Finally got my RPMC Turbo Inlet!!!!

[AutoXRacer]

I so finally got my RPMC Turbo Inlet…and what a nice piece it is!! (2thumbs) Thanks Speedy for this product development!!!

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f19/Milkywayman22/Mazdaspeed%203/RPMC%20Turbo%20Inlet/DSC03470.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f19/Milkywayman22/Mazdaspeed%203/RPMC%20Turbo%20Inlet/DSC03471.jpg

So you get a replacement pipe, silicone reducer, 2 t-bolts, and a small hose.

Uninstalling the stock piece was very easy.
-Remove battery
-Disconnect ECU harness and surrounding wiring attached to battery box
-Remove battery box and ECU
-I disconnected the EGR and some other connector for better access
-Loosen all stock turbo inlet clamps, attachment bolt, and small hose clamps

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f19/Milkywayman22/Mazdaspeed%203/RPMC%20Turbo%20Inlet/DSC03473.jpg

Man, that stock piece is HORRIBLE!!! It has so many sharp edges and bends!!! Uh, I’m glad this thing is out!!!

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f19/Milkywayman22/Mazdaspeed%203/RPMC%20Turbo%20Inlet/DSC03475.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f19/Milkywayman22/Mazdaspeed%203/RPMC%20Turbo%20Inlet/DSC03476.jpg

There is plenty of room to work in; definitely an easy mod if you have an hour’s time to spare. I took a little extra time for the installation since I am anal and like everything to be torque and placed properly.

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f19/Milkywayman22/Mazdaspeed%203/RPMC%20Turbo%20Inlet/DSC03478.jpg

Never seen the front of my turbo before...damn, this thing is tiny!!! And crammed in there!!!

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f19/Milkywayman22/Mazdaspeed%203/RPMC%20Turbo%20Inlet/DSC03477.jpg

There is a heat hose that comes in slight contact with the inlet tube. It looks worst when you are installing the silicone reducer on the turbo, but when you install the inlet pipe, it pretty much clears the hose slightly. I see no issue with this. The heater hose also have a protective rubber sleeve.

I put everything back together and everything fit perfectly.

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f19/Milkywayman22/Mazdaspeed%203/RPMC%20Turbo%20Inlet/DSC03479.jpg

It comes pretty close to the ECU housing…a little too close for comfort, but again, I don’t see any issues with this. It probably has 1/8th of clearance. And if you are that paranoid, you could always wrap the ECU box with heat reflective tape…which actually sounds like a great idea!!! (2thumbs) Though, the inlet does not get very hot, unlike the intake pipes...I wonder if that due to the powder coating...? (huh)

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f19/Milkywayman22/Mazdaspeed%203/RPMC%20Turbo%20Inlet/DSC03482.jpg


Once everything is put back together...you can't even tell you've upgraded the inlet...

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f19/Milkywayman22/Mazdaspeed%203/RPMC%20Turbo%20Inlet/DSC03488.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f19/Milkywayman22/Mazdaspeed%203/RPMC%20Turbo%20Inlet/DSC03489.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f19/Milkywayman22/Mazdaspeed%203/RPMC%20Turbo%20Inlet/DSC03484.jpg

My initial driving impressions…? Well, it totally changed the way my HKS SSQV sounds!!! I don’t know if I’m happy about this or not yet. Basically it changed it from a hitch pitched sound to a low pitched sound. It actually makes it quieter… I haven’t felt any improvement in performance…but that maybe because the ECU is trying to re-learn everything again since I had to disconnect the battery. I’ll give it a few more days and report back. But overall, I am a happy camper!!!! :)

[Aaron@JSC]

cool! what is the piping diameter?

[AutoXRacer]

Hmmm (scratch), thats a good question... IIRC, its the same diameter as the Mazdaspeed intake pipes... 2.5" maybe...?

Speedy, can you chime in here!!! (huh)

Updated 8:34am:

Its a 2.5" pipe.

[controlo]

:) i want one of these.

