EssentialSPEED Mazda3 CAI

[canada3]

Hi all

Been a busy weekend and will post pics tomorrow after work

The CAI ES made for me is working awesome. I notice a big difference as soon as I drove it away. The accel has picked up and i also noticed the top end improved. Love that sucking sound. I even noticed that the exaust sounded a little deeper than before. Man you should see the plastic ES took outta there.(pics to come)

I would recommend anyone to go with ES instead of AEM etc.

Please don't ask me on the pricing as since it was the first CAI they put in on a 3 I am sure I got it cheaper then the next one but I will say it was/will be cheaper than the AEM out now.

Thanks to ES for the hardwork they put into it.

Anything I get I will be getting the work done @ ES. The guys there where great.

heres a link to their web site
http://www.essentialspeed.com/

[Da 6]

any cels yet?

[Fobby_Monkey]

now why would you recommend this over the AEM? any proves that this one is better? what about the research time? whp and torque gain? price range? looks? anything to compare the two?

[canada3]

let see if i can answer all those. and yes I have seen another 3 with the AEM in person.

the AEM uses 2.5" piping and so does this one.

looks I would say the AEM looks a little nicer (will have pics soon) but no complaints from anyone who has seen it. and yes the vent for the battery is retained.

the route is almost the same.

The ES one has a little stronger sucking sound compared to the AEM.

I have had it 3 days no cel and no other noises except the sucking.

Has made the who intake/exaust sound a little deeper

As to whp gained I don't think spending 100 bucks to dyno to find out that i gained whatever hp is worth it. But I will say that this shop did a mazda6 (2.3l) with 3 inch piping and it was dyno'ed and it made 20.2 hp at the wheels but the drawback was the there was a consent cel but that hasn't effected the 6. Like I said before I noticed a big difference and maybe when a redo the exaust again and once someone comes out with a chip that then maybe I will go get dyno'ed unless I find someone who will do it cheap

research time? I dont follow on what you mean?

price - like I mentioned before that since I was the first one the shop did I got it in my opinion cheaper that anymore that they would do would be a little more. But the AEM here is 450cdn and I paid about 40 - 45% cheaper. And my price included the installation.

I hope this helps with your questions and if you have more I will answer what I can.

I should also mention that there is a prospect looking for them to get a turbo put in his 3 but that is not yet confirmed and I beleive the total cost for the turbo + install will be about 5k - 5.5k cdn in case anyone wanted to know. They expect to turn out about 300 whp which is a bit more than the proteges they have turboed but it might be awhile before it happens.

Cheers

[Loose]

Pics tomorrow and PLEASE keep us posted. Congrats again. I'm insanely jelous. (bang)

[Fobby_Monkey]

research time as in how much time did they put in research and number crunching so that the fuel/air ratio is good so that it won't burn lean. The reason I ask is because it might take longer then a few days for the ECU to detect burning too lean and throwing a CEL. I am still afraid that my AEM will throw me a CEL in the next couple of days..but I know that was their number 1 on their list.

As for whp, i haven't dyno mine either..but the number for another mazda 3 is 6.5 hp peak, and 10. something ib ft of torque peak at 1200. The reason I am interested is that is because i want to know where the gain is. If the gain is in the higher rpm, there is not much use for it.

As for the AEM CAI, it costed me $300 cdn shipped. GST and Brokeage got it up to $369. No where near the 450 mark. I did do the install myself tho.

[Da 6]

time researched is mostlikely gonna be under 100 miles....on the 6 it took 100 miles to throw the initial cel and after that it was cool unless you have the 3.0 cause they throw codes all tay long. Injen didn't even research it long enough to detect it. and as for dynos...I'd get the aem cai from a friend and install both on the same car cause aem poped off 12hp for my sri alone! not tat I don't beleve it but maybe the conditions were "Too Right"

[canada3]

Has anyone dynoed their 3 yet...with or without mods?

[Fobby_Monkey]

I know a couple ppl who dynoed it. The numbers are similar to the one on AEM site.

