Cobb cold air box for SRI

[Super Unique]

Anyone else equally excited about the cold air box for the cobb SRI? I found the following pic and think this would end the debate about sri vs mazdaspeed cold air intake and the hydrolock issues :)

Have no idea of price, but I gotta have one :)

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d32/iwannaratrod/DSC04862.jpg

[whitey4311]

LOL, so much for the "it doesnt make a difference theory". All that talk about no difference between a true CAI and sucking hot engine air now they MFR a box to keep hot air away?

I do think it looks very well done and cool. I just laughed at the whole debate over this and now to see the thought of them making this means there is truth to the benefit of a true CAI.

Isnt there a little piece of plastic on the grill that you can remove so that it feeds air right into that box? I saw on a How-To thread where a member cut out a piece of the grill meant for the regular 3 air box. It appears as if that box is directly behind it and would benefit best with that section cut out.

PS there is no hydro lock issues, I think that was made up to give the idea of a SRI an advantage point.

[Super Unique]

I was not involved in the previous slug fest debating pros and cons here. Something I can tell you that others did not, this cold air box for the cobb sri has been in development since they first conceived their intake. It's been on the drawing boards for a while now, and will be a final solution to the issues.

re: the thoughts of hydrolock, it largely depends upon your perspective of it. Where do you live? If your not exposed to frequent torrential downpours there is little to no chance of ever experiencing hydrolock. I live in central florida, some others in souther louisiana etc.. and we definitely have to worry about this issue. I regularly encounter standing water on the street up to a foot deep, sometimes even more. (during the summer rains) Now prudence would dictate turning around and going another way, but sometimes thats difficult when your in the middle of a huge amount of traffic and exiting would be difficult at best.

My previous vehicle was a jeep with a huge lift so I could laugh at the prospect of a foot of water, in fact the jeep could traverse 4 - 5 feet of water, try that in a mazda LOL :)

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=9102826812545332041

[aaronc7]

except for the people who always chime in and say 'yeah it happened to me'

[Super Unique]

hydrolock is one of the leading causes of early jeep engine demise :)

I would not recommend driving your speed 3 into the hole in my video, but then again you wouldn't have made it onto the trail from the street without getting high-centered

(headbang)

[whitey4311]

Good points on location. Although if I lived in an area that forced me to traverse water I would not buy a low to the ground car, lol. Fun yes, but practical no.

Here in Cali I have no worries but there have been a few street floods that required me to turn around and find another route. I love this car but compared to the supercharged Tacoma I had it is annoying not being able to enter most drive ways etc.

I wish TRD still did superchargers because this is my first sporty car and as much as I love it I hate it often when going places. Having a sleeper 4x4 tacoma that blew away most sporty cars from 2000-2005 was a blast. I loved getting next to integras and hondas with them laughing at me. I would rev it just a bit before the blower would whistle then nail it with the 4x4 on. It was fun as shit to see their faces after getting whooped by a 4x4 truck with brush guards on it, lol. Couldnt corner for shit but the straight aways and up hills were fun.

About that SRI it looks like it is a great option for you guys but that hot engine bay air debate is void when they now start to think about ways to get colder air to it. The old theories were all wrong in my opinion and this new invention they are testing seems to support that.

[Super Unique]

About that SRI it looks like it is a great option for you guys but that hot engine bay air debate is void when they now start to think about ways to get colder air to it. The old theories were all wrong in my opinion and this new invention they are testing seems to support that.

Again, I repeat that Cobb planned from day 1 to also sell a cold air box for their intake. It is most assuredly not an after thought on their part.

[whitey4311]

That may be true but regarding the debate earlier it was not a point brought up. Most were trying to believe that there was no difference between hot engine air and cold ground air regarding performance.

The knowledge you presented today would have been a great point to end that debate. I wonder why they would even release the SRI with out the box?

[Super Unique]

That may be true but regarding the debate earlier it was not a point brought up. Most were trying to believe that there was no difference between hot engine air and cold ground air regarding performance.

The knowledge you presented today would have been a great point to end that debate. I wonder why they would even release the SRI with out the box?

As with any aftermarket producer, their resources are limited, and the demand extremely high when a new car model hits the street. If they waited for the airbox, they would loose a ton of early adopters to the competition.