[SuperStretch18]

I want that...

[dread]

no performance and gain and you don't like the sound, so why are you a happy camper.

[oskinosmee]

Where did you get it?

[Aaron@JSC]

Where did you get it?

+1 I have never heard of this brand or part.

[CWPspeed3]

Thats pretty cool, now is that part going into production or was there just a small batch made and once they are gone they are done?

[ericrapp]

This surely smooths flow . Are you seeing more boost now? Sure looks nice.

[Speedy3]

Hmmm (scratch), thats a good question... IIRC, its the same diameter as the Mazdaspeed intake pipes... 2.5" maybe...?

Speedy, can you chime in here!!! (huh)

Updated 8:34am:

Its a 2.5" pipe.

Beat me to it! 2.5".

[AutoXRacer]

no performance and gain and you don't like the sound, so why are you a happy camper.

It's getting better, since I had to remove the battery and unplug the ECU, all my settings (learning) got erased... I only have 3 key cycles on it...I have 2 more to go; at least. But its definitely getting better...

This morning while driving to work I WOTed it at 75MPH and it pulled instantly and a little harder than before... I definitely like it, if not for performance, simply because its functional and making my turbo's life easier...

So far, the improvements I've felt is instant turbo responce...
I floor it and my DH displays -10.XX to 10 PSI instantly...I like it!!!

Oh, plus if you have an HKS using the stock recirculation hose, the new inlet straightens out the hose very nicely... :D



Where did you get it?

+1 I have never heard of this brand or part.

Thats pretty cool, now is that part going into production or was there just a small batch made and once they are gone they are done?

You can get them here!!! http://www.rpmcmotor.com/product.sc;jsessionid=7198F9718AC71FCC821AE5CD2528 18AD.qscstrfrnt01?categoryId=1&productId=1



This surely smooths flow . Are you seeing more boost now? Sure looks nice.

I'm not seeing more boost per say up top, but more boost down low. The turbo no longer has to spool up, at least it feels that way. Now it just instantly spools; kind of hard to believe since this turbo already spools so quickly. (lol2)
Today I noticed my boost ranges in the high 14s to 15 PSI at 6000 RPM and starts dropping to 10PSI by 6500-6700 RPM.
I never really payed attention to it before though...

[dread]

what was mazda thinking with that design.

[udontknowjack]

thats the only thing they sell is the ms3 turbo inlet? wasnt this someone made it himself on the other forum?

[controlo]

what was mazda thinking with that design.

mazda douche 1: "let's restrict this intake the best we can"

mazda douche 2: "deal"

new guy: "shouldn't we restrict the exhaust too?"
(rockon)

[zoom-zoomhatch]

mazda douche 1: "let's restrict this intake the best we can"

mazda douche 2: "deal"

new guy: "shouldn't we restrict the exhaust too?"
(rockon)

And while we're at it lets make it a pita to tune and use crappy turbo seals so it'll smoke like crazy every time it stops. Oh, and lets use a crappy bolt on this motor mount so the motor will fall out of place while someones enjoying their new car!!!

[flyrevs]

installed the turbo inlet pipe today, easy install - just follow the video instructions.
Initial Results:
1)better throttle response
2) builds boost quicker
3) definitely more turbo spool sound but after it's spooled up about the same sound really except when you are downshifting and engine braking - you get more of the turbo spool sound goin on
4) quality A+++

Will report back after the ecu re-learns, I'm also going to let you know about gas mileage too.

Do this to make sure the pipe is away from the battery box:
a) install reducer on to turbo inlet 100% all the way tight (no gap) - tighten the clamp
b) push pipe into reducer - hard , keep twisting and pushing until it won't go any further - tighten the clamp
c) finish install
d) my pipe is 1/2" to 3/8" away from the battery box !!!!!
http://www.fmvperformance.com/forum_items/Smileys/default/icon_smile.gif http://www.fmvperformance.com/forum_items/Smileys/default/icon_smile.gif http://www.fmvperformance.com/forum_items/Smileys/default/icon_lol.gif

[controlo]

And while we're at it lets make it a pita to tune and use crappy turbo seals so it'll smoke like crazy every time it stops. Oh, and lets use a crappy bolt on this motor mount so the motor will fall out of place while someones enjoying their new car!!!

