Better air flow [Archive]

G-Papi

08-25-2006, 04:40 PM

Removing the baffle under the air filter seems to smooth out the power band, increase the power, and (heehee) make it sound better. I wonder if it helps gas mileage.

xavier

08-25-2006, 04:59 PM

definitely keep us posted on gas mileage!

cruzdreamer

08-25-2006, 05:18 PM

I am baffled!? Hee,hee. What is the baffle anyway...is it important?

G-Papi

08-25-2006, 05:52 PM

It's directly beneath the air filter. It's a simple clip in-and-out plastic baffle, whose purpose (I believe) is noise reduction. It can be replaced whenever you like by simply clipping it back in place.

1Sleepy93

08-25-2006, 06:10 PM

Yeah I've always had a tendancy to rip those out of every car I own. lol Haven't gotten around to it on the CX-7 though. Might be something I do this evening.

Z_Monzter

08-25-2006, 06:15 PM

Removing the baffle under the air filter seems to smooth out the power band, increase the power, and (heehee) make it sound better. I wonder if it helps gas mileage.

Great find G, I just took mine off. I don't forsee any difference in gas mileage because of this. It will get the filter dirty faster, but that's what they are for. As long as you change it annualy as you are supposed to, you should be fine.(glare)

I can't wait till they make a K&N filter for the CX-7. Or if there is please anybody let me know.

G-Papi

08-25-2006, 06:23 PM

Great find G, I just took mine off. I don't forsee any difference in gas mileage because of this. It will get the filter dirty faster, but that's what they are for. As long as you change it annualy as you are supposed to, you should be fine.(glare)

I can't wait till they make a K&N filter for the CX-7. Or if there is please anybody let me know.

There were some other threads. I believe I saw where the Speed6 filter is the same one.

Z_Monzter

08-25-2006, 06:26 PM

There were some other threads. I believe I saw where the Speed6 filter is the same one.

Hmm, thanks G, I am going to check into that. K&N is definatelly worth it.

CEW73

08-25-2006, 10:23 PM

Hmm, thanks G, I am going to check into that. K&N is definatelly worth it.

I am going to try out a cold air intake (cia) from a mazda 6 soon! ill let you guyz know or even add a sound clip to the post if i can!
dont see why it wont work! more room in the cx cause we owned a 6 before this! lets see(peep)

Z_Monzter

08-26-2006, 09:39 AM

I am going to try out a cold air intake (cia) from a mazda 6 soon! ill let you guyz know or even add a sound clip to the post if i can!
dont see why it wont work! more room in the cx cause we owned a 6 before this! lets see(peep)

Can't wait to hear it! (glare)

wongster

08-29-2006, 09:09 AM

080669

08-29-2006, 11:00 AM

I don't forsee any difference in gas mileage because of this.

So, I took out the baffle, and ended up with the lowest mpg I've gotten yet on the next tank. I did do some "car flirting" on that tank, though, which had me leapfrogging past another car over and over again. I'll see what the mpg on the next tankfull is.

G-Papi

08-29-2006, 11:55 AM

I haven't driven enough yet to get a fix on the mpg. Maybe next week.

wongster

08-29-2006, 05:46 PM

HMMM Interesting so this baffle is in the air box right under the air filter? is that correct?

ncraig

08-29-2006, 05:53 PM

could we get like a pic, cause im a car noob, sorry :)

G-Papi

08-29-2006, 06:14 PM

Look at the air filter box. There are finger clips on all sides, and as I recall, two on the front.

Unclip the clips. Remove the air filter cover. It may ease matters if you unscrew the hose clamp to the air intake and remove the hose from the cover. Reinstallation is a snap, so not to worry.

Being careful not to tear the air filter, or distort in any way, remove the air filter by lifting straight up. Remember which side is up.

You will see the bottom of the box, which is a flat surface. Clipped to it is the baffle. Using a flat screwdriver, unclip it from the body of the box. Do not damage the baffle in the process. It should be a simple snap-out operation. Wipe out any dust in the bottom of the box.

Reinstall the filter, and close the cover, being certain that the filter seals properly on all sides of the box, and there is no interference with reclosing the box. Be sure that all clips are re-attached, along with the intake air hose, if you disconnected it previously.

Save your baffle. Re-install it if taking the car for warranty service, or for when you trade it in for the 2009 model.

1Sleepy93

08-29-2006, 06:33 PM

Yes it's in the bottom of the air box.

No you can't have a picture! :p

j/k I'll see if I can snap one this evening if no one else does first.

nopstnz

08-29-2006, 07:47 PM

I'm interested in this simple "mod" :)

1Sleepy93

08-29-2006, 10:10 PM

Here's the pics.