[MS3077]

Super Unique, tell are good friend whitey4311 here how hard my car pulls despite it being 100 degrees with the Cobb SRI. He seems to think it doesn't do much for the performance of the car. The cold air box soon to be released is only going to make it a bit better than it already was. In my opinion it is and always has been a waste of money to buy a CAI with you can get the Cobb SRI for much less$$, easier to install, uninstall, similair HP/TQ, and the chances of hydro-lock are very slim

[Super Unique]

It's somewhat swinging back in the other direction. From what I know and understand the mazdaspeed intake was the ONLY solution to keeping warranty coverage without hassles, but they sort of threw that out the window with the stop sale and discontinuation of it.

So that leaves aftermarket as the only practical choice. In my personal opinion, given the choices I have seen so far, the cobb seems to cover the bases well. Their intake is inexpensive in comparison, and for those of us will to pony up for the cold air box when released, offers a complete solution.

[User Name]

How much is the box going to cost? That will close the price gap between the cobb intake and the cai's. Of course had the cobb intake air box combo been available earlier, I would have bought it without a second thought over my cp-e cai.

[Super Unique]

They have been reluctant to post a price and date for the air box. Supposedly it is very close to being released. Based on their other product prices, I would be surprised if it was less than $175.....

[5][Spyder]

Does the box use any type of routing or ducting to get coldair from that cut-out or from the fenderwell?

I agree with whitney however, and I have said stuff about it in other threads, also my huge whining section here:
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123709321

Talking about how I've seen hotter IAT temperatures in this car, than pretty much any car I've ever looked at, seriously hot engine bay.

The point is, the release of the heat shield by a known hardcore tuning company, to accompany a product which they said a CAI was not needed for this application, further proves that a CAI is superior to a SRI even in this turbo application.....its true. You can realize it now, or you can realize this summer - if you log your IAT temperatures and look at them while driving its unbelievable how hot your Intake Air is after you've sat at a stoplight for only 1-2 minutes, or gone through a drive-thru Taco Bell or something - and then when driving 30mph afterwords, it takes 5 minutes, NOT 5 seconds to even get close to the ambient temp outside. It may be true what other articles have said about how once you get going the SRI intake temp get close to CAI, not with this car, the engine bay sealed very, very well, and it takes minutes to get that air in there, also where is the main source of air come from???? through the already BOILING hot radiator.

[Super Unique]

To be fair, the SRI works great as it stands now without the box. I would assume the box will help greatly with heatsoak situations.

One thing I have noticed while checking out the SRI on MS3077's car. His car pulled much harder when flogged. However, after a run we popped the hoods on both cars, my intercooler was MUCH cooler than his. So it's not always cut and dried with intercooled cars. If your intercooler has excess cooling capacity it could easily mask the effects of warmer air being drawn in from under the hood. There are a lot of different variables at play here certainly.

[5][Spyder]

To be fair, the SRI works great as it stands now without the box. I would assume the box will help greatly with heatsoak situations.

One thing I have noticed while checking out the SRI on MS3077's car. His car pulled much harder when flogged. However, after a run we popped the hoods on both cars, my intercooler was MUCH cooler than his. So it's not always cut and dried with intercooled cars. If your intercooler has excess cooling capacity it could easily mask the effects of warmer air being drawn in from under the hood. There are a lot of different variables at play here certainly.


Yes I 100% agree. And the truth is, for a cold start, and light warmup run(like dynos, etc) I would even go as far to say that the SRI has less restriction and probably makes more HP. But on the street, after stoplights, etc, and 30mph engaged playing/street races with a heatsoaked, hot ass engine bay - the CAI will be a huge advantage over the SRI.

[whitey4311]

The way I see it is that with common sense the CAI is still the best and least controversial. Dont drive in 1ft+ standing water and there is no chance of hydro lock, yet no matter how you look at it the intake air temps will always be lower then a SRI located in the engine bay.

You can make theories about a SRI being better or the same or having less risk to water uptake but seriously I would not call it a comparison to a true CAI. It is not a CAI it is simply a less restrictive choice compared to stock and if you have half the money you need to spend for a real CAI then its a good choice.

Or if you plan to drive your car in 1 ft of water it may be a good choice but even then everything under your car is submerged so I would worry about other components at that time. This would further suggest that the hydro lock theory is BS and thus taking one point away from calling a SRI better when considering water traversing, lol.

For me the CAI makes sense and can not be suggested nor theorized as being an equal to a design that draws hot engine bay heat. It simply doesnt and its design wont allow for it. The only draw back is this theorized hydro lock which I think makes no sense. If you had a Jeep then yes get a SRI to keep the intake up as high as possible but then again you are driving a car made for such punishment. Its not like those of you with a MS3 sporting a SRI can go in water and think it is still ok to do so. A few inches more and you will flood the inside of your car so I dont see the benefit of a SRI when considering the one "so called" draw back the CAI has.