:)

i still fucking LOVE this car! (drive)

[Speedy3]

:)

i still fucking LOVE this car! (drive)

Me too!

[bnoon]

mazda douche 1: "let's restrict this intake the best we can"

mazda douche 2: "deal"

new guy: "shouldn't we restrict the exhaust too?"
(rockon)

All the better for the aftermarket dealers and fabricators to sell you performance parts. I'd MUCH rather buy a super plugged up hotrod that already performs well, that can still add 40-50 HP/TQ for a few hundred bucks instead of someone that has to spend hundreds just to get 5-10 like the NA peeps do. Go Mazda!(naughty)

[controlo]

All the better for the aftermarket dealers and fabricators to sell you performance parts. I'd MUCH rather buy a super plugged up hotrod that already performs well, that can still add 40-50 HP/TQ for a few hundred bucks instead of someone that has to spend hundreds just to get 5-10 like the NA peeps do. Go Mazda!(naughty)

yeah, +1. it makes it worth modding your car. i like this car just the way it is. the ONLY thing is that i wish we could make power to redline.

[stars.eg6]

yeah, +1. it makes it worth modding your car. i like this car just the way it is. the ONLY thing is that i wish we could make power to redline.

yea probably the biggest downfall of this car.

[.HYPE.]

EDIT: what is the purpose of the turbo inlet to begin with?

[bykeryder4life]

the turbo inlet is the part that connects your intake to your turbo. many have chosen to get cold air intakes etc etc to increase performance and allow the turbo to spool in air more quickly. when you buy an intake it does not include an inlet, which becomes the bottleneck of the cars intake SYSTEM. when you buy an aftermarket turbo inlet you open up the last part of the intake system and allow all of it to flow to the turbo's full capacity and demands.

[Bonafide_Spd3]

Sounds like a great product, Hopefully doesn't cause no problems with the turbo so later on in the future I can purchase one

[dkswim]

good looking product, not for me on the price though

[Gmac03]

What the F is a turbo inlet. Sounds to me like the MS cai is a poor design if it doesn't go all the way to the turbo.

I thought that an intake went as far as it needed to go until the air was in. Thats why its called an intake. God I hate some of the piss poor designs that mazda has in this car. It really frustrates me to no end.

So if you mod the intake, this is a must. Cause if do a CAI or a WAI, with out getting rid of all of the crappy plastic piping then it is worthless.

Gmac

[bykeryder4life]

you dont have to get one to notice great gains from a CAI alone. with the space mazda was working with in our cars engine bay they had to put the turbo in the back so they made the inlet to squeeze through the space they had and give an easy access to the cars intake system when you pop the hood. if you wanna mod your car alot it will be a must though.....

[SuperStretch18]

...I thought that an intake went as far as it needed to go until the air was in. Thats why its called an intake. God I hate some of the piss poor designs that mazda has in this car. It really frustrates me to no end...

Blame the intake manufacturerers for not dealing with this with the products they create. Honestly though, most turbo cars have a portion called a "turbo inlet" that is usually more complex than a typical CAI tube. Scooby's do, Evo's do, etc., etc., so I'm not sure that you can call it a "piss poor design" decision...

[TurboDreams]

+1
a lot of cars have turbo inlets...

[flyrevs]

+1
a lot of cars have turbo inlets... yea, all the ones with turbos (screwy)(rlaugh)

[ericrapp]

you dont have to get one to notice great gains from a CAI alone. with the space mazda was working with in our cars engine bay they had to put the turbo in the back so they made the inlet to squeeze through the space they had and give an easy access to the cars intake system when you pop the hood. if you wanna mod your car alot it will be a must though..... yep the distance between the firewall and motor do not leave much room for the bigger Turbos boo

[ericrapp]

And this is one incredible car. fast, inexpensive, fast, and waiting to be uncorked, stops turns and has a nice interior. Did I mention fast? Because it sure is. And with some mods, faster.

