Cobb Turbo Inlet Install & Review

[bova80]

Mazdaspeed6 Cobb Turbo Inlet Install How To/Review

Overall Review
This is a really nice piece. It is reinforced so it is not that flimsy and can support some weight. Fitment of the intake on the metal sleeve was a bit tight but some lubricant can help slide it on. Also since the inlet is not secured anywhere except the turbo, it does move around a little when installing the intake making it a little tricky, but with some patience it isn’t a problem. For the novice installer allow yourself at least an hour to install this, for the more advanced I would say this can be done within a half hour. It took me about an hour but I was taking pictures and pressure testing. Also if you have the stock turbo inlet there is a little more work involved. Overall I would rate this inlet very high in quality and somewhat easy to install for the more advanced modder.

Driving Impressions
Just went for a quick spin around the block and this inlet is much quieter than speedie6's inlet and I like it, no offense speedie6. I'll update this portion after I log a few more miles on it.

Tools needed
-8mm socket
-10mm wrench/socket
-12mm wrench/socket
-various extensions
-flat head screw driver
-channel locks
-wd-40 (used as lubricant)

Install
This install was not done on the stock turbo inlet pipe and some directions may vary.

Step 1
Remove intercooler cover and disconnect battery terminals (10mm)
http://www.mzdspd.com/mzdspd/images/install/install01.JPG

Step 2
Remove battery tie down (1) 10mm nut and (1) 10mm bolt and then remove battery carefully.
http://www.mzdspd.com/mzdspd/images/install/install02.JPG
http://www.mzdspd.com/mzdspd/images/install/install03.JPG

Step 3
Remove battery tray by removing (2) 10mm bolts.
http://www.mzdspd.com/mzdspd/images/install/install13.JPG
http://www.mzdspd.com/mzdspd/images/install/install14.JPG

Step 4
Remove intake from turbo inlet, valve cover vent, and disconnect bypass valve hose using channel locks (it helped to remove the hose from the bypass valve and then from the turbo inlet.)
http://www.mzdspd.com/mzdspd/images/install/install06.JPG
http://www.mzdspd.com/mzdspd/images/install/install07.JPG
http://www.mzdspd.com/mzdspd/images/install/install08.JPG
http://www.mzdspd.com/mzdspd/images/install/install09.JPG
http://www.mzdspd.com/mzdspd/images/install/install10.JPG


Step 5
Remove 10mm nut holding turbo inlet in place as well as the clamp (10mm t-bolt or worm clamp) holding the inlet on the turbo.
http://www.mzdspd.com/mzdspd/images/install/install11.JPG
http://www.mzdspd.com/mzdspd/images/install/install12.JPG


Step 6
Here is a comparison of the cob inlet, stock inlet and speedie6’s inlet
http://www.mzdspd.com/mzdspd/images/install/install14a.JPG

Cobb Inlet alone
http://www.mzdspd.com/mzdspd/images/install/install15.JPG

Install Cobb inlet on turbo and secure worm clamp (8mm), also connect boost control vacuum line onto plastic nipple.
http://www.mzdspd.com/mzdspd/images/install/install16.JPG
http://www.mzdspd.com/mzdspd/images/install/install17.JPG
http://www.mzdspd.com/mzdspd/images/install/install18.JPG

Step 7
Make sure both metal sleeves on inlet are protruding half way out and then secure them with supplied clamps (8mm).
http://www.mzdspd.com/mzdspd/images/install/install19.JPG

Step 8
Reinstall your bypass valve hose and intake (wd-40 used to help slide bypass valve hose and intake on to metal sleeves as fitment is a little tight.) Make sure all your clamps are tight and everything is secure, reinstall intercooler cover if necessary and you are ready to go.
http://www.mzdspd.com/mzdspd/images/install/install20.JPG
http://www.mzdspd.com/mzdspd/images/install/install21.JPG

Miscellaneous Pictures

Here is a picture of the turbine.
http://www.mzdspd.com/mzdspd/images/install/install13a.JPG
And here is a picture of what I use to pressure test the system (held just fine.)
http://www.mzdspd.com/mzdspd/images/install/install19a.JPG

[bova80]

let me know what you think

[TX Speed 6]

Looks good! I know you already had a turbo inlet on there, but how does the drive feel? Any noticable difference from stock with either?

[bova80]

well i didnt' really get on it because i like to let my fuel trims learn before i do that. one thing is it is a lot quieter than the other one i had on there, which i like. so i'll be posting up my other one for sale.

[wannabe]

moved to how-to

[Alladin]

Can you install a TIP with factory airbox? From all the reading I've been doing seems like there's no point in an SRI or CAI, all the power gains are from the TIP.

[tunersteve]

Can you install a TIP with factory airbox? From all the reading I've been doing seems like there's no point in an SRI or CAI, all the power gains are from the TIP.

Not true at all. The intake (CAI or SRI) with both net more gains than the TIP. You can install one with the factory airbox, but it won't net you much. I'd recommend the Cobb SRI with the Cobb inlet for a solid intake air solution, which will run you under $400 for both.

[tunersteve]

Bova, how long do you think that skinny (3/16") hose is alltogether. I ordered 3 feet, which I think should be enough. I also ordered a silicone recirc tube to match everything while I have the pipe out. Figured I may as well with the pipe out.

[bova80]

probably 6 inches. you are talking about the one on the wastegate solenoid right?

you can buy my aluminum turbo inlet alladin if you want!

[tunersteve]

probably 6 inches. you are talking about the one on the wastegate solenoid right?

you can buy my aluminum turbo inlet alladin if you want!

Yes, and the one that goes to the bypass valve.

[bova80]

i'm not sure what the length of hose from the bypass valve is from the valve to the inlet, but i will say its 1" diameter hose. i'll be doing my fmic install this weekend so i can measure that if you want when i take it off the car.

[tunersteve]

That hose going to the wastegate actuator is only 3/16" though. It's pretty small, right?

[bova80]

yeah its something like that. or 1/4"

[tunersteve]

I'm gonna go out and measure right now, while I have time. I'll need to call them and change my order then...whoops!

Edit: found the WGA hose to be short, and only 3/16" size. The smaller hose on the BPV is 1/4" ID, and you need about a foot of it, where it connects to the intake manifold, right between the runners.

I'll add some pics for the stock inlet change out when I do mine.

Edit 2: got off the phone with SU, 3/16" is the size they supply with their BPV/BOV kits for that smaller line up front, so I ordered that.

[tunersteve]

Any updated driving impressions/DH notes from the install? Did anything change with it put in?

[bova80]

car drives awesome. can't tell you if anything else changed since i added the fmic this weekend but overall my car performs very well.

[wh1te0nr1ce]

sell me the speedie6 one!

[tunersteve]

I'm glad I went with the Cobb over the CP-e one. I found an install on another forum and noticed that they had to hack up the battery tray to make it fit, which is something I don't wanna do.

[bova80]

sell me the speedie6 one!


to late, you should have pm'd me sooner. it was up for sale for over a week.

[wh1te0nr1ce]

lol gayyy

[tunersteve]

I just got my inlet from Fedex, going to install it now...w00t!

[sunshineFC]

I just got my inlet from Fedex, going to install it now...w00t!

Please post your impressions/review steve. I enjoy reading your posts.
-a

[tunersteve]

Took me about 90 minutes, but that included installing a silicone recirc tube and cleaning my Forge BPV as well. Initially, I can agree with Bova, that it quiets things down a bit. My DH was lighting up with my boost warnings as I got on the freeway and gave it a little gas. I don't know if my car wasn't really trimmed out correctly before, but this thing gave it some life. Throttle seemed more responsive, boost pressure was there (usually only warned me in 4th of a 17.5 psi spike or higher) from 2nd to 6th, and threw me back in the seat again. I'm gonna get some more miles on it today and see if this changes.

