Improving intake airflow (2.5T)

[N7turbo]

This is actually pretty close to what I want to do: replace the snorkel with a custom one and reduce the number of turns in the air path. I just don't think I'm willing to pay $400 to do so.

2021-22 Mazda 3 2.5L (t) Takeda Momentum Cold Air Intake Install

Make your Mazda3 2.5L (t) more enjoyable when you install the Takeda Momentum intake system that delivers up to 13% more airflow and dyno-proven gains of +7 ...

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You can see the dyno result at the end. The engine breathes a little better. I'd like it to be more straight and larger in diameter but it seems like a solid design compared to many others.

 

[AL Cx5]

Nice stuff. I have an afe for my Cummins turbo. We modified our stock box and made more power. We added turning vanes and a varriable flow air box CAI.

I have an air filtration background. For many reasons I'll not be putting a oiled cotton filter on my car....

Next, I didnt see how afe separated water. Mazda has makes the air turn several times and has holes to let the water that drops out drain.

We use make CAI that did not do a good job protecting the engine. Folks hydrolocked their engines. Bent all the rods.

Gee, my $70 AIR BOX CAI mod made this much power, protects the engine, filtration and water and make great low end torque.

I'd like to see the low end torque of the afe. I KNOW when I opened up my air box it lost a ton of low end torque. They skimmed over the curve. They must not be very proud of the power.

The varrible flow damper idea give the best of both worlds, low end torque and top end power. We first proved this on our Cummins turbo diesels. The same idea works on these baby turbos. Mazda is using a NA air box with a thicker filter....

Variable flow, the damper meters in air based on load....

Only problem with the air box CAI folks have to make it. Maybe I should come up with a kit and instructions.

Don't feel bad, not many of the CTD guys, who are a hands on bunch, build a Varriable Flow CAI...

 

[N7turbo]

I like the variable flow idea. Keeps velocity and torque high at normal driving loads, but lets the engine breathe when needed.

Coincidentally, I just came across this video which shows the GR Corolla has something similar built into the stock airbox. It uses a vacuum solenoid.

GR Corolla Eventuri Intake Dyno Testing

We dyno test the new Eventuri Intake on our GR Corolla to find out how it compares to stock and talk about the design differences between the stock intake an...

www.youtube.com

 

[PulsarKF]

I've seen variable damper setups in several OEM intake designs over the year. They were more prevalent in NA vehicle that have no turbo to rely on. Toyota had one in the air box of my old 2000 Celica GTS. NA, 1.8L, 180hp, 8400rpm. It was used to maintain livable low-end torque and allow the engine to breath in the upper RPM while on the big cam. Nissan has them in their intake manifolds of there FWD based VQ35Ds circa 2002+. Ford used one in its Focus SVT of the same year. No surprise it works given how many OEMs used them in the past and in the GR corollas case present! I could certainly see grabbing a 2nd air box and do this mod.

 

[AL Cx5]

I like the variable flow idea. Keeps velocity and torque high at normal driving loads, but lets the engine breathe when needed.

Coincidentally, I just came across this video which shows the GR Corolla has something similar built into the stock airbox. It uses a vacuum solenoid.

GR Corolla Eventuri Intake Dyno Testing

We dyno test the new Eventuri Intake on our GR Corolla to find out how it compares to stock and talk about the design differences between the stock intake an...

www.youtube.com

if we our ecu allowed us to input and output signals a solenoid would be ideal. It could be operated using a pwm signal and open based on engine load. I've built some circuits doing something simular on my race cars standalone ecu.

My varrible flow CAI is pretty crude in comparison. I don't know what rpm/boost it starts to open. This could be determined on a chassis dyno.

Since my set up is equal or better than the high priced spread, afe, it must be pretty close and keeps low end torque.

A friend built a vacuum operated solenoid for his Cummins turbo. It was way more complicated and expensive than my varriable flow set up. It worked.

Of course, I think mine is better.

 

[AL Cx5]

I've seen variable damper setups in several OEM intake designs over the year. They were more prevalent in NA vehicle that have no turbo to rely on. Toyota had one in the air box of my old 2000 Celica GTS. NA, 1.8L, 180hp, 8400rpm. It was used to maintain livable low-end torque and allow the engine to breath in the upper RPM while on the big cam. Nissan has them in their intake manifolds of there FWD based VQ35Ds circa 2002+. Ford used one in its Focus SVT of the same year. No surprise it works given how many OEMs used them in the past and in the GR corollas case present! I could certainly see grabbing a 2nd air box and do this mod.

Good info!!

You can install a Filter Minder on your air box. It will show how much vacuum the engine pulls.

This device got me working on a varriable flow set up.