[ericrapp]

yea, all the ones with turbos (screwy)(rlaugh)Are you sure?

[AutoXRacer]

I think I have noticed reduced lowend torque with the inlet in place...
I can't seem to spin 2nd gear as willingly as I used to...which is a good thing for my type of racing. The car overall pulls harder in 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th. But 2nd seemed to take a hit...

Has anyone else felt this? (huh)

[stars.eg6]

I think I have noticed reduced lowend torque with the inlet in place...
I can't seem to spin 2nd gear as willingly as I used to...which is a good thing for my type of racing. The car overall pulls harder in 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th. But 2nd seemed to take a hit...

Has anyone else felt this? (huh)

i have felt this somewhat but didnt notice it as much as my ricey blow off valve going silent with this. so much for running my turbosmart hybrid at 50/50. its full recirc now. :/

[ericrapp]

I think I have noticed reduced lowend torque with the inlet in place...
I can't seem to spin 2nd gear as willingly as I used to...which is a good thing for my type of racing. The car overall pulls harder in 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th. But 2nd seemed to take a hit...

Has anyone else felt this? (huh)What are you thoughts on a power band shift due to the mod

[zoomzoom33]

I too have notice my BOV doesn't make a loud whoosh after the install of the inlet pipe. The car does seem a bit faster in the higher gears. Took me awhile to install though.

[AutoXRacer]

What are you thoughts on a power band shift due to the mod

I don't know if the power band shifted or not... Its been HOT out here and the temps have been killing the car. Also, I am pondering the idea that the gas I've gotten lately might also add to the decreased power. Last night I filled up with my usual gas and will give it another tank full or so to see if the power comes back to the low band.

Its been hit or miss lately with breaking 2nd gear loose. I think the heat is to blame.

But spool seems to come on quicker and the car definitely has more pull. Other than that, I can't comment anything else.

I love the new sound of the HKS, but it is quieter...

I need to give it more time...

[ericrapp]

When we get the heat and I soak i will get sputter so I do not give the throttle to her and just limp home. I apologise but do you know your boost before and after installation? I will stay tuned and wish you the best.

[AutoXRacer]

Well, driving home (95*) the traction control kicked in on 3rd gear!!!! (2thumbs)
That has never happened before unless it was raining!!!

My boost is the same...it did not get higher or anything...just seems like it kicks in a little sooner and quicker.

[Bonafide_Spd3]

I think I'm gonna purchase one after I get my 15,000 mile check up at the dealership. This seems like it is a great product. I just don't want to have a fuel cut if I purchase this. I don't think I would being that I don't have a exhaust

[AutoXRacer]

I seriously doubt you'll get fuel cut...

[ericrapp]

IMO you will be fine, B. And the third gear wheelspin is such sweet icing!

[Speedy3]

I think I'm gonna purchase one after I get my 15,000 mile check up at the dealership. This seems like it is a great product. I just don't want to have a fuel cut if I purchase this. I don't think I would being that I don't have a exhaust

Doesn't really matter if you wait or not. This thing is virtually invisible in black. I'm willing to bet that they don't even notice it unless you are getting a new turbo or fuel pump...

[assman]

Sorry havent read all the posts but has anyone dynoed before/after with this yet?

[ZooMIN3]

didn't see any reading... i think i'll invest in this a couple months from now... =)

[Bonafide_Spd3]

I'm gonna invest in it pretty soon, hopefully next month. I'm trying to talk my bro into getting one for his sti

[iknospd3]

awesome i'm ordering mine right now did you just get it powder coated or ceramic ?

[AutoXRacer]

Sorry havent read all the posts but has anyone dynoed before/after with this yet?

There is a dyno somewhere in this forum...



awesome i'm ordering mine right now did you just get it powder coated or ceramic ?