[bova80]

i would also like to add to be careful when tightening the worm clamps on the inlet that hold the metal sleeves in. if you tighten them to much you will actually bend the metal. that seems to be the weak point in this that they used thin sleeves.

[tunersteve]

I will agree to that.

I also had to remove a bracket in the lower back side of the engine bay. It was holding a wire harness that wasn't going anywhere and it obstructed the inlet for removal/installation. Once it was out, it was a piece of cake to slide in and out.

[Rawyzf]

I will agree to that.

I also had to remove a bracket in the lower back side of the engine bay. It was holding a wire harness that wasn't going anywhere and it obstructed the inlet for removal/installation. Once it was out, it was a piece of cake to slide in and out.

Thanks...I'll look for that too :)

[tunersteve]

Thanks...I'll look for that too :)

That bracket was the one thing that cost me about 10 minutes of time to figure out the best course of action to get out.

I also disconnected a few wire harnesses to ease up some slack, if you do this, just remember to reconnect them. I worked from the turbo forward and double-checked everything. It mates up really nice to the MS CAI. Can't even tell its there in black either ;-)

[bova80]

yeah i already had my bracket removed from installing the speedie6 inlet so thats why it wasn't in my instructions.

[tunersteve]

I just noticed that in your pics.

[tunersteve]

Bova, what were your LTFT's running at after the install? Also, could you send me your DH profile so I can compare it to mine?

I threw CELs tonight coming home, P0401 an P0103. First is an EGR flow problem, second is a filter issue. I know what caused the second one, lots of rain in the area, but not sure about the first. I cleared both and we'll see if they return.

[bova80]

i dont remember what they were after install but right now they are at -3% at idle and -5% while cruising.

[tunersteve]

i dont remember what they were after install but right now they are at -3% at idle and -5% while cruising.

Mine is at +8 idle, +5.5 cruising

[bova80]

so you are adding fuel, where as i'm pulling fuel. you don't have an AP though do you? i do so mine is tuned for the intake, not the inlet though, but it shouldn't make a big difference. but i can see it is leaning you out a bit so that is why you are adding fuel.

[tunersteve]

No, I don't have an AP, so I figure our numbers will be off. Essentially you want the car to trim back to as close to zero as possible, right?

My concern now is making sure I don't see another CEL today on the road...otherwise its going back to stock and heading to the dealer.

[bova80]

as long as you are within +/- 8% with your ltft then you are ok. the car will not be able to trim itself back to 0. when your STFT are at 0% your car is done learning and thats where the values will stay. although weather will affect this so you might see minor changes. your car will not throw a cel for too rich or too lean unless you are +/-20% off.

[tunersteve]

Ok, thanks for clearing that up. Next question: since the install, my boost has been spiking up to over 19 consistently and up to as high as 21 psi. Do you think I should worry about spiking, or is that alright as long as it's not holding at that level?

[bova80]

91 hahaha man you have problems. um if its just a spike it may not be a problem but if you are holding that it could be, i dont know all of your mods though.

[tunersteve]

91 hahaha man you have problems. um if its just a spike it may not be a problem but if you are holding that it could be, i dont know all of your mods though.

It's only a spike, then it tapers back off. I've got the MS CAI, Forge BPV, Cobb inlet right now basically.

[Super Shredder]

i'm about to install the cobb sri and cobb inlet on my stock speed with stock bpv, i will report how it goes. it may be your CAI, it seems that Cobb and Corksport have both mated their inlets to a short ram, so theres your airflow CEL. when i attempted to purchase a Mazdaspeed CAI from the dealer they said they were cancelled and reworked due to turbulence problems and throwing CELs.

[tunersteve]

I'll update you on my situation: Since I installed the splash shield, there have been no adverse effects on the IAT's and the problem seems to be gone. I've driven through some fairly heavy rain and had good luck with not trashing the filter. As the weather warms, my next tire rotation I'll check the condition and report.

