Advise on intake/inlet filter kits (NB8B)

[shuey]

There are 3 different bolt-on options from K&N for your model MX5:
Part no./Kit name
1) 69-6000TP K&N Typhoon kit (as above has polished or other coloured intake pipe, pod air filter & removes airbox).
2) 57-0559 K&N 57i kit (Bolts straight onto your AFM, has a duct for cool air from below & removes your airbox).
3) 33-2676 K&N Replacement Panel filter (fits in standard airbox).

4) I also noticed this on MX5partsUK; IL Motorsport CAI kit, looks good on paper but has anyone have it in their ride?
http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/motorsport-cold-induction-mk225-p-2225.html

Extracted some of this info an old thread. Wanted to get some advice as I'm looking to getting my car breathing a little better and having a little bling under the hood. I'm not too concern with the swirling or noise factor, just thinking which system is more efficient in giving a bit more performance. Other suggestions of kits are appreciated too, preferably those that don't require me cutting through stuff.

Next question,
Mainly for items 1 & 4, Would it be advisable to just buy it online and fix it myself? or should I consider getting the experts like MX5 Centre or MX5 Factory to do it for me or buy the kit from them? (not really a grease monkey and don't really have any tools, but if its gonna save me heaps of $$ and straight forward, i'd attempt it). Thanks!

[deviant]

Depends on your budget as they are all quite different pricing wise.

I had a K&N Typhoon on my NB8B. Made a great noise and the butt dyno tells me that it did not make any noticeable power increase but it was far more willing to rev at the top end.

I purchased the kit on ebay from a shop in the states. I think it was something like $250 delivered, brand new and a genuine product. Local sellers wanted $200-$400 more for the same product!

Fit it yourself, it only needed a couple of spanners and a screwdriver. Just follow the instructions and spend a minute at each step to relate them to what you are looking at and you will be fine. It will take you 15 minutes to do. Much better than paying someone else!

[maxgus]

Have a look at Autoexe c/f intakes, Brand new they are exspensive but I managed to find one on this very forum for around $250. Good piece of gear.

[mazmad]

Talk to Deckspeed he fabricates it himself. Check my garage thread for a pic.

[NitroDann]

Here is the pic from mazdaz's garage thread, i assume this goes down into the mouth area of the front bumper.




Here is one which retains a similar to stock location but is far better that Ive built, this is BrendenStacey's car. Ive done a couple of these including a lobsterback on for paulF's car.



Lobsterback, not really a glamour shot but you get the idea.



Dann

[NitroDann]

EDIT: I meant mazmad above, apparently there is a 'mazmad' and a 'mazdaz'.

Dann

[shuey]

Here is the pic from mazdaz's garage thread, i assume this goes down into the mouth area of the front bumper.

Thanks for the photos, Dann
I'm a sucker for shining piping.

Deviant: What kit are you using now?

Mazmad: Do you have another photo of the whole engine bay? what air filter element are you using?

Hmm.. I'm looking for something to perhaps improve a delivery of low-mid range torque (as oppose to an increase in kW) as so far I've been reading that most of these intakes may only help it rev more happily at higher revs

[NitroDann]

What you mean to say is that you are looking for more KW through the midrange.

The best way is going to be to increase compression or get cams with a bigger lift.

Dann

[NitroDann]

Or a turbo.

[deviant]

Deviant: What kit are you using now?

A rotrex supercharger

[mazmad]

Mazmad: Do you have another photo of the whole engine bay? what air filter element are you using?

I will get one for you Shuey.

And Dann I am sure he means exactly what he said, that is what I am after too and Deckspeed achieved - fatter midrange torque.

[NitroDann]

More midrange torque and more midrange hp at the engine are the same thing. However if he simply wanted more torque halfway through a gear at the wheels changing the diff ratio would be the best way to achieve it.

It always frustrates me when people use the term mid range power and torque interchangeably. They aren't interchangeable terms.

Dann

[mazmad]

Then what does he doe when he runs out of gears?

[shuey]

Thanks, mazmad much appreciated

Dann, I think the turbo route will have to wait as I've yet to enjoy the ride much even in its stock form. May look at that direction later down the road.

Well, I do apologise if I have used the terms wrongly. Basically I'm looking to improve on the mid-range power (rather than shifting the ratio so that power comes on earlier), cos usually I've seen in the past that kW gains through these mods usually improve the higher rev ranges which would be less useful for me as I wouldn't be hitting those range most of the time

[Suspense]

There's also the DDM Works Stage 2 to look at: