Cp-E CAI installed FINALLY!!!picx.
- Thread starter CX7TT
- Start date
Gray Ghost
Member
CX7TT said:
Do you also have to add a BOV with this new intake system.
knowledge007
Banned
Gray Ghost said:
No you don't have too. But i have as well installed the cp-e cai and hks bov as he has in the pics but for my speed3. And what a major performance increase.
www.cp-e.com said:No, the CX7 XCel kit comes with the intake pipe, filter, and all the clamps and hoses needed for the installation. He was just saying that the filter wasn't in the picture.
If you guys are interested, you can buy the kit here:
http://www.cp-e.com/2035.html
Makes about 9hp to the wheels too:
Jordan
whats the warranty on your parts & return policy etc - i didnt find any info on your site.
Something about the HP curve doesn't make sense to me. Why does the HP difference reduce to ~ 0 gain at the higher rpm? For passing I want and expect a freer flow intake system at 4-6.000 rpm. I worked on an engine dynometer for many years and I know it is easy to slant the "improved" HP gains by 10 %. The DIN (Europene standard) used to measure HP at T=2.0 ? minutes to remove the "cold soak" variablility. Cold air intakes may look and sound nice but, I want some measurable real gains & a good filtration system to protect the engine.
I am going to get flamed for this, but I think CAIs are of questionable effectiveness. Especially since they seem to push power up the rev band (that 10 horsepower increase they advertise is at a specific RPM, not a max HP increase). I agree fully with erhayes, unless you can make my car quicker off the line, reduce spool time on the turbo, and maintain that big midrange punch, I don't want it. The increase in noise, for me (at 32 I value a little refinement) is just noise. It is not cool, just annoying on the highway.
spike blue
Member
- :
- 2007 mazda CX-7,Kia sephia 2006 Audi A4 Sline
well said guys !!! But i see a lot of gains in their products in the ms6 so im positive that it make our cx-7 faster!!!
Antoine said:
I don't know their reputation so I can't even begin gto speak to that. For all intents and purposes a CAI is a CAI with some sort of K&N filter on the end regardless of who makes it. Makers will add their touch with nice finishing touches.
Useless parts with weak performance. I like that comment as it brings back fond memories of working at the local import performance shop pre-fast and furious. There have been many over the years. APC comes to mind.
What I would wager is the flow gain from airbox to compressor (what the CAI is) is not the bottleneck in the system of trying to make more power. As noted by the almost factory power in the higher rpm's where a freer flowing intake should be doing it's job.
I would wager that is is either from:
1) Compressor to intake manifold. Maybe even inside the manifold itself. As represented by the generous HP gains by the top mount intercooler upgrade floating around this site.
2) From turbine wheel to exhaust. Basically the downpipe. The exhaust plays into it. In my opinion not as much as a quality downpipe would help.
So, if you are looking to add power and have a couple of hundred bucks burning a hole in your pocket... I would upgrade in this order:
Top mount intercooler, downpipe with high flow cat, k&n drop in filter, fuel tuning, then if I REALLY needed to spend more $ I would look at a short ram intake.
Why get air three degrees cooler from a longer pipe that's just gonna get heated by the turbo and associated piping anyway. In the scheme of things with a turbo motor 3 degrees means squat. An improved pressure drop over the intake piping is worth loads more than 3 degrees.
The above is personal opinion but if you really think it will prove valid. It's my soapbox, my story, and I'm sticking to it.
Last edited:
Antoine
Administrator
This thread is about CPE's CAI kit...Not what is the best mod for the CX-7 regardless of price. For an "intro" Mod...A CAI is a natural choice. CPE's kit is no doubt a nice quality unit.
Also...The mods you mentioned are a lot more involved not to mention a lot more expensive than CPE's XCel kit. Neither of these mods cost a "couple hundred bucks" and therefore it's pointless to compare a CAI to a TMIC and DP.
The bottomline here is that the members/customers see positive results and are satisfied with the product.
Now let's keep this about the kit...AKA ON TOPIC...Thanks.
Also...The mods you mentioned are a lot more involved not to mention a lot more expensive than CPE's XCel kit. Neither of these mods cost a "couple hundred bucks" and therefore it's pointless to compare a CAI to a TMIC and DP.
The bottomline here is that the members/customers see positive results and are satisfied with the product.
Now let's keep this about the kit...AKA ON TOPIC...Thanks.
06Si to CX-7
Member
- :
- 2007 Mazda CX-7
How difficult is this to install by yourself at home? Any problems with sucking up water in heavy rain?
astraelraen
Member
It's pretty easy to install. The instructions are well written. Take the driver's side wheel off, it makes it a lot easier.
It took me about 1.5-2hrs, but I had never changed out something like this before.
As for water, I dunno. You still have a good 6-10" of ground clearance before any water is going to submerge the filter. Its not in a "sealed" compartment, but the area the filter sits isn't open to the elements.
I'd say you'd probably have to submerge the front end of your car in at least a 6" puddle before there is going to be the chance to do any damage.
It took me about 1.5-2hrs, but I had never changed out something like this before.
As for water, I dunno. You still have a good 6-10" of ground clearance before any water is going to submerge the filter. Its not in a "sealed" compartment, but the area the filter sits isn't open to the elements.
I'd say you'd probably have to submerge the front end of your car in at least a 6" puddle before there is going to be the chance to do any damage.
SuperStretch18
Member
- :
- '07 CX-7 Sport, Black on Black; '04 Mazda3s
...I think even more than 6". BTW, the install was easy. Well written instructions. I even did the install without taking the driver side wheel.
06Si to CX-7
Member
- :
- 2007 Mazda CX-7
Thanks guys, I figured that with the high ground clearance that water shouldn't be an issue but I'm paranoid about things like that... Sounds like I may be able to do the install or if not, my bro-in law could help as he's more handy than I... I know where my Christmas money will be going this year(alright)
Have you guys noticed any improved gas mileage with the XCel CAI? I drive 90% interstate at 80mph and I'm only getting 18-19mpg with all stock except a K&N filter (jerkit) My last car was the 2006 Honda Civic Si that got 31 mpg on the same commute and I drove it hard sometimes...I knew CX-7 wouldn't come close to that mileage but I thought I'd get closer to the posted 22 mpg highway, hopefully the CAI will help.
SuperStretch18
Member
- :
- '07 CX-7 Sport, Black on Black; '04 Mazda3s
Only about three or so tank-fulls since the install and does not appear that mileage has improved much at all. Will take a few more fills to get a better read, but I wouldn't look for huge gains...
