have P5? manual? CAI? then.. can you answer some questions for me?

[jlcartoon]

thanks for reading.. i appreciate it.

i own a 03' P5 manual.
came across some new issues on my car and would like to ask others of some feed backs.

3 questions.

1) i don't know if you could relate to me, but when driving manual on P5. max speed i could reach on 1st gear is only about 20mph reving around 4k. also, for some odd reason, gear transition between 1st to 2nd is most stiff and uncomfy.

what are some pro's and con's if i just start off on the second gear from a rest??

2)installed a generic CAI intake bought from Ebay about 5 months ago. i was told that i need to clean the filter every so often. how often do i have to clean them? and if so, anyone know HOW? or know a link to a HOWTO?

also, i kept my filter that came with my generic intake. i heard that they are usually poor quality, and that i should just change to K&N or something.. if this is the case, i would just get a new filter instead of washing the generic filter. any suggestions?

3) i am starting to have some lower back pain. and one of my theory is that it's from driving my stick shift.
personally, i feel that CLUTCH on my P5 is somewhat too far away compared to my GAS and BRAKE pedals. anyone else feel the same? or am i just being stupid?
this seem to have my hip placed slanted when sitting down(not good posture) i know luxury cars like volvo and etc.. have a automatic adjustment of pedals and such. do you know if mazda dealer can/would adjust them for you if you want? anyone with similar experience out there?

THANKS ALOT! PLEASE SHARE YOUR WISDOM!

 

[digitalricepape]

1) I guess you just waste gas starting off from second. Youll probably accelerate slower..

2) AEM suggests that you clean your filter at least every 50,000 miles. if you live somewhere real dusty or go off-roading (hope youre not with that p5!) clean it sooner? haha just my input..

 

[03promaz]

My clutch is the same height as the rest of my pedals. Get a K&N the generic ones suck.

 

[FSDET]

1)thats normal . dont accelerate in 2nd gear .
2)buy k&n and clean it every 25k
3)ask ur doctor lol. and unless u drive 10 hours a day in traffic.. i dont think so

 

[Dimitrios]

HI, welcome to the Chicago/IL boards:

1) The 1st to 2nd sucks. Unfortunately, it's just the way it is. I've had mine improve by getting a short shifter installed. A bit firmer.

2) If it's a quality cotton fiber filter, then 50k miles is generally the rule of thumb. Just buy a K&N filter cleaner and have at it...just clean it as you feel comfortable.

3) Back issue: try adjusting your seat. It's surprisingly adjustable and you should be able to get quite a bit of adjustment in there.

Good luck.