[MS3077]

The way I see it is that with common sense the CAI is still the best and least controversial. Dont drive in 1ft+ standing water and there is no chance of hydro lock, yet no matter how you look at it the intake air temps will always be lower then a SRI located in the engine bay.

You can make theories about a SRI being better or the same or having less risk to water uptake but seriously I would not call it a comparison to a true CAI. It is not a CAI it is simply a less restrictive choice compared to stock and if you have half the money you need to spend for a real CAI then its a good choice.

Or if you plan to drive your car in 1 ft of water it may be a good choice but even then everything under your car is submerged so I would worry about other components at that time. This would further suggest that the hydro lock theory is BS and thus taking one point away from calling a SRI better when considering water traversing, lol.

For me the CAI makes sense and can not be suggested nor theorized as being an equal to a design that draws hot engine bay heat. It simply doesnt and its design wont allow for it. The only draw back is this theorized hydro lock which I think makes no sense. If you had a Jeep then yes get a SRI to keep the intake up as high as possible but then again you are driving a car made for such punishment. Its not like those of you with a MS3 sporting a SRI can go in water and think it is still ok to do so. A few inches more and you will flood the inside of your car so I dont see the benefit of a SRI when considering the one "so called" draw back the CAI has.

Yet there's been no test that I've seen or heard of that suggest that a CAI outproforms a SRI in this car, only theories that haven't been proven in real life situations.

[Super Unique]

Apples to apples, Mazdaspeed Cold air intake is no longer offered, so thats out. Now we whittle down the rest of the field as follows:

Cobb with forthcoming box - excellent all around choice

The rest: draws air from 4 to 5 inches from road ,and hard to install. Tube is commonly made of steel or other heat conducting metal. This also heats the air to a degree. Also, these supposed "cold air" intakes are drawing air from ABOVE the engine cover under the car, guess where the air in this semi sealed space has been all along? That's right, affected by engine heat, especially the exhaust and turbo. and pre heated by radiator as well :)

See how this subject can be debated endlessly?

[Super Unique]

Also, before someone tries to say that the "vents" along the front of the driver side tire fenderwell allow the intake to draw in cold air from outside, it will pull the closest air it can find, which is already in the pocket area under the regular underhood area. Also, once in motion, the air flowing around the car will cause a suction effect on said air vent, which will guarantee that cold intake doesn't get any cold air. The only viable source of cold air is the grill area, which is precisely where the radiator gets it's cold air, along with the intercooler and batterly cooler. And forthcoming cobb airbox...

[MS3077]

Super Unique I believe you hit the nail right on head! Let's just stick to the topic posted.

[whitey4311]

Have you not noticed the cut outs in the engine cover? There are slits cut all along it that allows air to pass under directly where the CAI filter sits but the filter is still a few inches above that so water wont defy gravity and be sucked up from the engine cover.

As far as tube material and heat the MS CAI is aluminum I believe and yes it retains heat as well as anything else but aluminum also quickly dissipates heat.

Not sure why Mazda yanked the MS CAI but I never have had an issue with mine and it now has 22k miles. Sort of sucks they did that because it was the one way us warranty lovers could upgrade but not get harassed. No way am I messing with after market shit on my car because I just dont need that stress from the dealer.

Beyond that I just dont see why people are trying to make big power in a FWD car. Seriously the thing torque steers like a bitch now so what are people trying to do here? I am not sure how much more power can be effectively put to the ground but I dont see it being much more and definitely not worth it to me regarding warranty issues.

As for the SRI I see your points but this is merely about price point to some and easier access. I still will not buy into the idea even being on par with a true CAI. This is the only point I intend to argue but the other points are valid you make.

PS take a peak at your grill and you will see where the CAI filter sits at the lower left driver side. This is why the air deflector was removed in its installation process.

[Super Unique]

I am glad several folks got a mazdaspeed cold air intake when they were still selling them.

Those of us facing choices now, as I outlined above there is really only 1 truly viable choice. Which unfortunately until now, has been slighted because everyone wasn't aware of the box coming out for it. Even without this forthcoming box, I was planning on making my own anyways. I realize that many people don't have access to equipment and skills to fabricate their own parts. For those who do have tools and some skills I encourage you to exercise your abilities. You never know what you might come up with.

[fragchild]

On the "other forums" Cobb has mentioned that box makes no difference in performance, they're just offering it to make the engine bay look better and to appease people who want "cold air"

I have the Cobb SRI here in Florida where there is no such thing as "cold air", and my car pulls hard regardless of time sitting at lights and drive thru's. It makes no sense to me to spend more money then needed. This part has proven itself by quite a few people on this and other forums.

