Air Intake Baffle (Silencer) removal [Archive]

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G-Papi

08-30-2006, 02:23 PM

Here's how to remove the air baffle (silencer) that's beneath the air filter in the air box on the CX-7. Its removal seems to smooth out the power band, increase the power, and (heehee) make it sound better. The improved efficiency may improve the gas mileage.

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.

A tip . . .

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

08-30-2006, 02:30 PM

xavier

08-30-2006, 04:24 PM

Nice writeup. Ill have to try this

wongster

08-30-2006, 04:33 PM

Nice writeup. Ill have to try this

its one of the easiest things to do the only tool that i really needed was a screw driver to remove top of the air box so i have more room to take the baffle out.. took me total of 10 mins.. and i did it in parking lot of my work lol.

CEW73

08-30-2006, 09:40 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

Dude, your right! instead of just leaving it unclipped, me and my buddy flipped the top cover over and put the filter in ass backwards and took it for a drive! sounds awesome!!!!!: now i can pull up to a light and get this suka to sound like the TURBO is present cheap C.A.I fix.....now it has a blow off valve !

G-Papi

08-30-2006, 10:31 PM

nugen22

08-30-2006, 11:09 PM

that sounds pretty cool. Have you had a chance to drive it for a while like that? How much effect did it have on your gas milage?

xavier

08-31-2006, 07:46 AM

What I posted was a simple baffle removal operation. I'm not sure that I'm understanding what you're saying you did, but it doesn't sound like the type of thing I'd recommend doing. All I suggested was the baffle removal. The filter will still stop the particulate matter. I'm sure it's engineered for a single directional air flow.
I think what he did was turned the top of the filter cover upside-down where the air flow would be from the top of the motor, then secured the filter upside-down in the filter cover. I think the idea is to suck air from the top of the motor where the air is being channeled in through the front grill. I dont know if id trust that though.

PAA

08-31-2006, 08:37 PM

What is the use of the baffle ? If it's removed, could it damage the engine ?

G-Papi

08-31-2006, 09:37 PM

It's my understanding that it's purpose is to quiet the noise of the turbo intake system.

spike blue

09-02-2006, 04:22 PM

ok sorry for my question but can post pictures of the baffle!!!

G-Papi

09-02-2006, 06:41 PM

The baffle itself is posted in 1sleepy's post #2 in this thread. It's the last in the series of pics.

spike blue

09-03-2006, 12:34 AM

oh i see thanks i'll do it!

Z_Monzter

09-04-2006, 11:59 AM

Nice, I took mine off as soon as G-papi mention it last week.

G-Papi

09-04-2006, 08:48 PM

Nice, I took mine off as soon as G-papi mention it last week.
I checked today. It does seem that the air filter is soiling quicker than normal. Oh well, I guess I can't have the best of all worlds.:)

xavier

09-05-2006, 03:55 PM

Did this while I was up at the lake this weekend. I notice a slightly louder acceleration noise but not really any responsiveness, smoothness, or power gains. Not that Im complaining cuz it took like 5 minutes of my life so no worries

02589

09-05-2006, 05:30 PM

removed

kcshaner

11-03-2006, 10:23 AM

Have there been any negative effects of doing this? Would anyone who's done this give their opinions please?:)

1Sleepy93

11-03-2006, 11:22 AM

Haven't noticed any negatives on mine and it's been done for a couple thousand miles now.

xavier

11-03-2006, 12:25 PM

Haven't noticed any negatives on mine and it's been done for a couple thousand miles now.
Havent noticed any negatives but then again I havent really noticed any positives either

G-Papi

11-03-2006, 01:14 PM

No negatives, and since I've gotten accustomed to the sound and extra power, I can't say any more about the positives unless I put it back in, and then lose something.

wongster

11-08-2006, 07:01 PM

ditto.. no problems so far with it.. i like the sound...

