Note: In the US, the ABS is mounted on the other side of the car.
Here's our engine bay layout (our ABS on the passenger's side will obstruct FM air filter cone):
Brandon Fitch from Flyin' Miata is keen to try and address this issue. Please read the "e-mail trail" below (provided for context) and add your comments regarding his alternate filter proposal, even if you're not interested, it may help others (and may give you some brownie points with "The Big Guy" or Karma if you believe in that sort of thing).
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Tami forwarded your email to me, so that I can help find a solution for the fitment problem with our intake. Can you take a picture of the fender where the ABS block is mounted? That would help me determine how much room is there and what the best course of action is.
Thanks,
Brandon Fitch
FLYIN' MIATA
FM WESTFIELD
800.359.6957 (orders only)
970.464.4887 (fax)
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As requested, please find attached under-bonnet photos of an Australian Mazdaspeed (SE).
As you can see from the photos, the location of the ABS obstructs the FM air filter.
In Australia, most guys have the AEM Cold Air Intake filter (see the
2004 SE Turbo AEM Air Intake and its price at http://www.mx5mania.com.au/turbo.htm). Given its price, you can see why many of us would love to purchase your kit if possible instead.
Was there any reason you mounted the filter where you did instead of the "more logical" position at the front of the car, where the AEM kit is mounted?
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Thanks for the pictures, those helped a lot. I believe I have a much easier solution - a different air filter. Look at the attached pictures and let me know if you think it would fit. You'll definitely have to bend the AC line, and you might have to bend one of the brake lines, but beyond that, I believe it'll work just fine. Let me know what you think and we'll go from there.
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Would you mind if I post this e-mail trail and pictures on the Aussie
MX5 Car Talk Forum (under the "MX5 Forced induction (Turbo/Supercharger)" section)? (See http://mx5cartalk.com/forum/)
I'd like to get other member's opinions and it would be good for others to know that this option may also be available to them. It would also give you added exposure, something that is more relevant now that the Aussie Dollar is strong enough to make US purchases cost effective.
As I've said in my original e-mails, your kit is a bargain given its extra components compared to the standalone AEM Air Intake which we are limited to here in Australia.
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That sounds like a great idea. Having not tried it myself, I can't guarantee fitment, but getting opinions from people who have these cars sounds like a very good idea. Let me know what you find and / or send me a link to the post. Thanks!
Brandon Fitch
FLYIN' MIATA
FM WESTFIELD
800.359.6957 (orders only)
970.464.4887 (fax)