[Super Unique]

There are those of us who would rather have it, than not.

I am not knocking those who would rather go without. For me, it offers a more complete install, and offers some protection to the filter element, along with making the engine compartment more normal in appearance. This will likely get rid of any noise complaints some folks would have with the intake as well. Make it more suitable for those who would rather not advertise their turbo.

[fragchild]

Exactly, and that's why Super you're Cobbs target market for this box. Again is was not for performance.

[Super Unique]

I still haven't decided. I could probably whip up a box for a lot less money, and it wouldn't be screaming bling either.

In fact thats an idea now. I could make it look so close to stock they would have to look twice and still no be sure it was aftermarket LOL....

[smakdown61]

With my SRI while driving, my IAT is only about 7 degrees above ambient temps...this is the same for any CAI. Stopped however, the CAI probably has a slight advantage.

[Kurt07]

If the Cobb cold air box is anything like the BEGi cold air box, then you will have a great product. Driving around yesterday with my BEGi in 100 degree weather, I was really impressed with the intake temps. Of course they went up at idle, but under acceleration and cruising, I notice 5 to 10 degrees cooler then the ambient temp. This was measured with my DashHawk.

[CWPspeed3]

Everyone is comparing the temps of the cobb vs a cai, how do either of them compare to the temps of the stock airbox?

I may be able to answer my own question whenever my DashHawk arrives, but until then does anyone know?

[whitey4311]

I see your point but I am guessing even a SRI sucking hot air is better then a stock air box. I would say the first step is to get more air then second how to get it colder.

[MS3077]

I don't have a dashawk or anything fancy like such but judging from butt dyno and 1/4 times the SRI works awesome the way it is. Don't get me wrong I'll be one of the first to buy the Cold Air Box for it but I doubt it's going to give us anything more than 1-3 whp. I think it'll look pretty sweet in the engine bay plus makes everything look more complete judging by posted photos.

[wisniaPl]

if its gona be more than 50 buck its a waste of money my 0.02

[CWPspeed3]

I agree the car has to get more air and the stock box is very restrictive but with all the temperature debate I was just curious as to what the difference between all three would be. Since my car is still stock and all.

[MicaSp33d]

base on my DH, yeah the IAT can get hotter than a mother while sitting in a drive-thru waiting for a burger, but once you get moving temps drop quick, same goes for the intercooler. I don't think heatsoak is a big issue, only if your sitting there for over 8mins or so. You never sit that long at a stop light. After a couple of minutes at idle, temps only go up couple of degrees.

[jaydubz]

Not sure how the COBB SRI Box is designed but that opening in the front corner of the grill seems ideal for an inlet leading to the box and providing fresh intake air from the outside, almost like a ram air effect.

I also wonder if adding a small cooling fan to the side of the box would be a good way of keeping the idle intake air temps stable. I am sure that idea will be flamed but I am sure a small fan wired in would help a little bit

[MS3077]

Not sure how the COBB SRI Box is designed but that opening in the front corner of the grill seems ideal for an inlet leading to the box and providing fresh intake air from the outside, almost like a ram air effect.

I also wonder if adding a small cooling fan to the side of the box would be a good way of keeping the idle intake air temps stable. I am sure that idea will be flamed but I am sure a small fan wired in would help a little bit

I think that's actually a decent idea. I might make my own and see how it works..

[Zimmer]

mine's coming in the mail this week! FINALLY!

[Super Unique]

I should be getting mine before the end of the week.

Looking forward to installing my short shifter and engine mount tonight.

[fragchild]

This was the prototype. Stole the pics from the other forum
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d32/iwannaratrod/AirHorn2.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d32/iwannaratrod/FullView1.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d32/iwannaratrod/FullView2.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d32/iwannaratrod/BoxInlet.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d32/iwannaratrod/Lid3.jpg

[whitey4311]

LOL, the same as a CAI but the filter just isnt down there. The coolest air is right where they put that snake thingy and right where the CAI's sit. They get outside air from via the grill so it cant get any better then that.

That idea seems pretty lame since I dont see any way air will be drawn up from that section unless that box they made is air tight.

[happy and angry]

LOL, the same as a CAI but the filter just isnt down there. The coolest air is right where they put that snake thingy and right where the CAI's sit. They get outside air from via the grill so it cant get any better then that.

That idea seems pretty lame since I dont see any way air will be drawn up from that section unless that box they made is air tight.Air will get up. Air will be pulled up, it doesn't even have to be air tight, just tight enough that it's easier to get air in up the hose than it would be from anywhere else.

