Free custom air intake

[lilchild87]

Ok, finally i've done what everyone was waiting for :D

I got some pics for you guys to see how i did it

This custom intake gives you more torque and better response!!! i felt it while driving after mod!

pic 1: The 4 holes taped on the snorkel ( bottom side )

pic 2: 1 hole taped on the bottom of resonator ( under the car )

pic 3: 1 hole taped inside the airbox ( remove your panel filter first )

pic 4: Big cut i made on the top left of the grill so cold air from outside will go right to the snorkel mouth

pic 5: Everything back together plus i move the horn to the left side (with some extra tooling) so it won't block the "direct scope" i'm gonna put from the grill to the snorkel mouth for perfect air flowing

Easy uh.. but it takes time

Good luck!!!

[lilchild87]

*

[lilchild87]

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[lilchild87]

And pic 6 is for the tools i used ( just a hint ) ;)

[goldstar]

I'm glad to see that you experienced a noticeable improvement in performance from this mod.

Nice job, although you used a bit more tape than the amount I used. Also, I didn't remove my grill before cutting out the horizontal grill support. I was able to cut and remove it without detaching anything.

Adding a scoop would probably improve air flow even more. I had thought of doing it myself but hesitated because I thought it might provoke ingestion of water in heavy rainstorms. I've had this mod for quite some time now and have never experienced water ingestion regardless of the severity and duration of rain I've encountered and the fact that I'm running with blocked off drain holes. I believe this is because the incoming air must flow upward from the grill to the air inlet and any rain water carried in with the air would probably fall away from the inlet. With a scoop, any water would likely be directed into the inlet. If you do use a scoop, check to make sure that you won't have this problem. And definitely let us know the results.

Are you planning on removing the MAF sensor screen (assuming your model has one)? I noticed a further increase in performance after doing so. The screen probably functions to straighten the air flow before it enters the MAF sensor, but its presence does provide a restriction and I've noticed absolutely no negative effects due to its absence.

[Not Jo3L]

Glad it worked.

You used alot more tape then i did though...but hey w.e. it is fine.

Goldstar i always thought about removing the MAF screen. Isnt it the black mesh you can see by opening your airbox and looking down the tube towards your MAF?

[lilchild87]

Thx guys! i was talking with my dad about the scoop/water.. will be more airflow but water may get inside the engine, prolly will get a small scoop from the mouth of snorkel towards the first top 4 squares on the grill.. so it wont be facing the whole grill.

Which one is that famous MAF screen?? you mean the metallic thin grill inside the air tube??

I was thinking to get a K&N panel filter for higher flow.. means small gain :)

[Not Jo3L]

I was thinking to get a K&N panel filter for higher flow.. means small gain :)

Defffff get the K&N unless you plan on replacing your air filters alot.

[lilchild87]

did you see any diff with the K&N panel filter??

and for the scoop.. I'll make one and put a really thin sponge/filter on the inlet of the snorkel for any water going in... air flow will be direct and in case of water the sponge or filter will stop it..

[Not Jo3L]

Hahah we live in CA and we get no rain no need to worry

but to tell you the truth i didnt reset my ecu to test if i got any gains from the k&n filter plus taping of the holes.

i just dont want my car to run shitty for a couple days while it relearns itself.

once i get my second airbox clip i will reset it and see. the gains will probably next to nothing. because i think the grill cutout has the most effect. k&n filter probably has the second biggest but who knows.

[lilchild87]

Mmm yea you are right, but the fall and winter are coming and we might get some rain so.. think about it (yes)

How can i take off the beeez electric noise out form the engine? freaks me out!

[Not Jo3L]

Mmm yea you are right, but the fall and winter are coming and we might get some rain so.. think about it (yes)

How can i take off the beeez electric noise out form the engine? freaks me out!

Well just think about if any water gets in the intake will be hot enough to evap some of the water and the actual filter should absorb any of the rest of the water.

what electric sound are you talkin about btw?

[Black Molly]

Take your Snorkle off. There is a LOT of places you can seal off to make a strait flow. It just takes some black RTV and time. PS K&N does wonders, Take off the down pipe by your air box and plug it with a tub drain stop with RTV. Clean your intake and EGR change plugs to copper core. You WILL notice a difference.

[lilchild87]

Well just think about if any water gets in the intake will be hot enough to evap some of the water and the actual filter should absorb any of the rest of the water.

what electric sound are you talkin about btw?

when i press the gas.. makes a noise like when you run out of power steering fluid.. you know when you turn ur wheels towards the end of any side and you listen a mosquito sound? ok i got that sound but from the engine :S

[Not Jo3L]

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123650983&highlight=engine+clicking+noise

is it anything like this?

[lilchild87]

might be it..idk sounds like a electric engine..it sucks!!

btw what if i get a short ram intake?

or if i get a tube MAF adapter on 3'' size

[Not Jo3L]

i would not go 3 in

you need to stick to the same size tubing as your intake now..so your MAF can read the air right.

short rams are allright..more for show and sound in my opinion..but if its cheap then go for it

[lilchild87]

But you get quicker response with those

Give me some short ram options please

thx!

[goldstar]

Glad it worked.
Goldstar i always thought about removing the MAF screen. Isnt it the black mesh you can see by opening your airbox and looking down the tube towards your MAF?

Yes. To remove it, the MAF sensor must first be removed. The mesh, or screen, is a light press fit in the housing. I removed mine using a wooden dowel as a drift. Be very careful not to damage the internal components or you will surely ruin the expensive sensor. If you remove it and then decide to put it back, note that the screen is directional.

Removal gives you a bit more gain, particularly at higher rpms.

[goldstar]

i would not go 3 in

you need to stick to the same size tubing as your intake now..so your MAF can read the air right.

short rams are allright..more for show and sound in my opinion..but if its cheap then go for it


But you get quicker response with those

Give me some short ram options please

thx!

There are two potential problems with SRIs.

First, installing one means losing the Helmholtz resonator which is designed to enhance and maintain low speed torque.

Second, there's a large difference between ambient and underhood air intake temperatures. Considering temperature alone, power output is a function of the square root of the change in absolute temperature.

You could, therefore, end up with no net gain and possibly even a loss compared with the modified OEM system under discussion.

I've tried both systems (I own an AEM SRI) and find I prefer the modified OEM for general road use. Your experience could be different, of course.

[lilchild87]

Then what about getting CAI?? the air will be cooler than SRI and will travel faster than the custom mod we made.. it's brand is INJEN

[cantthinkof1]

What about removing the whole snorkel all together, just leaving the airbox with say a k&n filter in it?

The snorkel almost seems restrictive.

Although, I've never dealt with a car with a Helmholtz resonator in it before. So I could be off, and it could be very helpful, but its kinda weird thinking that putting more restrictions on the airflow will actually help.

[lilchild87]

What about removing the whole snorkel all together, just leaving the airbox with say a k&n filter in it?

The snorkel almost seems restrictive.

Although, I've never dealt with a car with a Helmholtz resonator in it before. So I could be off, and it could be very helpful, but its kinda weird thinking that putting more restrictions on the airflow will actually help.

Well your right actually, more restrictions, boxes,turns and shapes on the conduct its less help.. i agree on that

Thats why i may get the CAI or make one but still a CAI

[goldstar]

Then what about getting CAI?? the air will be cooler than SRI and will travel faster than the custom mod we made.. it's brand is INJEN

The Injen will certainly provide ambient temperature air since the filter is located in the wheelwell outside the engine compartment. However, there's no reason to believe that intake air will travel faster in an Injen than in the modified OEM intake unless the Injen uses smaller diameter tubing. And remember, the air inlet in the modded OEM system is located in a high pressure area whereas the Injen inlet is not.


What about removing the whole snorkel all together, just leaving the airbox with say a k&n filter in it?

The snorkel almost seems restrictive.

Although, I've never dealt with a car with a Helmholtz resonator in it before. So I could be off, and it could be very helpful, but its kinda weird thinking that putting more restrictions on the airflow will actually help.

Removing the snorkel will subject the inlet to hot, underhood air and cause a power loss. Not a good idea. I'm sure the snorkel is restictive, but removing it isn't the answer.

The Helmholtz resonator does not constitute a restriction in the system since it's not inline with the intake air flow. It's connected in bypass mode to the main system. Therefore, removing it will not improve air flow but will cause a loss in low speed torque.

[lilchild87]

i have an idea get rid ofthe snorkel and get a tube long scoop from any open spot and plug it into the mouth of the airbox

with that option you may either leave the panel filter or put a cone filter in the mouth of the airbox just like this picture

this air tube conduct you can buy it out form pepboys or autozone for 20 bucks, and it is expandable

[lilchild87]

This is exatly what i was looking for.. the black panel install it on a opne spot for outside air.. then the orange filter tightit on the airbox mouth!!

thats it!! i think thats gonna work out real good!

thx to Weapon-R for making this air intake adapter :D

[Not Jo3L]

Yes. To remove it, the MAF sensor must first be removed. The mesh, or screen, is a light press fit in the housing. I removed mine using a wooden dowel as a drift. Be very careful not to damage the internal components or you will surely ruin the expensive sensor. If you remove it and then decide to put it back, note that the screen is directional.

