S M B SE (CAI INTERCOOLER EXHUST )

lizard · Postby **lizard** » Fri May 18, 2012 8:21 am

Would appreciate feed back from any one that has fitted this system to a SE (CAI INTERCOOLER EXHUST ). Love to know what you think of it ,was it value for $$$ ,would you buy it again or what do you wish you had done instead

http://www.smb.net.au/mx5zone.htm

MINX · Postby **MINX** » Fri May 18, 2012 8:27 am

You could pm ASE05
He had that system.

Be aware - once you get all that - your SE ECU will not cope well, you will lose 'drivability'
You really then need to spend another few grand on aftermarket ecu plus tuning and boost control

Hjt · Postby **Hjt** » Fri May 18, 2012 8:29 am

I'm fairly sure bjones had this kit installed into his vehicle. The images half way down the page show his engine bay, and his airbox has an identical setup.

Also, the SP model runs a SMB exhaust. The airbox looks really effective...

lizard · Postby **lizard** » Fri May 18, 2012 9:02 am

Minx 'drivability' is my ONLY concern . Just got back from a 3700k trip in the (MX SE stock )and it was a pure pleasure to drive. My interest in this system is will I keep my 'drivability' or will it become a" pig "

Lokiel · Postby **Lokiel** » Fri May 18, 2012 9:13 am

lizard wrote::
was it value for $$$...
:
http://www.smb.net.au/mx5zone.htm

$715 "value for $$$" vs $270 for the AEM CAI?

NUH!

I really don't know what the fuss is about with the AEM CAI's noise, mine is hardly noticeable now, but maybe I've just become used to it and need to listen for it specifically.

MINX · Postby **MINX** » Fri May 18, 2012 9:15 am

I dont have direct experience with that system.
But, you simply cant increase performance, breathing in/out without consequences.
Otherwise Mazda would have made it that way.
Things that can happen, lean spots in rev range(bad), insufficient fueling from maxed out injectors(bad) boost spikes hitting factory boost cut(bad), 4500 kick in back boost(good but bad) Because the factory ecu and boost control solenoid simply are not designed to cope with the increase in performance.

I did my car in stages. And it was a 'pig' at times, and sad to miss the stock SE smoothness.
Until it had a good ecu and boost control, tuning solution, now terrific, but costs $ and time

You havent specified, that i read, why you want the cai. Why?
Obviously not for improved sporty sound. Are you planning on tracking the car? If so, track it first as is to find your strengths first before worrying about the cars deficinecies.
If it is to blow commonwhores away from traffic light drags, then go whole hog, or put it out of your mind and simply enjoy it as is.
(you will then also need more grip)

My 2c - because i have been there done that

lizard · Postby **lizard** » Fri May 18, 2012 9:42 am

thanks MINX food for thought

Postby **NitroDann** » Fri May 18, 2012 9:45 am

If you want real, useful answers, you have to answer other peoples questions back.

Dann

lizard · Postby **lizard** » Fri May 18, 2012 10:28 am

I was praying you would miss this thread :roll:

Postby **NitroDann** » Fri May 18, 2012 10:51 am

The dude gave you a good answer, and asked you a further question so that he can get an idea of what you are trying to achieve so he can help you better, as you STILL havn't told anyone why you want this gear, and you completely ignored him.

Dann

lizard · Postby **lizard** » Fri May 18, 2012 2:00 pm

Closed I can't be bothered :roll:

deviant · Postby **deviant** » Fri May 18, 2012 4:52 pm

Pathetic Lizard...Really pathetic.

Everyone is trying to help you by finding out what you actually want from the kit and your car.

lizard · Postby **lizard** » Fri May 18, 2012 6:13 pm

deviant wrote:Pathetic Lizard...Really pathetic.

Everyone is trying to help you by finding out what you actually want from the kit and your car.

Pm sent

mrschlim · Postby **mrschlim** » Mon Aug 13, 2012 11:52 pm

lizard wrote:Would appreciate feed back from any one that has fitted this system to a SE (CAI INTERCOOLER EXHUST ). Love to know what you think of it ,was it value for $$$ ,would you buy it again or what do you wish you had done instead

http://www.smb.net.au/mx5zone.htm

I have the complete upgrade kit in my SE.
It was a bastard to fit but seems to work well enough now it's in. I never ran the kit without a standalone ECU (Vipec) and wouldn't suggest attempting this to anyone in the first place. Airbox and CAI is a pretty neat design, except for the fact it's now a bumper off job to change the air filter.

I'm sure you could get better value per dollar with a custom made kit... I had neither the time or appetite for experimentation with bespoke equipment.

timk · Postby **timk** » Tue Aug 14, 2012 1:30 pm

With the factory exhaust, the AEM intake is too loud. It completely drowns out the exhaust note and you can't hear what the car is doing.

I now have an AEM intake with the factory SE midpipe and muffler, but have changed the downpipe and catalytic converter. It's now a perfect balance!