[X4-SRT]

SRI or CAI, it doesn't matter. Why? Simple. Once the air enters the intake it goes to the turbo where it gets compressed. When air gets compressed it gets hot. Much hotter than the ambient air temp. So, no matter what intake you have, the air will be the same exact temp once it is compressed by the turbo charger. The air is then cooled by the intercooler before entering the TB, and then the cylinders. If you want to lower intake temps get a larger intercooler on top, or even better a FMIC. That will make a difference.

The only thing you shoule be worried about when choosing an intake for your turbo car is the diameter of the pipe, and if the air flow is smooth or not. You want the air flow to be smooth so that your MAF sensor does not go crazy.

Also, Cobb stated that the diference between a CAI and SRI is nill because of the reasons I've stated above. They said from the get go that they would produce the box to satisfy the customers that want one, but make sure to tell the customers that there is no gain in performance to having it.

[Super Unique]

I would be doubtful of that same temp claim. Air heats up when you compress it, but your final temp will be dependant upon the intake temp. Compressing adds a consistent number of degrees in temp, added to the original temp you started with. Now, depending on excess intercooler capacity this could smooth it out between them somewhat. But no matter what a company tells you, a product most certainly can't defy the laws of thermodynamics and physics :)

[happy and angry]

SRI or CAI, it doesn't matter. Why? Simple. Once the air enters the intake it goes to the turbo where it gets compressed. When air gets compressed it gets hot. Much hotter than the ambient air temp. So, no matter what intake you have, the air will be the same exact temp once it is compressed by the turbo charger.No, it won't. Different intake temperatures will lead to different air densities which will lead to different rates of compression which will in turn lead to different temperatures exiting the turbo.

[dkswim]

having owned both mscai and now owning cobb sri i can tell you there is mabe 1 degree of diffrence in air temp, based off diffrence in air temp. the sri heats up faster but as soon as you get any movement it comes right back to where the cai would be. by the way the cai will heat up at a stop as well. i also think where the cai draws in air at those vents in wheel well is a low pressure area. would be better if could wrap it around the radiator and get some of that fresh high pressure air. that little opening for the regular 3 wont flow enough air for our intake beacuse it is for the battary vent granted it will help out a bit. gains between the both is nill same 1/4 mile times. the thaing i like most about the sri is im not as concerned about standing water on the road im not trying as hard to pick the line that avoids the watter. as far as temps go i see it is off by mabe 3-4 deg ambiant to IAT both systems.

[Zimmer]

having owned both mscai and now owning cobb sri i can tell you there is mabe 1 degree of diffrence in air temp, based off diffrence in air temp. the sri heats up faster but as soon as you get any movement it comes right back to where the cai would be. by the way the cai will heat up at a stop as well. i also think where the cai draws in air at those vents in wheel well is a low pressure area. would be better if could wrap it around the radiator and get some of that fresh high pressure air. that little opening for the regular 3 wont flow enough air for our intake beacuse it is for the battary vent granted it will help out a bit. gains between the both is nill same 1/4 mile times. the thaing i like most about the sri is im not as concerned about standing water on the road im not trying as hard to pick the line that avoids the watter. as far as temps go i see it is off by mabe 3-4 deg ambiant to IAT both systems.

interesting point... the CAI walls soaking in the same environment for time = 0sec

[whitey4311]

Why do people think the CAI has no air down in the wheel well?

Look from the front of your car at the left corner lower grill and you can see the filter and its metal housing sitting slightly to the left and about 12inches back. It gets fresh air right from the front grill passing over it. It does not take air from the wheel well vents and it could not be any better then where it is getting the outside grill air passing over it.

[Antoniogut]

having owned both mscai and now owning cobb sri i can tell you there is mabe 1 degree of diffrence in air temp, based off diffrence in air temp. the sri heats up faster but as soon as you get any movement it comes right back to where the cai would be. by the way the cai will heat up at a stop as well. i also think where the cai draws in air at those vents in wheel well is a low pressure area. would be better if could wrap it around the radiator and get some of that fresh high pressure air. that little opening for the regular 3 wont flow enough air for our intake beacuse it is for the battary vent granted it will help out a bit. gains between the both is nill same 1/4 mile times. the thaing i like most about the sri is im not as concerned about standing water on the road im not trying as hard to pick the line that avoids the watter. as far as temps go i see it is off by mabe 3-4 deg ambiant to IAT both systems.



having both which would you say gave more power? im debating whether or not to buy CAI to see the difference

[CHIEFSMS3]

having both which would you say gave more power? im debating whether or not to buy CAI to see the difference

I had the MS-CAI on my car for about 12,000 miles. I now have had the Cobb SRI on for a couple thousand miles. Honestly seat of the pants there isn't a real noticeable difference in the two. I never worried about hydrolock because I don't drive through water that is more than 6 inches deep. It will be a lot easier to clean or change filters though and to me that is a plus. I would like to see the cold air box come out and give it a try. I am sure there are going to be occasions where the cooler air will be noticeable compared to the SRI only.
Thats my $.02.