Removal gives you a bit more gain, particularly at higher rpms.

You dont worry about getting laminar airflow?

I dont seen my MAF screen as a shield for debris or anything i only see it for helping with the turbulent air. But if others drive fine without it then maybe i will opt for this little mod too.

[goldstar]

You dont worry about getting laminar airflow?

I dont seen my MAF screen as a shield for debris or anything i only see it for helping with the turbulent air.

I believe the function of the screen is to maintain the desired laminar flow (and prevent turbulent flow) as the intake air transitions from the air box to the MAF sensor, to ensure an accurate density reading. However, a number of sources have demonstated that removal reduces negative pressure in the intake duct thereby having a positive effect on performance. Additionally, as already stated, and as far as I can determine, I've experienced absolutely no ill effects running with it removed.

I agree with you that the screen is not a debris shield as the openings are large enough to pass objects of sufficient size to damage or destroy the engine.

You might want to try it as the mod is fully reversible. Then, if you find no benefit or note any problems, simply reinstall the screen.

[Not Jo3L]

I believe the function of the screen is to maintain the desired laminar flow (and prevent turbulent flow) as the intake air transitions from the air box to the MAF sensor, to ensure an accurate density reading. However, a number of sources have demonstated that removal reduces negative pressure in the intake duct thereby having a positive effect on performance. Additionally, as already stated, and as far as I can determine, I've experienced absolutely no ill effects running with it removed.

I agree with you that the screen is not a debris shield as the openings are large enough to pass objects of sufficient size to damage or destroy the engine.

You might want to try it as the mod is fully reversible. Then, if you find no benefit or note any problems, simply reinstall the screen.

Allright so just get like a wooden stick to pull it out and if i want to put it back in it has to go in the same direction it comes out?

[goldstar]

Allright so just get like a wooden stick to pull it out and if i want to put it back in it has to go in the same direction it comes out?

Yes, that's correct. Just make sure that you don't damage any internal components of the MAF sensor and you'll be fine.

Good luck.

[lilchild87]

Hey guys check this out.. i want to get this weapon r and also add an air hose on the filter and take the other end somewhere that ican get cool air... suggestions?

[crashkelly]

Allright so just get like a wooden stick to pull it out and if i want to put it back in it has to go in the same direction it comes out?

dude dont take the MAF screen out...it is there for a reason. Im not going to go into a huge explanation as to why you need to have it because there is already a huge thread(Search "MAF") that people went back and forth on endlessly about why its good or bad. Ultimately you want the maf diffusor in there and to anyone who says it doesnt help with debris...read the thread because I personally had my turbo saved from immediate destruction because I decided to keep my MAF honeycomb in. IMO removing the diffusor is one of those mods that people do because they dont have the patience to just wait until they have money to buy performance parts (being over eager is a lot of people's downfall)...removing it does nothing for performance except maybe worsen it. I will not be convinced you get any gain unless a dyno is done (which no one will do because it is ridiculous...but i just dont buy it).

Take the time to save money and buy good quality mods.

Im sorry if I offended anyone who has taken their diffusor out and thinks they are benefitting from it. But in all honestly PM some of the members who are running the best times, have the most mods on their car, and a lot more experience than most people and ask them if they think it is a good idea to remove the diffusor....you will only get one answer.

[lilchild87]

Yea me too.. i mean dont be a cheap ass and fuck up your engine.. remember that the cheapest thing is gonna cost you more in the future.. anyways this goes for the guy in top of me.. what about if i get this weapon r intake ans then connect an airhose from the filter to some place for cool air... or get injen CAI??
suggestions please.. thx!

[crashkelly]

Yea me too.. i mean dont be a cheap ass and fuck up your engine.. remember that the cheapest thing is gonna cost you more in the future.. anyways this goes for the guy in top of me.. what about if i get this weapon r intake ans then connect an airhose from the filter to some place for cool air... or get injen CAI??
suggestions please.. thx!

because you are NA Id say get a CAI rather than a SRI. The colder the air the better. Even if you rigged up a SRI with a tube or something that is right in front of the grill and is forcing air in it will probably not be as effective as a CAI because you might be forcing more air in, but it is still hotter air. A CAI is the best bet for you I think, you will get colder air and a nicer growl from the engine than a SRI will provide.

