Newbie needs help with CAI install!!

[nrgfiend]

So I'm new to posting on this board, however I've been reading posts by everyone for a little while now. I ordered my Mazdaspeed CAI and its supposed to be here on Friday which is none too soon. Needless to say I'm way excited to let me Speed6 breathe better and I can't wait to hear the turbo more. I've looked and looked for specific advice on how to install this CAI but I cannot find anything. I'm mechanically inclined and can follow the provided directions but I also know that with anything like this, someone who has done it before can offer pieces of advice that are invaluable during the installation process. So...with that being said, anyone that has installed this particular CAI and has advice on how to do it and do it right please, post back and let me know! I appreciate it in advance.... By the way, it's on a black 2006 Mazdaspeed6 GT with wt. on black leather, nav., sat. radio, and sunroof...This is the first mod with more to come I'm sure.

 

[trees]

You will love it, make sure that you dont butt it right up on the fender where it goes down into the wheel well

 

[Raynman]

Well, while you're waiting you can save yourself a step by removing the resonator that's at the bottom of the airbox.

 

[Alfredo]

What did you pay?
I have a black GT also!! Let me know how it looks and sounds!!

 

[nrgfiend]

Alfredo....I paid $300.00 shipped for the Mazdaspeed brand from www.onlinemazdaparts.com and then also bought the Mazda all weather floor mats for another $52.00. This is a great deal because the Weathertech floormats are about $60.00 for just the front two all weather mats and this price is for all 4. Also the CAI is a great deal because it's under warranty for 12 months/12,000 miles and at this price it's only $45.00 more than the AEM version that is not warrantied.

If anyone else has any tips for the install on this please let me know. I want to install it on Friday afternoon when the UPS guy comes but it gets real cold where I'm at. If I can get a good enough explanation I will have the car lifted and the stock airbox out so all I have to do is bolt on and let her breathe!!

What did you pay?
I have a black GT also!! Let me know how it looks and sounds!!

 

[morgan2112]

Alfredo....I paid $300.00 shipped for the Mazdaspeed brand from www.onlinemazdaparts.com and then also bought the Mazda all weather floor mats for another $52.00. This is a great deal because the Weathertech floormats are about $60.00 for just the front two all weather mats and this price is for all 4. Also the CAI is a great deal because it's under warranty for 12 months/12,000 miles and at this price it's only $45.00 more than the AEM version that is not warrantied.

If anyone else has any tips for the install on this please let me know. I want to install it on Friday afternoon when the UPS guy comes but it gets real cold where I'm at. If I can get a good enough explanation I will have the car lifted and the stock airbox out so all I have to do is bolt on and let her breathe!!

I am about to order but would like some other recommendations for a CAI.
I am in the Dallas, TX area so I know there should be one closer. I am hoping to possibly go visit a store/shop and save on shipping. Didn't some folks get these mazdaspeed CAI for around $230-$250??
I hope your installation goes smoothly!!!

Peace - M

 

[jdub260]

I have the AEM version, same thing, and it took me 1 hour from the time i put the jack under the car to the time I was washing my hands. It is a really easy install. The hardest part it getting to the bolts for the resonator. They come out easy they are just in a spot where you have to bend your arm funny to get to. My only suggestion is if you live in an area where it rains a lot you should cover the vents in the fender liner with something to help keep the filter dry. I used a peice of flashing on the inside so you can't see it but it keeps the water out.

 

[morgan2112]

I have the AEM version, same thing, and it took me 1 hour from the time i put the jack under the car to the time I was washing my hands. It is a really easy install. The hardest part it getting to the bolts for the resonator. They come out easy they are just in a spot where you have to bend your arm funny to get to. My only suggestion is if you live in an area where it rains a lot you should cover the vents in the fender liner with something to help keep the filter dry. I used a peice of flashing on the inside so you can't see it but it keeps the water out.

Hey big DUBS!!
How much for that AEM CAI??? Do they include good directions??? Also have you adjusted your clutch? Did the 2 autoEXE strut tie bars make a significant difference and I guess they were easy bolt ons or do you have to secure and compress the springs/struts??
Thanks!!

 

[nrgfiend]

I have the AEM version, same thing, and it took me 1 hour from the time i put the jack under the car to the time I was washing my hands. It is a really easy install. The hardest part it getting to the bolts for the resonator. They come out easy they are just in a spot where you have to bend your arm funny to get to. My only suggestion is if you live in an area where it rains a lot you should cover the vents in the fender liner with something to help keep the filter dry. I used a peice of flashing on the inside so you can't see it but it keeps the water out.