[dkswim]

seat of the pants tells me no real power diffrence. i like the sri a little better it was way easyier to install. change out and clean filter without having to take jack the car up. and not concerned about the water on the road as much...
whitney your right i looked at the car there is a vent that routs the air into that area from the grill now i know whare to extend some piping to get a ram air type system. but my point is that right were that vent in the wheel well is, is traditionaly a low pressure area on cars.

[_jp]

looks like afe cai's. waiting to see how all this plays out before i dump $$ on cobb or anyone else. seems cobb is the consensus though.

[jaydubz]

I just dont understand why they dont have some ducting that pulls from the front of the car also such as a ram air design? Along with the piping from the lower section that is sure to help deliver fresh air that is a few degrees cooler or in essence easier to breathe. I really wonder why no one has encorporate this design. I really wish I had skills with molding things and fabricating.

[Antoniogut]

I just dont understand why they dont have some ducting that pulls from the front of the car also such as a ram air design? Along with the piping from the lower section that is sure to help deliver fresh air that is a few degrees cooler or in essence easier to breathe. I really wonder why no one has encorporate this design. I really wish I had skills with molding things and fabricating.

i thought the same thing

[Zimmer]

just installed my COBB intake tonight ... i was completely taken aback by the sound

[B-Dirty]

Ok, so the box is obviously out there in the developmental world, But when is it comming out? Anybody have anything more on this?

[whitey4311]

seat of the pants tells me no real power diffrence. i like the sri a little better it was way easyier to install. change out and clean filter without having to take jack the car up. and not concerned about the water on the road as much...
whitney your right i looked at the car there is a vent that routs the air into that area from the grill now i know whare to extend some piping to get a ram air type system. but my point is that right were that vent in the wheel well is, is traditionaly a low pressure area on cars.

Ok guys one more time. From the front of the car through the plastic grill you can see the CAI filter element. Get on your knees and shine a light through the lower left corner of the grill just below the mustache and you will see what I mean. It is getting air directly from the front grill passing over it, not the wheel well slots or any other little lo pressure slots.

[CSlater21]

Just installed my COBB SRI today and I have to echo what everyone else has said.... It is Awesome!!!(rockon)

[jaydubz]

Ok, so the box is obviously out there in the developmental world, But when is it comming out? Anybody have anything more on this?

+1 When is this box slated to come to market?

[DreSEL]

*****

[Super Unique]

What's really funny is we spend all our time worrying about how cool we can keep the incoming air, and hypermilers worry about how they can heat the intake charge for better mileage :)

[gsxrnic]

I bought the COBB SRI because of the value and ease of install. Not sure how much difference there is between the a CAI and the SRI power wise. Just something else to throw into the debate. I haven't seen anyone mention anything about the ducting that goes to the battery box. That little duct is routed right off the main ducting that comes from the front grill and goes to your TMIC. I'm not sure what the effect to the battery would be, but if you disconnected the little piece of ducting that goes to the battery box it would vent almost directly on top of the COBB SRI. Any thoughts on this and what would be the adverse effects to the battery??

[FrequentFlyer]

The engine bay of this car gets damn hot. Probably the hottest car I've ever had. The battery is real close to the turbo. I don't know why they couldn't have shoe horned it somewhere else. Normally, batteries are up in the front corners of the engine bay. There is a reason why they put that ducting there because batteries don't like heat. How long will the battery last if you take that off? Who knows? Is it worth the extra power? Probably not. You could move the battery to the trunk somewhere. :)

[nhluhr]

SRI or CAI, it doesn't matter. Why? Simple. Once the air enters the intake it goes to the turbo where it gets compressed. When air gets compressed it gets hot. Much hotter than the ambient air temp. So, no matter what intake you have, the air will be the same exact temp once it is compressed by the turbo charger. The air is then cooled by the intercooler before entering the TB, and then the cylinders. If you want to lower intake temps get a larger intercooler on top, or even better a FMIC. That will make a difference. This is just wrong. A turbo doesn't heat the air to some pre-set temperature, nor does an intercooler cool whatever it gets to exactly ambient. If you feed the turbo ambient air, it will get hot when compressed. If you feed the turbo hot air, it will get REALLY HOT when compressed. Likewise, an intercooler won't be able to cool the charge air all the way back down to ambient temp so the hotter air you feed it, the hotter air you get out of it.