[malebastard]

anyone can make a CAI...

heck i could make one in my backyard with the right piping!!!

but its the R&D that provide maximum power gains without throwing a CEL or other issues..

[Da 6]

yes anyone can make one....but it takes skills to not throw cels the entire time you have it... the section where the maf is MUST BE EXACT SAME DIAMETER AS STOCK or you will have that nice lil orange light on for a good minute. so you can do whatever you want and make the diamiter change to imitate the V2 design as long as that section the maf hooks up is same as stock. Just remember too many bends and crush bent piping isn't IDEAL.

[Fobby_Monkey]

hence why i asked about the research time.

[canada3]

well its been about 3ookm and nothing yet...I have been busy the last few days so I havent had time to take photos and I am now off to my second job for the night so maybe tomorrow afternoon.

its the same diam. as the AEM one and there are 3 bends...a 45, then a 90 the another 90...thats off my head I will have to look again to make sure...teh 45 is right out of the TB then a peice of straight piece where the MAF is the a 90 down to another 90 ending up behind the driver side fog lamp.

The filter is a vibrant as well as the couplers if anyone cares about that as well....

Cheers

[Loose]

well its been about 3ookm and nothing yet...I have been busy the last few days so I havent had time to take photos and I am now off to my second job for the night so maybe tomorrow afternoon.

its the same diam. as the AEM one and there are 3 bends...a 45, then a 90 the another 90...thats off my head I will have to look again to make sure...teh 45 is right out of the TB then a peice of straight piece where the MAF is the a 90 down to another 90 ending up behind the driver side fog lamp.

The filter is a vibrant as well as the couplers if anyone cares about that as well....

Cheers
Thanx, I am considering this fro my car as well. let us know if you get a cel..

Tim

[canada3]

Pics will be posted today around 2pm-3pm est

[canada3]

PICS! Down near the bottom.

http://groups.msn.com/CorysMazda3/shoebox.msnw?Page=3

[canada3]

no comments on the looks? on and BTW no CEL in 700km

[Fobby_Monkey]

it's a 2 piece tube?

and why is your muffler tip so big?

[bvmazda3]

Pics will be posted today around 2pm-3pm est

I was actually considering this company (Essentialspeed) for my CAI, but noticed that their prices are identical to AEM's (whether i convert AEM's price in USD to CDN, or buy it locally in CDN).

I think I would, personally, like to have a more proven (if not just slightly more proven) 1-piece performance part, then a 2-piece part from a company that doesn't even offer dyno run results.

Am I wrong here? :)

~Bart~

[goldwing2000]

no comments on the looks? on and BTW no CEL in 700km

My mama always told me that if I don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything at all.

But since you asked...

I think it looks like a galvanized steel fence post.

[Loose]

Yeah, It doesn't jump out of the car @ you, but I'm kinda liken' that.

Tim

[goldwing2000]

Yeah, It doesn't jump out of the car @ you, but I'm kinda liken' that.

Tim

Then that's all that matters!

[canada3]

looks are for guys who drive up and down hwy #7 in woodbridge (dont ask if you aint in the t-dot)

the muffler tip is a 4" ractive fat boy muffler (part # http://www.ractive.com/index.php?src=directory&view=products&srctype=display&back=products&id=57750&view=products&submenu=Ractive&category=Mufflers%20with%20Style%20Tips&pos=60,15,67&pos=60,15,67 )was gonna get a vibrant but it was a few inches too long to put under the back so i went with ractive and my last car had ractive and i liked it......

the piping is stainless steel.....ya its not bright and shiny but it works well which all i care about.......

I might go get a dyno next week since i just did some nice OT at work and need to waste money anyone know of any places in the GTA that does it?

[goldwing2000]

So, lemme get this straight...

"looks are for guys who drive up and down hwy #7 in woodbridge"

but you put on a 4" muffler tip?

Mmm-kay. Got it.

[canada3]

So, lemme get this straight...

"looks are for guys who drive up and down hwy #7 in woodbridge"

but you put on a 4" muffler tip?