In NA I always think a CAI is better... the only reason I run a SRI with my turbo is because it makes it spool faster, plus I dont need to worry about the difference in temperatures between CAI and SRIs because I have an intercooler that takes care of the air temperature!

[lilchild87]

because you are NA Id say get a CAI rather than a SRI. The colder the air the better. Even if you rigged up a SRI with a tube or something that is right in front of the grill and is forcing air in it will probably not be as effective as a CAI because you might be forcing more air in, but it is still hotter air. A CAI is the best bet for you I think, you will get colder air and a nicer growl from the engine than a SRI will provide.

In NA I always think a CAI is better... the only reason I run a SRI with my turbo is because it makes it spool faster, plus I dont need to worry about the difference in temperatures between CAI and SRIs because I have an intercooler that takes care of the air temperature!

You are right! thx! so any other CAI than injen?? damn thing it's over $240 :S
Any other CAI available for the 1.6?

I appreciate the help! :D

[jster28]

Don't get a Injen CAI or sri. They both suck, i know cuz i used own a 1.6L protege, i tried everything from an Injen Cai, ebay intakes, and several custom made ones. You will get CELs like crazy with injen, cuz of the gay ass MAF on this cars.

And the best setup is the stock intake with a K&N drop in filter, you get more power. Then you can get some flexable tube and attach it to the stock air box and route cold air for the behind the grille. This is the best set up

[crashkelly]

Don't get a Injen CAI or sri. They both suck, i know cuz i used own a 1.6L protege, i tried everything from an Injen Cai, ebay intakes, and several custom made ones. You will get CELs like crazy with injen, cuz of the gay ass MAF on this cars.

And the best setup is the stock intake with a K&N drop in filter, you get more power. Then you can get some flexable tube and attach it to the stock air box and route cold air for the behind the grille. This is the best set up

He might be right. I dont have 1.6 liter NA experience so if you end up with a check engine light by changing the intake a K&N might be the best option so that the CEL doesnt cause you to run in limp mode.

[jster28]

The 1.6 Maf is super senitive, even a little dirty will make the sensor act stupid. With the CAI your car will hesitate like crazy and throw a bunch of cel, cuz the senor doesnt sit right on the tube. But if you must insist on an intake, there is the ones that protophile, think that was his username was selling here, heard those where ok. I suggest the k&n drop in filter, your in cali too, you don't have to change back to stock everytime you need to get emmison tested.

[lilchild87]

Aight so keep the stock airbox and drop a K&N panel filter and then get this flexable tube from the airbox to the front of the grill.. something like this? one of those two..

Thx again for the help! :D

[jster28]

Aight so keep the stock airbox and drop a K&N panel filter and then get this flexable tube from the airbox to the front of the grill.. something like this? one of those two..

Thx again for the help! :D

something like the one in the second pic. I just used some drier hosing, that i got at the harware store and a mesh screen over the opening and some hose clamps.

With this setup, i felt that they was more torque and anyother intake setup i've had. But its your car do it up how ever you want to.

[lilchild87]

something like the one in the second pic. I just used some drier hosing, that i got at the harware store and a mesh screen over the opening and some hose clamps.

With this setup, i felt that they was more torque and anyother intake setup i've had. But its your car do it up how ever you want to.

Then you are saying if i make this mod i'm gonna feel any gain??

I'll do it when i have time.. buy the K&N filter and that flexable tube

Problems will be how to put the tube behind the grill (radiator is on the way)
also how can i get it tight to the grill

[cantthinkof1]

My own idea was to make the inlet for the stock snorkel bigger. Because looking at it, no doubt in my mind that it's restricting some hp. The problem I ran into with that, is that there is a bend in the snorkel on the driver's side, where the airflow path gets reduced + bends. So even with a bigger mouth of the snorkel, it still has that bend in it.

The other idea was basically what you guys are talking about. But I'm trying to find a hose/inlet that would allow me get the most air, but I can't find many places to mount it. Because to mount it anywhere around the grill you're running into the problem that the stock snorkel inlet deals with, is that you need an almost narrow/flat inlet hole to be mounted above the radiator. I'm trying to find where I want to mount this, maybe run it down to one the side grills on the corners of the front bumper. Just very limited space as far as mounting an air intake goes.

I figure I'll have 4 ways I'll test it.

1. Stock
2. Modded stock (tape + cutting out the plastic above the grill)
3. No snorkel whatsoever
4. Custom Intake (hose running to somewhere)

But what it seems like I'll just end up doing is the modded stock with a k&n drop in.