Anyway, with that said, WRX/STI also have problems with really hot engine bays since there are two catalytic converters in the engine bay as well as the exhaust manifold being way longer so it releases a lot more heat into the engine bay. Beyond the obvious loss of charge density from increased temperatures, the ECU also is programmed to pull timing as the intake heats up to prevent detonation. Here is a stock table from the Subaru ECU that shows how much timing gets pulled for a given IAT:
http://wrx.grapon.com/tuning/iat_timingcompensation.jpg
As you can see, going from 120 to 140 you lose 6 degrees of timing. That is a LOT. A lot of people incorrectly think the sluggish response from their Subarus on hot days in stop-n-go traffic is due to the intercooler getting heatsoaked but it is MOSTLY due to the timing issue. This makes a bigger difference. (Note: Subarus do not have a temperature sensor after the intercooler... only in the MAF prior to the Turbo)

And here is how well Cobb's box for the Subarus works:

Highway Driving:

COBB Intake no box: Max 124 degrees F, Avg. 91.6 degrees F
COBB Intake with box: Max 108 degrees F, Avg. 74.9 degrees F
Difference of: Max ~16 degrees F, Avg. ~16.7 degees F

City Driving:

COBB Intake no box: Max 149 degrees F, Avg. 117.4 degrees F
COBB Intake with box: Max 111 degrees F, Avg. 87.5 degrees F
Difference of: Max ~38 degrees F, Avg. ~29.9 degrees F

Idle (~5 mins):

COBB Intake no box: Max 149 degrees F, Avg. 133.5 degrees F
COBB Intake with box: Max 113 degrees F, Avg. 99.2 degrees F
Difference of: Max ~36 degrees F, Avg. ~34.3 degrees FPersonally, I think the box will be well worth it not only for improved charge density but also for the ECU aspect.

[whitey4311]

Very nice post.

So much for all the ignorant posts about hot engine bay air not affecting anything, lol.

The funny part about all this is that if the CAI was priced less then the SRI all these cheerleaders would cheer for it and make reasons for its superiority. The point being that many who buy an item for some reason loose rationality just because they own and want to support it, go figure.

Now if Mazda would lift the stop sale on the CAI others could have the best product with no warranty hassle. I would honestly just get a other brand CAI and argue like crazy if they fought me on the warranty. I am just happy that my MS CAI is perfect and has given me no problems because I dont the stress of the dealer looking at after market items.

[MS3077]

What’s funny is I've never had a MS3 with a CAI actually out accelerate me and I've ran into quite a few MS3's. Not to brag or anything but it seems that I have better throttle response in comparison to those with a CAI. If there is a difference it's not noteworthy enough to justify buying a CAI and there are many other members that will contest to this. Once the car gets moving nothing else matters.

[MS3077]

Let's see 1/4 times, track times, etc.. I'm sick of hearing all this BS why don't you guys with the CAI's "prove" it gives you more power, etc. Race a MS3 with a SRI and see what happens.

[nhluhr]

I think shortrams tend to have much better throttle response just because it is a lot shorter column of air to have to accelerate when you open the throttle. There is so much less resistance in a shortram that it typically makes up for the loss you see because of the higher temperatures. That said, if you can make a shortram ALSO cold-air, then it is worthwhile.

[Betelgeuse]

Yeah you can think of it as trying to suck air from a really long straw. There will be some resistance. But cut the straw in half and things get a lot easier.

I will probably try the airbox just for the hell of it to see if my butt dyno notices any difference. But then we're back to that long straw again........

[SPEEDYHANS]

when can we buy this or the fmic

[dkswim]

rumor has it fmic next week sometime and the box they had a redezine to make simpler/cheeper for them to manufacture

[LaCroix08]

Dammit, I want it nowww!
Gimme gimme cobb

[Kain]

On other applications, typically how much more than just the SRI has Cobb charged for an SRI/box combo?

[nhluhr]

$125

[Super Unique]

If the $125 is right, it's a done deal for me. My Cobb SRI just got here and I installed it last night. Haven't done much driving on it, but I can already tell the noise annoys me. The performance is great, but that woosh needs to be toned down some. Fast and quiet is the best combination. If Cobb can deliver both while keeping the intake air cooler then they have a sale here.