The inlet is still working well, I checked all my fittings and everything seems to be sitting nice and tight in the intake tract. Still happy with the purchase, but I do agree that Cobb should have supplied thicker mounting sleeves and fixed them in place to prevent them from being crushed due to overtightening.

[jeffms6]

I have the CPE inlet pipe and it fits fine without any modification to battery tray. Also, the metal fittings are thicker and don't bend when you tighten them down. The CPE pipe also comes with the stock mounting bracket and a metal vacuum line nipple... not cheap plastic. I would say the CPE is worth the extra few dollars for these features. Nothing against Cobb since I'm using their SF Intake and AP.

[dutchbuffalo]

So the cp-e tip fits on the cobb sri fine with no problems ?

[jeffms6]

Yes the CPE Nviscid inlet pipe works with all intakes. You specify which intake you are using when placing your order. CPE will provide the appropriate connector based on your intake. The CPE Xcel intake uses a 3 inch metal sleeve connector. All other intakes including Cobb use a 2.5 inch connector.

[Super Shredder]

so what ended up happening with your inlet tunersteve? everything work out?

[tunersteve]

so what ended up happening with your inlet tunersteve? everything work out?

Yes, everything has been good right now. I'm currently having LTFT's of .8 at idle, but up to 12.5 at WOT. I do see boost spikes up to 21+ PSI when I get on a gear (usually 3rd-6th) but it tapers back down quickly. I should do a log and post it up.

I think in the long term, I'm gonna end up getting the Cobb SRI to hopefully clean up the LTFT's and airflow issues, but I'm happy with the inlet overall.

[Super Shredder]

so you think i will be sexy with the cobb sf and cobb inlet right off the bat?

[tunersteve]

so you think i will be sexy with the cobb sf and cobb inlet right off the bat?

I think it's a great combo. I'm gonna have to go to SU and get the black intake to match my black inlet. Eventually, I'll pull the trigger, for now it works alright with the MS CAI.

[coyfish]

hmmm you still throwing cel's tuner?? Im thinking about this mod but I really don't have the time to be messing around with too much trouble.

[tunersteve]

Haven't thrown a CEL lately, and as I said before, it wasn't from the inlet, but rather from the MS CAI and the filter getting wet. Water would end up coming in contact with the MAF, and throw the voltage out of whack, throwing the CEL. It just shows me that I need to invest in a SRI instead of a CAI by the fall.

[coyfish]

Thx tuner! you dont have to respond to the same question on my other thread :)

[tunersteve]

Thx tuner! you dont have to respond to the same question on my other thread :)

Just did. Oh well.

[SMOKEYS36SHOP]

So I Am A Little Confused With Something. Do These Inlets Give You A Lot More Of That Turbo Spoolin Sound That I Love Or Does It Quiet Everything Down A Lot More. Because I Really Enjoy The Sound Our Cars Make With Just The Cai On It And Bov But If This Inlet Makes Everything Alot Louder Then I Will Deff Get One Lol. So Which One Is Better Or Are They Both The Same ( Cp-e Vs Cobb )

[amilliems6]

So I Am A Little Confused With Something. Do These Inlets Give You A Lot More Of That Turbo Spoolin Sound That I Love Or Does It Quiet Everything Down A Lot More. Because I Really Enjoy The Sound Our Cars Make With Just The Cai On It And Bov But If This Inlet Makes Everything Alot Louder Then I Will Deff Get One Lol. So Which One Is Better Or Are They Both The Same ( Cp-e Vs Cobb )

louder

[SMOKEYS36SHOP]

so which one is better? i am prob gonna go with cobb because everyone is saying its louder lol.

[tunersteve]

They're not any 'louder' than stock. I noticed no difference in mine in overall volume, and besides, if you have an intake, that sound is going to muffle the inlet. If you want a louder inlet, get a metal one.

