But you will certainly hear it compared to stock.