[jster28]

with the k&n even with everything stock, it felt like had more response, especially in with low end torque. When i ran an sri or cai, you lose some power in the low end, but gain some upperband in the high rpms and hear intake noise.

I routed my hosing from the intake box to the hole under the coolant reseviour that goes to the fender well. This is where the CAI pipe goes if you get one. And i basically took a dremel to the grille ( the small one on the side and cut out the hole are came thru. Or you can just leave the hose there. That is where the CAI filter sits if you where to get one.

[jster28]

http://www.injen.com/galleries/products/31420071144RD6060_install.jpg

where you the pipe goes into the metal. or there are other ways to route it, just got to be creative. But it works great, with the stock stuff, the snorkle that sits on top of the radiator. Many people cut the opening to get more air

[lilchild87]

I'll prolly find a way to get this hose right behind the grill 'cuz hey! remember that the more straight this hose is, the better air flow you get!

But like i said, i will burn my mind thinking how to put it behind the front grill, if i can't then i'm gonna pass it over the hole on the coolant container side and open the small grill on the bumper and leave the hose behind it.

[red95_240sx]

dude dont take the MAF screen out...it is there for a reason. Im not going to go into a huge explanation as to why you need to have it because there is already a huge thread(Search "MAF") that people went back and forth on endlessly about why its good or bad. Ultimately you want the maf diffusor in there and to anyone who says it doesnt help with debris...read the thread because I personally had my turbo saved from immediate destruction because I decided to keep my MAF honeycomb in. IMO removing the diffusor is one of those mods that people do because they dont have the patience to just wait until they have money to buy performance parts (being over eager is a lot of people's downfall)...removing it does nothing for performance except maybe worsen it. I will not be convinced you get any gain unless a dyno is done (which no one will do because it is ridiculous...but i just dont buy it).

Take the time to save money and buy good quality mods.

Im sorry if I offended anyone who has taken their diffusor out and thinks they are benefitting from it. But in all honestly PM some of the members who are running the best times, have the most mods on their car, and a lot more experience than most people and ask them if they think it is a good idea to remove the diffusor....you will only get one answer.


I dont think my car ever had a MAF screen. I think its cool. Weapon-r SRI will work with no problems, but its gonna be balls off the line. Someone else on here along with me have one. No CEL or hesitation.

im probly gonna test the OEM intake again with a K&N filter to see if i can get off the line better, but its acceptable for daily driving. sometimes the car will get out faster if u go half throttle then WOT. Crazy...

[lilchild87]

I can get one of the expandable hoses from pepboys/autozone but weapon-r sells this one at 42 bucks (including shipping) .. what should i do???

the one from weapon r actually looks better and comes with brackets and silicone conector :D

[Mazdawarbird]

Aighty, I may be jumping a bit ahead or off track with this but here's my own experience. I have a 00 1.6l engine with an injen CAI. Due to the snow in utah i cut the piping in half :O to allow for a SRI setup in the winter.

The best setup i've found with the CAI setup is to route a ram-air type hose to the drivers fog light opening in the front bumper. (granted i have no fogs) Since the filter for the CAI is located in the fender well already, i ran the pipe to the outside air and hooked it into the filter on the inside. This setup gives me the best of both.

To avoid foreign objects of reasonable size entering the pipe, I attached a thin piece of mesh often found on prefilters to the opening.

Now in terms of water induction i've had no problems, short of hitting a puddle and effectively flooding the pipe. Solution: since the filter runs upstream (or at higher altitude, whatever) to the inlet in the bumper, i cut a hole at the lowest curve of the pipe and ran a secondary hose to it to allow for water drain.

If you were to go with the stock box/K&N setup you could achieve the same type of setup by running the hose from the box inlet to the same spot. Not the straightest route but a cooler one. :)

[jster28]

I can get one of the expandable hoses from pepboys/autozone but weapon-r sells this one at 42 bucks (including shipping) .. what should i do???

the one from weapon r actually looks better and comes with brackets and silicone conector :D

hardware store, way cheaper. Silicon connector, you can get them off ebay, or a local performance shop.


Some people don't have hesitation or cels from their Injen CAI or SRI's, those are the lucky people. But most 1.6ers have this problem, espeically with injen, there are pently of post about that stuff, just do a search

[red95_240sx]

Well i got my bottom end back by re installing the MAF and resetting the ECU. :- /

Remember you can only do the air ducting with the stock airbox. the space is real thight

[lilchild87]

Where can i find a low noise catback??

btw if i put a high flow catalytic.. is my car gonna gain power but still make the same noise out of my sebring muffler??