CXseven

11-19-2006, 03:40 PM

No negatives, and since I've gotten accustomed to the sound and extra power, I can't say any more about the positives unless I put it back in, and then lose something.

Just took mine off in less than 5 mins. Drove it around all day yesterday, and noticed no difference in power gain. And it sounds the same to me. With windows/roof closed and or open. Sounds normal... I think i will leave it off for a few weeks, pop the baffle back on, and see if there is any difference that way.

Is there any K&N drop in filter for the CX7 available out there?(ughdance)

1Sleepy93

11-19-2006, 05:04 PM

Just took mine off in less than 5 mins. Drove it around all day yesterday, and noticed no difference in power gain. And it sounds the same to me. With windows/roof closed and or open. Sounds normal... I think i will leave it off for a few weeks, pop the baffle back on, and see if there is any difference that way.

Is there any K&N drop in filter for the CX7 available out there?(ughdance)

Same filter as the speed6

Zoom Mgr

12-28-2006, 01:58 PM

Most of the Mazda line up has that baffle, the CX7 is the easiest of the bunch to remove, there is a slight noise difference, performance gain is minimal- Make sure that baffle is reinstalled when going back to dealers for service or warranty. Some may make an issue of it and cause you headaches.(enguard)

CXseven

01-07-2007, 02:57 AM

Baffles back in, & replaced stock with a K&N filter (speed 6) for a month now.
Result: A lot better, w/better response (some hp gain), avg mpg = 21. (drive2)

mixmasterlove

01-07-2007, 05:56 AM

Baffles back in, & replaced stock with a K&N filter (speed 6) for a month now.
Result: A lot better, w/better response (some hp gain), avg mpg = 21. (drive2)
Any problems with oil, getting on the MAF sensor ??? I heard from my friend the service mgr. that the it happens alot with the K & N filters.

CX7andMiata

01-07-2007, 12:36 PM

Baffles back in, & replaced stock with a K&N filter (speed 6) for a month now.
Result: A lot better, w/better response (some hp gain), avg mpg = 21. (drive2)
Did the K&N filter help the MPG? What were you getting before putting in the new filter?

ottoblotto

01-15-2007, 05:47 PM

Did the K&N filter help the MPG? What were you getting before putting in the new filter?

my question is: the pn that im seeing posted is for a ms6 with a 6cyl. 33-2279. as far as i can see the 33-2278 is for the 2.3l 4 cyl fi. anyone verify this??? im trying to order one online. at autozone 55+ and have to order also...

ottoblotto

01-15-2007, 05:51 PM

my question is: the pn that im seeing posted is for a ms6 with a 6cyl. 33-2279. as far as i can see the 33-2278 is for the 2.3l 4 cyl fi. anyone verify this??? im trying to order one online. at autozone 55+ and have to order also...

heres what i found:

33-2278 Product Specifications

Product Style: Panel Air Filter
Height: 0.875 in (22 mm)
Outside Length: 12.563 in (319 mm)
Outside Width: 6.875 in (175 mm)
Filter Re-Oiling Amount: 1.08 oz (32 ml)
Weight: 1 lb (0.4 kg)
Product Box Length: 13.5 in (343 mm)
Product Box Width: 7.75 in (197 mm)
Product Box Height: 1.75 in (44 mm)

K&N Applications for 33-2278

2006 MAZDA MPV 3.0L V6 F/I - All
2005 MAZDA 6 1.8L L4 F/I - All
2005 MAZDA 6 2.0L L4 DSL - All
2005 MAZDA 6 2.0L L4 F/I - All
2005 MAZDA 6 2.3L L4 F/I - All
2005 MAZDA MPV 3.0L V6 F/I - All
2004 MAZDA 6 1.8L L4 F/I - All
2004 MAZDA 6 2.0L L4 DSL - All
2004 MAZDA 6 2.0L L4 F/I - All
2004 MAZDA 6 2.3L L4 F/I - All
2004 MAZDA MPV 3.0L V6 F/I - All
2003 MAZDA 6 1.8L L4 F/I - All
2003 MAZDA 6 2.0L L4 DSL - All
2003 MAZDA 6 2.0L L4 F/I - All
2003 MAZDA 6 2.3L L4 F/I - All
2002 MAZDA 6 1.8L L4 F/I - All
2002 MAZDA 6 2.0L L4 DSL - All
2002 MAZDA 6 2.0L L4 F/I - All

