MAZDASPEED owners who have installed the K&N: Impressions?

[AGR]

My thoughts...

6 days have passed since I installed the K&N. And; I can honestly say that the throttle response is better, and that the 'hiccuping' (or stumbling) effect during acceleration is pretty much entirely gone. On occassion, there may be a very small amount, but nothing worth mentioning. Air temperatures here in the Mid-South have been in the high 30s to low 40s. We will see how all of this is affected as it warms toward Spring and Summer.

I would also guess that a few extra horsepower have been added. I haven't been on a Dyno yet, but it certainly feels stronger - no question. The BOV is heard in every gear most of the time, and yes; the turbo spooling is much more present.

 

[unwrittenLaw]

I agree...seems to be a good modification for the money..

 

[AGR]

(thumb)

 

[Vicocola]

hopefully the injen CAI comes with the K&N filter... if they dont, u guys think its worth to spend another 40 just for that particular filter?

btw AGR... all the stuff u have = wut i want for my car for now =D o yea add the tinted window + intake and i'll be satisify for at least 6 months

 

[AGR]

hopefully the injen CAI comes with the K&N filter... if they dont, u guys think its worth to spend another 40 just for that particular filter?

btw AGR... all the stuff u have = wut i want for my car for now =D o yea add the tinted window + intake and i'll be satisify for at least 6 months

Well; for me personally, I do think the K&N is worth the $40.00 alone. But; I have nothing to compare it to, other than the stock airbox. As far as the Injen CAI, they may use their own filter. I am going to wait to see what 'Spool' releases (I believe, in May). It is supposedly going to be around $100 for their intake.

 

[Limited Edition]

AGR#7...
I just installed my Ractive Cone filter.....i did a quick job of pulling out the air box and getting the cone filter in there...BUT, there is a few problems, my filter is actually too big in diameter for my hood to close properly. When i put down my hood when the latch meets, it hits. Then, if i push down on the hood for it to lock, it is actually pushing down on the entire intake. I'm not sure if this is safe, but it definately isn't good. For now, this will be temporary....i'll probably go back to stock air box. Anyway, after dinner i'm going to go for a spin around the block to see if there's any different.

P.S I DID NOT put the air sensor back into the filter.....but when i started up the car, the engine light did not come on. We'll see what happens in the next day or so. I'm going to go back to air box either way. Since the fitting is a NO NO.

BTW, after you removed the two bolts to the air box and the 2 bolts on the side of the MAF piping, do you just pull it out? When i did that, i think i might have broke this plastic thing that holds the bottom of the air box in place.....

 

[AGR]

AGR#7...
I just installed my Ractive Cone filter.....i did a quick job of pulling out the air box and getting the cone filter in there...BUT, there is a few problems, my filter is actually too big in diameter for my hood to close properly. When i put down my hood when the latch meets, it hits. Then, if i push down on the hood for it to lock, it is actually pushing down on the entire intake. I'm not sure if this is safe, but it definately isn't good. For now, this will be temporary....i'll probably go back to stock air box. Anyway, after dinner i'm going to go for a spin around the block to see if there's any different.

P.S I DID NOT put the air sensor back into the filter.....but when i started up the car, the engine light did not come on. We'll see what happens in the next day or so. I'm going to go back to air box either way. Since the fitting is a NO NO.

BTW, after you removed the two bolts to the air box and the 2 bolts on the side of the MAF piping, do you just pull it out? When i did that, i think i might have broke this plastic thing that holds the bottom of the air box in place.....

That must be a big filter you have. Yes; that plastic 'flashing' thing (whatever it is), broke on mine as well. I guess if you decide to just put the airbox on, a little silcone glue (or similar), should be fine there.

 

[the_glassman]

Pretty much any open intake will make it easier to hear the BOV and intake.
Does is sound like a cow???

 

[Limited Edition]

That must be a big filter you have. Yes; that plastic 'flashing' thing (whatever it is), broke on mine as well. I guess if you decide to just put the airbox on, a little silcone glue (or similar), should be fine there.

haha looks like we voided our air box warrenty like that!
Anyway, My filter is actually smaller than the K&N cone filter...but it's because of the heat sheild that is in place that is hitting the hood. I don't think it matters if we glue the plastic thing back in, since the air box is already really secure when it is held down with the 2 bolts. I don't see what the purpose that plastic thing serves on the bottle of the air box?? just to hold it up?

 

[Limited Edition]

btw, does your filter need the rubber on the MAF when you plugged in the K&N?
I took mine off because i can't get my Ractive rubber over that.
time to go for a test drive!
i'll get you my report when i get back.
Do, i have to go WOT before i hear the BOV?

 

[Limited Edition]

Ok i'm back from my test drive with my Ractive Cone filter.

AGR#7 probably said everything that i will say...because it's true. The Spool up on definately louder once upon 3500rpm upwards... The BOV is louder but not LOUD as i want it to be. You'll only hear the BOV if you shift fast in b/t gears though. Although i might have to disagree with AGR#7 response about the car actually gaining some HP.

He could be right, if we dynoed the car... There could be a 2-4 HP increase on paper, but it's not HP that is felt. The throttle is more responsive too. Over all, i'm impressed with that a cone filter can do. The 'hiccup' effect is not as noticble, but i'll have to give it some more time before i judge.


I'm not happy with my install as it hits the bottom of my hood when i close it. Damn, Ractive heat shield filter is too large in diameter.