I just got mine powder coated...there was not an option for ceramic. Though, it doesn't get very hot...I've touched it a few times and its just warm. Next month I'll be heat wrapping a few things under the hood and the inlet is one of them...

[J-Villa]

I hate how every performance part is sooo pricey. Then again.. i come from a toyota 4runner. exhaust = $100. Intake = $80 on ebay. Chip = $200

Seems like a good buy if you have alot of mods... but not so much if your close to stock.

[iknospd3]

There is a dyno somewhere in this forum...




I just got mine powder coated...there was not an option for ceramic. Though, it doesn't get very hot...I've touched it a few times and its just warm. Next month I'll be heat wrapping a few things under the hood and the inlet is one of them...

no doubt dude thanks

[ericrapp]

Stupidest question ever. And hope you folks have a good laugh. Where does that ahem vacuum line go to?

[Bonafide_Spd3]

I think it would give me a couple of more horses with this product. Gosh can't wait to have it already

[AutoXRacer]

That vacuum line attaches to some solenoid next to the EGR valve.

Here is a picture:

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f19/Milkywayman22/Mazdaspeed%203/RPMC%20Turbo%20Inlet/VacuumLine.jpg

I hope this helps...

[ericrapp]

You once again have gone above and beyond! I was wondering if [ because i don't no shit ] if there was also a manifold air pressure sensor on the car. This would be a great place to read, so close to the actual pressure realized. The maf is on the MS cold airr right. And we do not use both do we?

[AutoXRacer]

According to my service manual, its identified as the "Wastegate Control Solenoid Valve".

It goes like this: inlet ---> wastegate control solenoid valve ---> wastegate actuator (there is another hose that goes to the actuator from the turbo compressor side).

Does this help?

[ericrapp]

Well, a solenoid valve is usually an electrically controlled valve that is either open or closed. i am not speaking of automotive, just industrial controls applications. I noticed the wastegate has a hose on the topside and a larger one on the bottom. Does the ecu control the solenoid and then the actuator? Sorry for asking stuff you guys already know. and can you take the ECU out of the loop and let the wastegate have mechanical control over boost?

[ericrapp]

oops. Thanks X

[AutoXRacer]

and can you take the ECU out of the loop and let the wastegate have mechanical control over boost?

So is this: http://siteground207.com/~protegeg/product_info.php?cPath=281_160_251&products_id=1491 what you are talking about?

Can we bypass the boost controller with this wastegate? How will the ECU handle not controlling boost?

[lowpro35]

ATP makes something similar to this as well, looks better imo, no color option though http://www.jscspeed.com/mazdaspeed3/intake/atpturboinlet.htm

[AG DesignWorks]

The ATP pipe is a notoriously bad fit, and it doesnt work with alot of the aftermarket intakes available. There have been a number of people who've tried it and returned or sold it shortly after.

[jville]

Anybody happen to know the od of the turbo inlet?

[Speedy3]

Anybody happen to know the od of the turbo inlet?

On the turbo itself it's about 2 1/16" On the stock inlet it, intake side it is 2.5".

[MAZDA_SPEED]

not to sound cocky, but on other forum site these are called "TIP"= turbo intake pipes. ;)
Abbreviation FTW

[lowpro35]

The ATP pipe is a notoriously bad fit, and it doesnt work with alot of the aftermarket intakes available. There have been a number of people who've tried it and returned or sold it shortly after.

huh....that's shitty. so this is better option. mental note made.(smash)

[AutoXRacer]

This is definitely a better option... Install was the easiest thing ever!!!!
I've heard ATP is horrible fitment...

[jville]

i'd like to fab up something similar to the atp and make a custom intake aswell just trying to size up everything so i know what i'm geting myself into.

[Speedy3]

i'd like to fab up something similar to the atp and make a custom intake aswell just trying to size up everything so i know what i'm geting myself into.

Well, keep in mind you have a MAF sensor right before the coupling to whatever turbo inlet pipe you buy or fab. It has already been proven that the location of that sensor in relation to any bends in the path is critical (MS CAI recall).