[SMOKEYS36SHOP]

ok but then that would defeat the purpose of the inlet because the cobb and cpe ones are insulated to pull in colder air. i also want to get some kinda horse power as well if im spending $160 - $200 on one

[tunersteve]

ok but then that would defeat the purpose of the inlet because the cobb and cpe ones are insulated to pull in colder air. i also want to get some kinda horse power as well if im spending $160 - $200 on one

No, you're not seeing the point here. You will get more hp and better throttle response with an inlet. Just because it doesn't make more noise doesn't mean that it won't benefit your car. The silicone ones are better for heat prevention, but also, the aluminum ones are better at heat dispersion. Besides, the difference in IAT's is negligable...like 2-3 degrees.

[SMOKEYS36SHOP]

so which one would you recommend if you were going to get an aluminum one? it would look nice if i got a polished aluminum one to match the look of my aem cai. i kinda wanna get all these parts added to my car before this car show im going to in may

[tunersteve]

If you're looking for a polished one, get a RPMC or a speedie6 pipe, and have it polished or powdercoated to match your intake.

[SMOKEYS36SHOP]

ok thanks for the advise. i am looking into them

[Super Shredder]

ok, to answer all of your questions about noise, the cobb sf intake on its own is loud, unclear, wild sounding, and has a suction problem on its own around 2500-3000 rpm going downhill or cruising with your foot slightly on the acceleration you will feel the car either want to bypass or suck in air, its a small turbulent battle solved by coasting until you need to accelerate again. i claim about 5hp to the midrange (a good throttle response too!), and 15hp total to the top end, you hear turbo spool and it is wild sounding a great cheap high quality purchase. you will bypass loudly every time and i have the stock bpv its incredible. another problem is that it does not recirculate often at WOT. you hear a loud quick vent.

NOW.

i installed the cobb turbo inlet pipe today and this went from a crazy sounding car, to a precise and professional sounding turbocharged car, without a shred of rice in the bowl. throttle response is absolutely improved even moreso, and i will again claim another 10hp added to the top end, i shifted at 6200rpm once and it recirculated like magic and sent the same amount of boost to the next gear like nothing i've felt on this car before. the bird chirp in the beginning of a rev from the intake is also intenseified and crispy. the turbulence felt in the cruising and going downhill has dissapeared. the turbo spooling sound is very very very clean and less anoying than just an intake. i guarantee performance from both the cobb intake and inlet pipe.

[SMOKEYS36SHOP]

well shredder i have the aem cai and a turboxs hybrid bov. about some time next month i will be getting the cobb inlet pipe along with the su tmic and intercooler piping with step1 plugs. so with all of that added i should have a decent amount of power and sound to my car right??? like i said before i wanna have all of this done before i go to this mazda meet at orange county choppers on may 2nd. since you live in jersey you should regester so far not too many speed 6's going and i would like to see more of them there

[Super Shredder]

i was contemplating going.

before the TMIC i would get a tune, and make sure your car can handle this before you spike 24psi and blowup. also make sure you get some drivetrain and suspension improvements, this is a car that benefits from being built from the ground up. not from bolt ons, its not a honda or a nissan. it should be tuned after every two bolt ons you do.

[coyfish]

You shouldn't spike too bad without a tune. Ive spiked 20 a bunch but as long as your watching your boost gauge you will be fine. You should get a motor mount though. Get the power to the wheels more efficiently.

[SMOKEYS36SHOP]

ok i am a little new to this but are you talking about something like the cobb tuning or something??? sorry just a little confused

[tunersteve]

I swapped inlets today in about 35 minutes start to finish. Very easy to do once you know where things go and how to move them.

[BoostedSpd6]

one thing i did notice on mine is its not "louder" its more crisp as said..my hks ssqv sounds better,it sounds like its working correctly, where as before it didnt, but i think thats because i had a leak in the recirc hose.. i pressure tested it to 15psi and all was good ....install was alittle over an hour. i have the black one and unless ur really looking for it u cant see it, i like that. fit nicely with the aem cai.

[Gmac03]

I take it the kit doesn't come with Tbolt clamps, just the crappy worm gear ones?

