Thoughts on this intake

S

SkepTones

Member
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2002 Mazda Proteg5 5spd
So, I've got a 2002 Mazda Protege5 that's practically all stock. I've asked around to see where I should start upgrading it, and a lot of people have said a cold air intake is a good place to start. After some looking at the differences between CAI's and short ram intakes I found a short ram that I am considering getting; this one right here:

https://www.amazon.com (commissions earned)

I have many questions, like how does an intake like that compare to the stock airbox? Is there truly a noticeable power gain? Does it decrease gas mileage? Does that look like a pretty good quality intake for 60 bucks? And finally, what type of cone filter does that take so I could throw on an actual K&N filter when I get it installed?

If there are any other suggestions anyone would have for me I'd be glad to hear them. I'm just a beginner in the car modding game and am trying to learn my way around the engine bay. I really love my MP5 and plan on owning it for a while and upgrading it along the way, so some advice from the pros on Mazdas247 would come in handy!
 
IMO, short ram intakes aren't worth it on a NA engine. There will be a slight improvement in air flow but as far as power, it won't be noticeable. Spend a little more and get a CAI, at least you will get lower intake temperatures and a nice growl under acceleration.
 
They sound cool and look good, but that's about it.

There isn't any conclusive data (dyno runs) around that proves they add any performance to these cars. If they do it's very insignificant and at the very top end of the RPM range. Short rams are unlikely to add anything since they pull air from the hot engine bay. Better theoretical gains are to be had with a proper CAI that draws from the fender well.

Additionally, K&N's and other oiled filters are known for not playing nice with the element in your MAF sensor.
 
Any suggestions on a CAI worth getting then? Also do I have to remove the front bumper and relocate anything to install the CAI? I could use a detailed how-to install on the topic of cold air intakes.
 
SkepTones said:
Any suggestions on a CAI worth getting then? Also do I have to remove the front bumper and relocate anything to install the CAI? I could use a detailed how-to install on the topic of cold air intakes.
Click to expand...

I don't think you have to mess with the front bumper, just remove the inner fender cover and make some clearance for the tubing. You might need to mess with the fog light, but I'm not positive about that.

There is a lot of information around on this topic, easy to find with a search.
 
So a cold air intake is basically unnecessary? From the sound of it I might as well just get a new air filter and roll with the stock airbox.
 
The stock setup is great...aside from that ~12" long piece of tubing between the MAF sensor and throttle body that likes to crack along the ridges. That's the reason I bought my CAI.
 
If you want some growl, then by all means.. but you aren't really getting any "better" quality by paying an extra $20-$30 for this through amazon. ALl this is is some aluminum piping. Get the exact same thing on Ebay for $40.

That being said.. I am a MSP... so I can't comment on any gains. But I do own a NA 1996 Tercel, and I put a 3" intake on it. It gives it a little grumble and MAYBE a tiny bit of hp gain.

If I were you, I would put the filter in the fender, through that hole that is SUPER conveniently located for this purpose. keep your MAF roughly where it is.. its 2.75" on both sides. People say you can get 2.5" couplers on it, but its supposed to be super tight. I went ahead and got 2x 2.75" - 2.5" reducers, with the 2.75" clamps.. Source the piping as CHEAP as possible. Your not boosted, so you don't need expensive aluminum pipe.. any pipe will work fine. Get a little hacksaw and be prepared to fabricate a little.
 
I went with the Ram Air intake mod.

It may not do anything either but it is supposed to make a difference.

It's free and easy and gives easy access to install a truck size air horn.

IMG_20150614_114154_zpskfmdiacd.jpg
 
You can find videos with people gaining HP from an intake too. ;) It just depends on what you're searching for. Here's an N/A car that's benefiting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXo0142OdTo

To install a CAI, jack the front end up and turn the steering wheel all the way to the right. Now you can take off the fender liner and access the area where the filter goes. No taking off the bumper or...anything. Just pop a couple screws off of the fender liner and there's plenty of room for your hand and the filter. Install oughtta take 15 min, most of which is spent removing the old stuff.
A smart idea, if you're gonna get a CAI (Injen is a great brand), is to buy a bypass valve. It will keep your engine from hydrolocking if you drive through a puddle deep enough to submerge the intake filter.

Bypass valve:
http://www.aemintakes.com/air_bypass_valve.htm

Injen CAI:
http://www.autohance.com/injen-rd60...ZHFkr80fF3U9D3sAKqA-YFrhO2zgbvBQikaAv228P8HAQ
 
You'd have to drive into a river to submerge the filter. I have a Cosmo Racing CAI, looks almost exactly like the Injen. Can't get photobucket to work atm, I'll post a pic later
 
I recommend a CAI personally, but this topic has been beaten to death the past decade and there is really nothing more to discuss. Not a big difference in power with stock airbox or aftermarket intake, you are talking 2-3hp either way. Some intakes can actually make less power than stock, main difference is more engine noise which I can understand. But when considering it is going on a 130hp econobox that handles better than your average civic/corolla is it really a big deal?
 
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