Intake Mods-Are they worthwhile?

[SwampAss]

Hey, I don't want to be a pain in the ass, but I'm wanting to know which report is correct... street unit dot com has the ft-lbs at 11 and the HP at 16 for the gains.

street unit dot com/Cobb_SRI_Mazdaspeed_3_p/771500.htm

I also have some questions about the ms cai and how it pertains to other intakes. As I've read through this thread I can tell there are quite differing opinions and it seems it causes some rivalries. Since I'm focusing all my attention on my audio/video mod at the moment I haven't worried too much about the performance just yet. My sales guy tried to sell me the ms cai and exhaust just last weekend, so at least up in NH it's still available.

My questions are what are the differences in prices for the ms cai and exhaust after install and other equally comparable products? Also, I understand that doing the ms route saves the warranty, but is the quality of the product and performance similar to other products on the market or are you just paying for more warranty again? Also, are there multiple ms intake and exhaust options or just one? I'd ask my dealer, but I don't want to hear the guy blabbing all over again without me knowing some things about it first.

DAK

I have both the mazdspeed CAI and exhaust.

I think the general construction of either is very good. I think the design of the CAI neglected at least one very important aspect. MAF readings. It's been explained and understood by me that the MS CAI has a bend just before the MAF sensor causing it to get inaccurate readings. This MAF issue has been addressed by CP-E, COBB, and one other manufacturer that escapes me presently. If I were to do it again, I'd buy the CP-E CAI.

The cat-back exhaust, while not shiny and pretty as others offered still seems well built. I've had mine for a bit over a year and it's as shiny and looks just like it did when it was first installed.

 

[Dumb Azz Kracka]

^you convinced me
If she comes with I'm in for two!

SWEET....TWINS

DAK

 

[Dumb Azz Kracka]

I have both the mazdspeed CAI and exhaust.

I think the general construction of either is very good. I think the design of the CAI neglected at least one very important aspect. MAF readings. It's been explained and understood by me that the MS CAI has a bend just before the MAF sensor causing it to get inaccurate readings. This MAF issue has been addressed by CP-E, COBB, and one other manufacturer that escapes me presently. If I were to do it again, I'd buy the CP-E CAI.

The cat-back exhaust, while not shiny and pretty as others offered still seems well built. I've had mine for a bit over a year and it's as shiny and looks just like it did when it was first installed.

With the inaccurate readings how is that effecting the performance vs what you'd receive with another setup? Also, what did you pay for the parts and install out the door?

DAK

 

[SwampAss]

From what was said in the past, I *think* it reads that its slightly richer than it actually is causing a slight lean condition. Not a huge issue with bolt ons but can be once you start dyno tuning.

Dealer install on the Cat back was less than $200. Dealer install on the CAI I think was around 2.5 to 3 hours labor is what I was quoted. I don't know. I installed my own.

 

[Dumb Azz Kracka]

From what was said in the past, I *think* it reads that its slightly richer than it actually is causing a slight lean condition. Not a huge issue with bolt ons but can be once you start dyno tuning.

Dealer install on the Cat back was less than $200. Dealer install on the CAI I think was around 2.5 to 3 hours labor is what I was quoted. I don't know. I installed my own.

so it was less than $500 for both the parts and install?

DAK

 

[SwampAss]

I bought my stuff when it first came out. I'm guessing better deals are to be had now.


CAI $320
cat back $560

install CAI about $300
install CBE $180