Mmm-kay. Got it.
would have prefered a 3" but it only came in a 4" and I couldnt wait plus the sale ended at midnight.......

one think i dont like about the 4" is when i am washing the car it likes to collect a bit of water and soap...oh well as soon as store the car for the winter I will get a proper exaust built but for now its fine.......I am not impressed with the way the magna flow sounds which is wierd because they usually sound great....oh well....

[Loose]

would have prefered a 3" but it only came in a 4" and I couldnt wait plus the sale ended at midnight.......

one think i dont like about the 4" is when i am washing the car it likes to collect a bit of water and soap...oh well as soon as store the car for the winter I will get a proper exaust built but for now its fine.......I am not impressed with the way the magna flow sounds which is wierd because they usually sound great....oh well....
Ya gotta hate it when the sale ends @ midnight. lol j/k

[goldwing2000]

Maybe you could drill a small hole in the bottom to let the water drain out.

[canada3]

Maybe you could drill a small hole in the bottom to let the water drain out.
hehe then after i put the hole in there i would add a spark plug and a fuel line...then i will get arrested for lighting some old grannies car on fire.....(cool)

[Loose]

hehe then after i put the hole in there i would add a spark plug and a fuel line...then i will get arrested for lighting some old grannies car on fire.....(cool)
How did we draw from draining to fire starting? lol j/k Although it there was away to throw the fire out the front of the car..........

Tim (flame2)

[n1smo]

How can you possibly recommend this thing over the AEM? It looks home made. Is the cost savings that important to you? Also, can you show a pic of how the intake is secured to the car? I wouldn't be suprised if it is with zip ties.

http://memimage.cardomain.com/member_images/3/web/495000-495999/495680_76.jpg

[bvmazda3]

Okay, here's what i sent them:

Hello,

I’m interested in your cold-air intake kit for the Mazda 3. Specifically, I would like to know the torque and horsepower gains from your dyno runs (do you have a scan of the graphs?). Also, how much would the shipping cost to send to Victoria, BC V0A A0A?

AEM has their intake out for almost the exact price as yours (after conversions, duty, etc), so I just wanted to know what it was that set your kit apart.

Thanks for your time,
Bart


Here's his reply:

HELLO DYNOS WHERE DONE BY THE CUSTOMER..STILL WAITING FOR MY COPY:-(
AS FOR THE COMPARISION,THE AEM IS ALUMINUM MATERIAL,EASILY HEAT SOAKED
AND DENTS,SCRATCHES VERY EASILY...
WE USE 304 SS MATERIAL, TIG WELDED,TRANSFERS/REFLECT HEAT BETTER.
PLUS WE ARE CANADIAN:-)
UP TO THIS YEAR AEM HAS SOAKED THE CUSTOMER FOR PRODUCTS THAT WERN'T
WORTH IT.
NOW THEY REALIZE THEY HAD TO DROP THEIR PRICE TO COMPETE.
THANKYOU FOR YOUR INTEREST.
PS SHIPPING OF THE CAI TO YOU WOULD BE:
CANADA POST>18.00
UPS>30.00

KEVIN


By the way it sounds, they really didn't do *ANY* testing on this for power gains. How *COULD* they have, if they never did a dyno, and are expecting "the customer" to do one?

canada3, by the tone of your 1st message, I was under the impression that you were the first one to get this intake. If this is correct, these guys are lying about the dyno results, as you told us you haven't have any runs done.

Still, even if you weren't "the customer" with the prototype, I still wouldn't buy an untested and, by all appearances, sub-standard product for the same price as AEM's... whether they're Canadian, or not.

~Bart~

Edit: Oh Yah! And just which one is stainless steel better at, transferring or reflecting heat?? Can it be both at the same time? Even so, I don't want the "transfer" part of the heat in my CAI.

[Fobby_Monkey]

i still can't get over the 4 inch tip. Did you at lease change the pipe size? what about the stock muffler?

