you're NOT gonna believe this!!!

[racer x 3]

so my mazda/mazdaspeed dealer is made up of a buncha crooks!

i want the "official" mazdaspeed cai for my regular 3 s- warranty issues, sticking with mazdaspeed, etc. Wheather you agree with my reasons for that or not, doesn't matter.

i gotta quote today... 335 for part(s)... ok i can swallow that i guess.

for labor, they want an additional 220 DOLLARS!

im sorry but thats a total ripoff..... i will NOT pay 555 bucks for an intake.

I know this has been beaten to death but i am looking for input in regards to difficulty of install (i've done many small projects), and the warranty issues- part is still covered if i install perahps? anyway.... theres the deal

 

[anarchistchiken]

So that's what, almost three hours of labor to put a CAI in? That's amazing,because that's the same labor cost they quoted me for putting in a new CV joint and control arm.

I dont know about anybody else, but it took me about 5 minutes to put my cai in.

 

[II-Savy]

Intakes are super easy to install.

 

[pluto316]

That's pretty standard. Try getting some NISMO junk installed on a Sentra some time if you want to see some numbers.

 

[JCell]

on proteges at least, mine took 10 minutes cause i had to remove the splash guard

 

[racer x 3]

So that's what, almost three hours of labor to put a CAI in? That's amazing,because that's the same labor cost they quoted me for putting in a new CV joint and control arm.

I dont know about anybody else, but it took me about 5 minutes to put my cai in.

the only parts that scare me are messing with the MAF and O2 and BP sensors..... easy layout on paper (looked at AEM CAI install instructions) but, blah, blah, blah..... part warranty still good you think, if i install?

....looks/sounds easy enough i suppose...

 

[Foolish]

I'm not sure of Mazda's policy, but I know with some carmakers' "in-house" tuner parts, you only keep your (engine) warranty if the dealership installs the parts. I think this is how Mazda does it.

Look at it this way if you want:

What's going to bug you most,
A: Not having a CAI, or
B: Spending too much for an intake and for installation, or
C: Having a first-year model with known issues and no warranty?

For me it would be C, so then I'd choose the lesser of A or B, either don't get a CAI, or pay $555 to add a few HP and keep my warranty.

It sucks, but you don't have to get a CAI, so it's only a rip-off if you don't think the HP and the piece of mind are worth $555.

 

[jma57]

The CAI is very easy to install. I installed mine today, no issues, however I did use a lift on my friend's garage. That made it much easier. The instructions with the kit are reasonably clear and straight-forward. W/o the use of a lift, car on stands of course, I think you will need to remove the driver's side front wheel as stated on the instructions. I did not need to to so.
The CAI does make a very noticeable difference, money well spent imo.
As far as the warranty this is the response I received from Mazda NA:

"Thank you for contacting Mazda.

Yes the MAZDASPEED 3 cold air intake is available and can be purchased from your local Mazda dealers parts department. The part number is GRMS-8M-L29. Dealers are independently owned and operated so prices vary from each dealer.

It will not void your warranty if installed as it is a Mazda part. We recommend your dealer install this for you.

Regards,

Jeff D.
Specialist, Customer Assistance E- Business"

I don't think you'll have a problem installing it yourself, the Captain, http://www.mazda3online.com/ can probably get your a better price on the CAI, I purchased mine from him, very smooth transaction.

 

[Foolish]

Well, now we know. They "recommend", not "require" your dealer install it. Good stuff.

 

[racer x 3]

Well, now we know. They "recommend", not "require" your dealer install it. Good stuff.

sounds like the way to go.... thanks guys.... im just gonna do a simlar email to get it in writing myself...

 

[C'ville]

(fu) mazda and your warranty, if they are going to make a performance car and performance accesories I think they will have to deal with aftermarket parts like a CAI and Exhaust systems due to the magness moss act.

 

[ZoomRedZoomGT]

I just installed the MazdaSpeed CAI this morning. Not very hard at all. According to the paperwork that came with it..no issue with you installing it.

I wasnt in any hurry and took a 5'ver a couple of times and it took about an hour-hour and half.

 

[racer x 3]

I just installed the MazdaSpeed CAI this morning. Not very hard at all. According to the paperwork that came with it..no issue with you installing it.

I wasnt in any hurry and took a 5'ver a couple of times and it took about an hour-hour and half.

zoomRedzoom, did you have to remove the bumper or could you just kinda "place" it in like the AEM insructions indicate, working through the wheel well when neccesary...

?

thanks

 

[Rio Racer]

Hey man intake installs are super easy, I would just get an aftermarket one for cheap and just take it off and go back to stock everytime you go to the dealer for repairs.