33-2279 Product Specifications
Product Style: Panel Air Filter
Height: 0.938 in (24 mm)
Outside Length: 12.188 in (310 mm)
Outside Width: 6.875 in (175 mm)
Filter Re-Oiling Amount: 0.99 oz (29 ml)
Weight: 1 lb (0.4 kg)
Product Box Length: 13.5 in (343 mm)
Product Box Width: 7.75 in (197 mm)
Product Box Height: 1.75 in (44 mm)

K&N Applications for 33-2279

2005 MAZDA 6 3.0L V6 F/I - All
2004 MAZDA 6 3.0L V6 F/I - All
2003 MAZDA 6 3.0L V6 F/I - All
2002 MAZDA 6 3.0L V6 F/I - All

mariusz

06-25-2007, 03:34 AM

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

Hi there

did any body noticed that thers is a secand hole in the air box once u remove the piece from it, what is it??????(pissed) (pissed) (enguard)

CX-7owner

06-25-2007, 03:55 AM

(omg)

AWmustang

06-25-2007, 09:27 AM

That goes down to the resonator chamber. I know many Speed6 owners have removed the chamber to get an almost cold air intake. (It sucks air from the wheel well). It also makes it so that you can really hear the sucking of the turbo and you can hear the BOV a little bit.

Just have to be careful because in rain the airfilter gets wet.

mariusz

06-26-2007, 07:27 PM

thanks

lisevolution

07-05-2007, 05:13 PM

any idea how to remove the resonator chamber on the CX7 yet? Just took the baffle out and I wouldn't mind doing the other if it's not too much of a pain in the ass!

mariusz

07-06-2007, 01:16 AM

any idea how to remove the resonator chamber on the CX7 yet? Just took the baffle out and I wouldn't mind doing the other if it's not too much of a pain in the ass!
you don't need to remove the chamber. only to pull out the air box and turn around the conectin piece of piping, ie b/w box and the resonator.i did it and works fine

benben84

07-08-2007, 09:49 PM

I pulled out the silencer piece nad it took me less than 2 minutes from popping the hood to shutting it. Very easy, not much of a noise difference though, at least not to me. But I'm used to my MSP that sounds like a freaking jet engine when I get on it.

Custommx3

04-15-2009, 11:27 AM

Thanks for this write up! I know its an older thread, but turns out they part number for the filter seems to be the same as the K&N drop-in I purchased for my MS6 prior to my MS CAI.

erhayes

05-22-2009, 07:38 PM

Usually the "resonator" is there to smooth out the air flow. In some vehicles the intake pulses can mess up the MAF voltage. I think I will not remove the resonator for this reason.

saprotege02

11-07-2009, 04:25 AM

i was wondering if this same mod would be able to be done on an 02 protege 2.0. i took off the left front wheel and the splash guard thinking that the intake resonator would be almost behind the headlight but closer to the engine, sort of at the gap between the place where the front splash guard and the transmission splash guard meet, but i wasn't able to find it anywhere...

saprotege02

11-07-2009, 04:32 AM

the sole purpose of the baffle is to quiet engine noise, but its removal will VERY slightly affect gas mileage and to an even lesser extent horsepower. your engine will be fine without it. it's even safer than descreening your MAF sensor.

hectik1

11-07-2009, 10:22 AM

wannabe

11-08-2009, 05:40 AM

to make it easier to damage, duh!

yeah, i'm not sure but there isn't one on the 6 either.