[nhluhr]

Not sure how much it'll reduce the noise but that would be a benefit for me too. I had my whoosh noise with the subarus I owned and can do without it now.

[CoolWhip]

I just installed my SRI on Friday and I love the sound (thumb)

Might as well get the cold air box too.

[BoneyJive]

So what's the word on this? Is it out? Impressions? Sound? Performance?

[migueleitor]

hello,

i'm thinking to install the COBB SRI; however,

1- when can i get the box that it mentioned here?
2- have anyone had any cel on with the cobb sri?

Thank you.

[nhluhr]

why do people keep asking here if the box is available? Why don't you call Cobb and ask?!

[mazdaspeedster3]

Will it hold dry ice? Wont that cold air box get hot just like everything else under the hood? It may help channel air into the SRI more efficiently but how will it cool that air in that HOT ARSE engine bay?

[BoneyJive]

why do people keep asking here if the box is available? Why don't you call Cobb and ask?!

Cause if I ask COBB, of course they're going to say the air box is great. Why would they say anything bad about their products. I'm looking for user opinions who have used this product. If the Mazda forum is the wrong place to ask, then MY BAD. Yes I did ask if it's out, but I also asked alot more than that, like user feedback. On another note, this was the only thread I could find concerning the air box. I had to search and dig up this thread, and it wasn't active for a month until I posted.

Why do people keep whining about the littlest things, maybe I should call COBB and ask them.

[john blutarski]

why do people keep asking here if the box is available? Why don't you call Cobb and ask?!

I remember your name from NASIOC, welcome (thumb)

[Frisco speed3]

With all of the debate couldn't cobb just be taking advantage the battle between cai or sri? Even if they planned the box from day one the debate has always existed.

[CWPspeed3]

With all of the debate couldn't cobb just be taking advantage the battle between cai or sri? Even if they planned the box from day one the debate has always existed.

Then they went and dropped the ball and had a huge batch of the MAF housing not up to spec so now everyone that wants them has to wait while they are on backorder which some people dont want to wait and just buy a CAI. I'm interested to see how this cold air box turns out but I dont know if I will buy one.

[mazdaspeedster3]

Oh come on Matt, they will make an air divertor that I will get and then you will be forced to get the box.

[CWPspeed3]

Oh come on Matt, they will make an air divertor that I will get and then you will be forced to get the box.

If they reroute half of the hood ducting to go straight to the sri box then yes I'll probably have to buy it but thats what I wanted to begin with, without buying the $890 auto exe intake system.

[copperkid]

Any news updates on the cold air box?

[desperado-c]

Any news updates on the cold air box?Yeah, latest word is no b/c they're gonna work on another bracket first. That's from Cobb's product update on m3f.

Maybe dabears will make some progress on a box for the Nano after he gets his orders filled. He promised to do some testing on a prototype but no news yet. One thing about the Cobb box if it comes to fruition is that their MAF has a mounting point built into it already as you can see here with this fabbed up heat shield:

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g138/fairxchild/personal/IMG_2452.jpg

To pile hypothetical upon hypothetical, I'm wondering how much trouble it will be to adapt their sealed box to the Nano in a way that keeps the seal. If it doesn't we're probably just as well off fabbing a heat shield similar to the one on K&N's SRI.

[mr_mazda329]

Ahh..why the hell is the box Metal. Metal stores heat...Should be ABS plastic

[desperado-c]

Ahh..why the hell is the box Metal. Metal stores heat...Should be ABS plastic

The box in the picture was made by the owner for himself not for production and sale. Cobb's would certainly be made of plastic.

But, do you really think the substantial mass of rapidly moving air flowing through a metal box would be affected 1-2 lbs of sheet metal? I think the most important thing is to stop drawing air from the engine compartment and start drawing it from some place cooler.

[BoneyJive]

Yeah, latest word is no b/c they're gonna work on another bracket first. That's from Cobb's product update on m3f.

Maybe dabears will make some progress on a box for the Nano after he gets his orders filled. He promised to do some testing on a prototype but no news yet. One thing about the Cobb box if it comes to fruition is that their MAF has a mounting point built into it already as you can see here with this fabbed up heat shield:

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g138/fairxchild/personal/IMG_2452.jpg

To pile hypothetical upon hypothetical, I'm wondering how much trouble it will be to adapt their sealed box to the Nano in a way that keeps the seal. If it doesn't we're probably just as well off fabbing a heat shield similar to the one on K&N's SRI.

Ahh good info. Thanks for posting this. The guy I spoke with at cobb raved about this product, and this was awhile back (months ago). Good to see this update.