Remember, when you have a bend, airflow is faster on the outer side and slower on the inner side. Also, it creates a restriction to the air inertia. (yes, air has mass) A 90 degree bend creates a greater velocity differential between the inner and outer sides of the bend and a longer period of that differential. A 90 degree bend will also have a greater resistance to the air inertia.

With that said, an inlet pipe similar to the ATP wouls have to turn sharp after the MAF, creating more disruption in the airflow through the MAF.

Think it through a bit before you go build your prototype.

Most people don't know that my first prototype was exactly what you are talking about. It was a 2.75" version of the ATP. I got backfires all the time and stuttering off and on. It was not a good design. To mate with any aftermarket or stock intake system and introduce a minimum disruption in the arflow, a smoother transition should be incorporated. That is what led to the final design in my final prototype.

Good luck and keep thinking!

[controlo]

huh....that's shitty. so this is better option. mental note made.(smash)

i like your protege man! :)

[lowpro35]

cool thanks bro

[ericrapp]

Well, keep in mind you have a MAF sensor right before the coupling to whatever turbo inlet pipe you buy or fab. It has already been proven that the location of that sensor in relation to any bends in the path is critical (MS CAI recall).

Remember, when you have a bend, airflow is faster on the outer side and slower on the inner side. Also, it creates a restriction to the air inertia. (yes, air has mass) A 90 degree bend creates a greater velocity differential between the inner and outer sides of the bend and a longer period of that differential. A 90 degree bend will also have a greater resistance to the air inertia.

With that said, an inlet pipe similar to the ATP wouls have to turn sharp after the MAF, creating more disruption in the airflow through the MAF.

Think it through a bit before you go build your prototype.

Most people don't know that my first prototype was exactly what you are talking about. It was a 2.75" version of the ATP. I got backfires all the time and stuttering off and on. It was not a good design. To mate with any aftermarket or stock intake system and introduce a minimum disruption in the arflow, a smoother transition should be incorporated. That is what led to the final design in my final prototype.

Good luck and keep thinking!Nicely explained for us newer guys here, like me. I understood, maybe wrongly, that turbulence to be able to disrupt the read at any maf sensor and the flow should be smoothed out before and after the sensor, to a certain distance in relation to the pipe diameter as much as possible. Working with fluid pumping systems as an electrical guy i learned a little bit about some of the flow theory involved. i am still learning. I was looking at my stock unit recently. I realised with a better performing turbo; I will need this piece or one very similar, along with the exhaust manifold upgrade. good work in theory and product!

[jville]

Well, keep in mind you have a MAF sensor right before the coupling to whatever turbo inlet pipe you buy or fab. It has already been proven that the location of that sensor in relation to any bends in the path is critical (MS CAI recall).

Remember, when you have a bend, airflow is faster on the outer side and slower on the inner side. Also, it creates a restriction to the air inertia. (yes, air has mass) A 90 degree bend creates a greater velocity differential between the inner and outer sides of the bend and a longer period of that differential. A 90 degree bend will also have a greater resistance to the air inertia.

With that said, an inlet pipe similar to the ATP wouls have to turn sharp after the MAF, creating more disruption in the airflow through the MAF.

Think it through a bit before you go build your prototype.

Most people don't know that my first prototype was exactly what you are talking about. It was a 2.75" version of the ATP. I got backfires all the time and stuttering off and on. It was not a good design. To mate with any aftermarket or stock intake system and introduce a minimum disruption in the arflow, a smoother transition should be incorporated. That is what led to the final design in my final prototype.

Good luck and keep thinking!

Yea i understand all of that. That why i was planning on locating the sensor on the end of the straightest run of pipe (if you can get my horrible discription) I am an ASE certified master tech and i'm pretty creative, but also sorta a budget type tuner. I can't see spending 1500+ to get a front mount, cai and turbo inlet. Knowing howmuch parts are marked up and what it really costs to produce these parts it is just silly to pay that much.