Here is the airbox in all it's glory!

http://www.khousehold.net/images/Aug2006/cx-7airbox.jpg

Shot with the cover off and filter exposed. (I found it easier to remove the lid with the plug to the MAF disconnected and removed from the wire harness clip on the box)

http://www.khousehold.net/images/Aug2006/cx-7filter.jpg

Bottom of the airbox before the mod.

http://www.khousehold.net/images/Aug2006/cx-7airboxmodbefore.jpg

Bottom of the airbox after the mod.

http://www.khousehold.net/images/Aug2006/cx-7airboxmodafter.jpg

Piece that was removed from the airbox.

http://www.khousehold.net/images/Aug2006/cx-7airboxremovedpiece.jpg

G-Papi

08-30-2006, 01:20 AM

1Sleepy, Damn, you're good.

wongster

08-30-2006, 01:21 AM

did it at in the parking lot at work took me 10 mins...

G-Papi

08-30-2006, 01:23 AM

Let me know if your power band feels smoother and stronger like mine did.

cx-7_racer

08-30-2006, 08:49 AM

so far I don't notice any differance

wongster

08-30-2006, 10:35 AM

dont notice too much a differance..response seems to be a big better, and lil less turbo lag...

G-Papi

08-30-2006, 11:29 AM

dont notice too much a differance..response seems to be a big better, and lil less turbo lag...

I guess less turbo lag was what I meant when I said that the power band seemed smoother(glare)

1Sleepy93

08-30-2006, 11:47 AM

5mins in the parking lot of our apartment complex and no tools. I actually had to put it back together to take the pics. LOL

Little less lag and a bit more sound. (smoke)

G-Papi, you should stick your write up in the how-to section.

bigfootxx2

08-30-2006, 12:51 PM

how about the mpg I am getting 23 mpg ave. now so I think I will leave it in for now. its not a awd its the fwd model touring

wongster

08-30-2006, 12:58 PM

how about the mpg I am getting 23 mpg ave. now so I think I will leave it in for now. its not a awd its the fwd model touring

will let you know after i pump twice.
btw how do you guys figure out the mpg? is it on the car? or you guys just calculate it?

zentrandi

08-30-2006, 01:25 PM

subbing for more info

nopstnz

08-30-2006, 01:36 PM

Not to throw this thread off topic, but has it been confirmed that the Mazdaspeed6's air filter the same as ours? I wanna get a K&N filer for the 7 and my 8. Anyone know?

G-Papi

08-30-2006, 02:26 PM

wongster

08-30-2006, 03:17 PM

Not to throw this thread off topic, but has it been confirmed that the Mazdaspeed6's air filter the same as ours? I wanna get a K&N filer for the 7 and my 8. Anyone know?

nope.. not yet... would like to know too...

ncraig

09-01-2006, 01:22 AM

Sleepy, thanks for the pics, that is perfect, I will have to try this out tomorrow!

Mamas Ride

09-01-2006, 08:30 AM

(first)

I spoke with a friend regarding this "mod" He is a master tech with all the latest certs. He says the mass airflow sensor will see the increase in the volume of air and compensate with additional fuel resulting in a decrease in mpg. Additionally I asked about installing a K&N, he recommended against it as the same situation applies and also there is evidence that the oil residue from this type of filter is causing oxygen sensors to fail early. Looks like these damn cars are just too smart ! No easy way to coax extra performance unless you are willing to mess with the programming and sensors. BTW, my wife loves her CX, I have had precious few chances to drive it but when I do it is a blast.

nopstnz

09-02-2006, 08:28 PM

Just did this mod tonite. Gonna take a ride over to Home Depot and see if I can "hear" the difference :)

Be back later...

nopstnz

09-02-2006, 10:23 PM

Went and came back from HD. Didn't really notice any sound difference, but it did feel like it pulled much harder. Maybe my SOPT feel is off, but time will tell. ;)

spike blue

09-05-2006, 02:40 PM

LOL i did it and no turbo lag and runs smother and faster ,no sound difference though!! Any ideas if the cai that aem has for the ms6 works in our cx-7s???

Jaymak577

09-09-2006, 11:10 PM

dont notice too much a differance..response seems to be a big better, and lil less turbo lag...

you guys need a lesson in cars turbo lag is delay in a turbos max output or simply put the time it take a turbo to spool up. so simple math no turbo=no tubo lag

a smoother powerband in more correct

G-Papi

09-09-2006, 11:22 PM

you guys need a lesson in cars turbo lag is delay in a turbos max output or simply put the time it take a turbo to spool up. so simple math no turbo=no tubo lag

a smoother powerband in more correct

Hey dude - read my first post to start the thread off. Duh???

BTW ~ Welcome!!!!