Which CAI is best for an 04 SE?

[morton]

My SE already has a 2.5 S/S exhaust system and a larger intercooler, thinking about a suitable CAI to fit, any suggestions, good or bad?

[two40]

AEM seems to be a popular choice.

http://www.mx5mania.com.au/product1381.htm

[MINX]

AEM is good.
However, keep in mind you should also change to a MBC or EBC as you may have boost spike issues with the oem solenoid.
And it is wise to get a Boost gauge to monitor what is going on.
With those intake and exhaust mods you will probably hit the factory 'Boost Cut' under hard acceleration.

For more 'SE' info, drop in to www.mazda-speed.com for plenty of info.

[RawSouth]

Have a look at the SP Motorsports intake. I understand they did alot of testing with it for the SE. And it is a true cold air intake

Josh

[Lokiel]

AEM seems to be a popular choice.

http://www.mx5mania.com.au/product1381.htm

+1 AEM CAI

Seriously consider ordering the AEM CAI (AEM Calls it a Short Ram System) from the US. Mine cost about A$370 including shipping - with the extra $$$ you can afford to buy some of the other components MINX suggested - mx5mania is hideously expensive. The AEM kit is easy to install too.

See Flyin' Miata's http://www.flyinmiata.com/index.php?dept=68 site (click on the Upgrade Guide link) and
http://www.bellengineering.net/index.ph ... 22069cdaf9 (click on the Recommended Upgrades) for some additional ideas on what else you may need.

BEGi has their CAI on special as a Group Buy until Feb 28 (see http://www.bellengineering.net/product_ ... cts_id=146). You might want to consider that too - I don't know if anyone else has this kit in Oz so would be interested in hearing how it fares (and you'd be that much more "unique").

Note that the Flyin' Miata intake will NOT fit our cars since our ABS is located where they mount their air filter.

FYI: I have an unused Flyin' Miata MBC if you're interested (I bought a Gizzmo MS-2 EBC before I receive the MBC and fitted that instead).

[morton]

Thanks for the input guys, will look at either AEM or the Begi unit - looks interesting, need to find out how much to send to Adelaide and also work out the exchange rate for the US dollar.

[morton]

Just ordered an AEM Air Intake from the US for $280 Aust. So now the car will have 2.5" S/S exhaust, Larger intercooler and now the AEM intake. What else should be next? what is the differnce between an MBC and an EBC? Any replies would be greatly appreciated, don't want to do anything too radical, just having it going how it should.

[MINX]

don't want to do anything too radical, just having it going how it should.

Well, that sounds familiar!
The modding is a slippery slope. Every time you add one thing, it simply leads you to the next item.
With an exhaust, IC and Intake, the car may not drive as nicely as you hope.
Which will lead you down the track that many of us have taken.
MBC or EBC, O2 Mod and Boost Cut Bypass Mod, and TPS Mod. Then it will run lean so you need bigger injectors - then an ECU......
You need a boost gauge as a priority now.

I think it is a good idea to do 1 thing at a time so you can really experience the difference each mod makes to the car.
And be prepared for the intake noise of the AEM. It takes a bit of getting used to.

[Lokiel]

don't want to do anything too radical, just having it going how it should.

:
I think it is a good idea to do 1 thing at a time so you can really experience the difference each mod makes to the car.
:

Agree with everything MINX said, particularly the quoted bit above. I did several modz at once over Xmas (FM Throttle Body Inlet, FM O2 signal modifier, Gizzmo MS-2 EBC - this also incorporates the Boost Cut Mod and TPS mod) and didn't really get a feel for how each one affected the car.

Your next mods should be, in this order:
1. BOV (if you've still got the OEM PCV version - this one is known to leak)
2. Boost gauge (you'll need this for the MBC)
3. MBC (EBCs tend to be complicated and expensive; you can always upgrade to an EBC later)
4. FM Throttle Body Inlet (the rubber OEM one swells under pressure and has been know to blow off)
5. FM O2 signal modifier
5. Boost cut mod (cheap, 3 resistors)
6. TPS Signal modifier (cheap, one diode)

Plug: I have an unused FM MBC (see http://www.flyinmiata.com/index.php?dep ... r=07-27200) if you want it for A$45. But wait. There's more! I'll also throw in some bonus TPS signal mod diodes (I've got heaps of them).