[n1smo]

Originally Posted by Kevin Liphard
HELLO DYNOS WHERE DONE BY THE CUSTOMER..STILL WAITING FOR MY COPY:-(
AS FOR THE COMPARISION,THE AEM IS ALUMINUM MATERIAL,EASILY HEAT SOAKED
AND DENTS,SCRATCHES VERY EASILY...
WE USE 304 SS MATERIAL, TIG WELDED,TRANSFERS/REFLECT HEAT BETTER.
PLUS WE ARE CANADIAN:-)
UP TO THIS YEAR AEM HAS SOAKED THE CUSTOMER FOR PRODUCTS THAT WERN'T
WORTH IT.
NOW THEY REALIZE THEY HAD TO DROP THEIR PRICE TO COMPETE.
THANKYOU FOR YOUR INTEREST.
PS SHIPPING OF THE CAI TO YOU WOULD BE:
CANADA POST>18.00
UPS>30.00

KEVIN

I like the light weight of the aluminum. I think he's just saying that crap because he doesn't know how to work with aluminum. Heat soak is not a problem for my AEM, because they coat their intake with heat resistant paint. I don't know or care how much they sell their intake for but I doubt if AEM would have to lower their prices to complete against this piss ant Canadian company.. LOLOL

[PeteyBoy3K]

in picture 5... that vacuum hose looks like it's 3-4 MM bigger than whatever threaded plastic peice it's attempting to attaching to. (boom03)

the hose looks like it's sliding off... or just sort of held on by a bit of threading..

is it supposed to do that (uhm)... looks like it might need a hose clamp or something. Then again, the hose could just a lot thicker than I am used to

[canada3]

I am trying to get a appointment to get a dyno done which might take a week or so but as soon as I get one I will start a new thread on it........I know kevin's done some more 3's since mine and they dyno from a 6 he did showed a 20hp gain on a dyno but that was with 3" piping and a perm. CEL as well so he might be talking about that one? At first we tried the 3" piping but it would have been a tight fit so went with the 2.5" instead. PeterBoy are you talking about my pics?

[canada3]

i still can't get over the 4 inch tip. Did you at lease change the pipe size? what about the stock muffler?
stock muffler is sitting on the garage floor. that 4" tip is part of the muffler...wish it was 3" ........

[canada3]

in picture 5... that vacuum hose looks like it's 3-4 MM bigger than whatever threaded plastic peice it's attempting to attaching to. (boom03)

the hose looks like it's sliding off... or just sort of held on by a bit of threading..

is it supposed to do that (uhm)... looks like it might need a hose clamp or something. Then again, the hose could just a lot thicker than I am used to
I went and looked at what you where talking about and the inside of the hose is very tight around the fitting...the wall of the hose is what is think.....

owe btw 1300km and no CEL

[Levitron]

I like the light weight of the aluminum. I think he's just saying that crap because he doesn't know how to work with aluminum. Heat soak is not a problem for my AEM, because they coat their intake with heat resistant paint. I don't know or care how much they sell their intake for but I doubt if AEM would have to lower their prices to complete against this piss ant Canadian company.. LOLOL
Heat resistant paint doesn't BLOCK heat like you say it does.

Rather, all it is, is a paint that won't fade or crack under heat stress.

So, basically, heat resistant paint won't reduce heat getting to the metal; all it does is prevent itself from cracking or fading.

[canada3]

update....getting dyno on tuesday afternoon...1hr as many runs as I want...

[n1smo]

Heat resistant paint doesn't BLOCK heat like you say it does.

Rather, all it is, is a paint that won't fade or crack under heat stress.

So, basically, heat resistant paint won't reduce heat getting to the metal; all it does is prevent itself from cracking or fading.
Page 2 of the AEM installation instructions read: blah blah blah... Our system is constructed of lightweight aluminum and then painted with a zirconia based powder coat for superior heat insulating characteristics. And I would say it does work because my intake is pretty cool to the touch except for the area around the TB.

[canada3]

would ceramic powder coating be the best thing?