I had some struggles with the bolts that held the resonator in place.....It was damn cold outside and my hands were so numbed up from the wind and stuff that I really had a hard time getting to the two bolts on the side closest to the bumper. Other than that it wasn't too bad of an install at all. The directions could be a little clearer but I think that is always the case, no matter how good they are. I must say I was shocked at how quiet the car is even with the intake....unless you're accelerating hard and then it sounds awesome. The sound of the turbo is one that I just LOVE!!!!! Couldn't be happier!

 

[leebee]

Mazda 6 Cai Concern

I have the AEM version, same thing, and it took me 1 hour from the time i put the jack under the car to the time I was washing my hands. It is a really easy install. The hardest part it getting to the bolts for the resonator. They come out easy they are just in a spot where you have to bend your arm funny to get to. My only suggestion is if you live in an area where it rains a lot you should cover the vents in the fender liner with something to help keep the filter dry. I used a peice of flashing on the inside so you can't see it but it keeps the water out.

I have an 04 mazda 6 that I'm curious about installing a cai. I've never done this before, but I have mechanical background, so I'm quite capable.
my concern is weather or not its safe to just install a cai without any other mods to the engine. Is it as simple as replacing the factory air intake with a cold air intake and start driving, or is there somthing else I need to do to avoid short term, or long term damage to the engine? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Perro del Sol]

I have an 04 mazda 6 that I'm curious about installing a cai. I've never done this before, but I have mechanical background, so I'm quite capable.
my concern is weather or not its safe to just install a cai without any other mods to the engine. Is it as simple as replacing the factory air intake with a cold air intake and start driving, or is there somthing else I need to do to avoid short term, or long term damage to the engine? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

Do you have the V6 or the I version? If you have the V6, I would look into CPE's Mafci, as any other intake will through a CEL. If you have the 4 cyl version, Injen or AEM will work.

Here's the link: http://www.cp-e.com

 

[leebee]

Do you have the V6 or the I version? If you have the V6, I would look into CPE's Mafci, as any other intake will through a CEL. If you have the 4 cyl version, Injen or AEM will work.

Here's the link: http://www.cp-e.com[/ Thanks for t...ECU was needed or recommended. what is a CEL?

 

[jdub260]

Hey big DUBS!!
How much for that AEM CAI??? Do they include good directions??? Also have you adjusted your clutch? Did the 2 autoEXE strut tie bars make a significant difference and I guess they were easy bolt ons or do you have to secure and compress the springs/struts??
Thanks!!

I paid $255 and it came with black and white picture directions. Some of the wording was a little odd but it was pretty easy to follow.

The strut tie bars made the car stiffer and the weight transfer was better after install. Both just bolt on. The front took longer to find the right socket than it did to install. There isn't much bolt left after the tie bar was installed but it was just enough to make it work. The rear bolts right in also you just have to remove the liner in the trunk to reach the latches to lay the back seats down. Both together it took less than 30 min including finding the right sockets.

 

[orlandomsp]

what is a CEL?

Check Engine Light.

 

[jdub260]

Thanks for the link. I have the 6 cyl and I have an AEM that I think will work, just wasn't sure if any adjustments to the maf or a remap of the ECU was needed or recommended. what is a CEL?

No adjustments are needed. The computer will adjust itself. It might take a short drive for the computer to learn the new fuel/air mixture, like maybe 10 or 15 miles, but it should be fine after that.

A CEL is a "Check Engine Light". As far as wheather or not you will get a CEL I have no idea. I have never worked on a regular 6. If you get one it will probably be for a lean fuel mixture, which means the car can't provide enough fuel for the amount of air that it is getting. This will probably be a false reading due to the new location of the MAF Sensor in the CAI, or it will be completly safe for the engine but outside of Mazda's "Recommended Safe Range". Either way you won't know for sure unless you have it checked out so you might want to reasearch a little more before you choose a brand to go with.

Good luck with this and all future mods.(headbang)

 

[leebee]

No adjustments are needed. The computer will adjust itself. It might take a short drive for the computer to learn the new fuel/air mixture, like maybe 10 or 15 miles, but it should be fine after that.

A CEL is a "Check Engine Light". As far as wheather or not you will get a CEL I have no idea. I have never worked on a regular 6. If you get one it will probably be for a lean fuel mixture, which means the car can't provide enough fuel for the amount of air that it is getting. This will probably be a false reading due to the new location of the MAF Sensor in the CAI, or it will be completly safe for the engine but outside of Mazda's "Recommended Safe Range". Either way you won't know for sure unless you have it checked out so you might want to reasearch a little more before you choose a brand to go with.

Good luck with this and all future mods.(headbang)

appreciate the info. I think I'm gonna talk to the mazda guys down at the dealership and see what I can come up with, again thank you.