Gmac

[BoostedSpd6]

I take it the kit doesn't come with Tbolt clamps, just the crappy worm gear ones?

Gmac


yup.

[Gmac03]

yup.

Boo

Gmac

[migueleitor]

TO bova80

do you have the cobb instruction?

thank you.

[BoostedSpd6]

TO bova80

do you have the cobb instruction?

thank you.
i have it ill see if i can scan it for you tonight and ill pm u

[SMOKEYS36SHOP]

I Ended Up Getting The Polished Htp Turbo Inlet And I Have To Say I Love It Paired Up With The Polished Aem Intake...it Looks Nice Having One Aluminum Pipe Going All The Way Back To The Turbo... It Deffinetly Changed The Sound Of My Turboxs Hybrid Bov. It Now Sounds Deeper And I Love It A Lot!! The Spooling Of The Turbo Sound Is Now Increased And It Sounds Amazing And I Am Very Happy With The Product...i Have Always Been A Fan Of The Loud Sound Of A Turbo Spoolin !!!

[Jorgyspeed6]

I just got done installing my Cobb TIP. Thanks Bova for the play-by-play instructions, that helped a heluva lot. I took it for a spin to see the difference from the stock inlet and WOW!!. just like Boosted said, it's not louder but feels more precise and efficient. No hesitation or sputtery feeling like with the stock one, and I may be wrong but it seemed to shift smoother too. Man I love this thing

[coyfish]

hey guys im trying to install my cpe turbo inlet and i can almost get it on but there is a black bracket that sticks up vertically that basically pushes on the bottom of the inlet. I can't manage to slide the tube over the turbo because of it. I looked at bova's pictures and I can't tell if the bracket is there or not. I have an 07 model and after installing my shortshifter I found extra brackets that the 06's didn't have. Any help please ! thanks.

Edit: if you look at the bottom picture in step 3 of bova's how to . . . Look in the very middle of the picture and you will see 3 bolts, the first of which is missing. Hard to explain but was this removed?? In my car I have a large black bracket that sticks up about 4 inches right into the bottom of the inlet.

[tunersteve]

I removed the bracket and had no problems. I believe it's only one or two bolts.

[SMOKEYS36SHOP]

yea i got rid of that thing too. it wasent very hard...goodluck with it and i hope you enjoy it!!!

[coyfish]

thx guys appreciate it. Got it all installed but somehow the rubber bolt (that i think was supplied with my CAI) broke. Im talking about the bracket that holds the CAI in place.IT looks like some type of glue / tar stuff was used to glue it together and it just came apart. I hate running into these little problems /:.

[bova80]

yeah i don't show it in the pictures because i had mine out already from the previous inlet i had installed.

[LaPiqure]

so when you install the turbo inlet pipe with a Fujita F5 CAI wont this lower the filter lower into the wheel well and endanger your filter with wet weather?

[SMOKEYS36SHOP]

no the new turbo inlet pipe replaces the stock plastic piece. they are both the same length. my cai didnt move at all

[LaPiqure]

Sweet thanks man I'm going to have about 1320.00 to play around with. Looking to add more mods to my speed6

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b259/NewHorizonBand/myBadassCarresized.jpg

[coyfish]

Depends on your CAI / inlet. I installed the CPE inlet on my injen CAI and it increased the length of my CAI by 2 inches which was long enough to make ligning up the bracket very difficult. The reason for the increase in length was because of the supplied metal "coupler" that they use to unite the inlet with a generic intake. Not sure if the cobb piece has this but it probably does.

[Evolved]

I'll be installing my Cobb TIP this weekend.....is it an absolute necessity to pressure test the system?

[KTsuchiya]

Awesome instructions Bova! Looking to get this thing soon as well. Can't let you guys have all the fun!

[StormTrooper6]

Installed, using this write up. Let me say, Amazing!!! You will notice the difference and love it. Have fun with your Cobb TIP everybody! :D