Modifiying a custom air intake system to fit strut brace

rochiii · Postby **rochiii** » Thu Mar 19, 2015 7:57 pm

Hi All,

Just bought a 89 MX-5 about 2months ago, and loving it!
Starting to slightly mod it, though I need some help.

I have had a look online to what a normal setup is for an air intake, and I believe the previous owner has done something custom, which is great! Because it works quite nicely.
It pulls fresh cold air from the wiper blade area, which I love.

The only issue is, the rectangle OEM air filter casing doesn't give me the clearance to install a strut brace.

IMG_20150319_193615.jpg

I could remove the OEM air filter casing from the air intake temperature sensor that is attached via 4x screws / bolts.
Though I couldn't find a pod filter (to give me the clearance) that has an attachment for that.

IMG_20150319_193629.jpg

I'm not set in my ways and I essentially want this solution.

1. Air to still be pulled from the wiper blade area. (due to the cold air, but also a big hole in the fire wall thing would look stupid also)
2. Have enough clearance to install a strut brace

Please see attached for photos of the current setup and any help is appreciated.
I have searched online for a bit and didn't get anywhere, so apologies if there is a thread like this.

IMG_20150319_193621.jpg

IMG_20150319_193615.jpg

manga_blue · Postby **manga_blue** » Thu Mar 19, 2015 8:14 pm

rochiii wrote:The only issue is, the rectangle OEM air filter casing doesn't give me the clearance to install a strut brace.

That's not an OEM airbox. It's a Loch Stewart Mk1 cold air intake. made by Loch Stewartin Brusbane. They're almost vintage pieces now but there are still a lot around and they deliver very good performance. If it's performance you want then I'd say that intake setup is worth about a dozen strut braces.

Postby **NitroDann** » Thu Mar 19, 2015 8:15 pm

Just don't install a strut brace they really don't improve performance on an mx5.

You are now 200 dollars richer also.

manga_blue · Postby **manga_blue** » Thu Mar 19, 2015 8:16 pm

I was being kind, Dann.

Postby **NitroDann** » Thu Mar 19, 2015 8:18 pm

Sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind?..

noobee · Postby **noobee** » Thu Mar 19, 2015 8:33 pm

I've found my strut brace to be very useful.

IMG_20150212_095256.jpg

notice the hand not burning.

noobee · Postby **noobee** » Thu Mar 19, 2015 8:35 pm

also checking for spark

IMG_20150212_095228.jpg

Magpie · Postby **Magpie** » Thu Mar 19, 2015 8:37 pm

Bend the strut to suit.

manga_blue · Postby **manga_blue** » Thu Mar 19, 2015 8:42 pm

noobee wrote:also checking for spark
IMG_20150212_095228.jpg

I'm impressed, by the plug test set-up, not by finding a use for a strut brace.

93_Clubman · Postby **93_Clubman** » Fri Mar 20, 2015 9:37 am

Buy & test fit a Loch Stewart CAI MkII or MX5 Mania CAI - if the original location of the cowl hole allows fitting of the strut brace (sometimes it won't, but from your pics think yours will), then sell the Loch Stewart CAI MkI. Here's a couple of examples:

Postby **NitroDann** » Fri Mar 20, 2015 10:06 am

"Just bend it" with your fingers Lol.

That's my new answer to this question.

Dann

slug_dub · Postby **slug_dub** » Fri Mar 20, 2015 10:22 am

Not bothering with the strut brace is the way to go here, but the brace could still be useful... install just the driver side mount part and add a Brake Master Cylinder brace to it. Expense of the strut brace redeemed!

Snowmotion · Postby **Snowmotion** » Fri Mar 20, 2015 10:31 am

slug_dub wrote:Not bothering with the strut brace is the way to go here, but the brace could still be useful... install just the driver side mount part and add a Brake Master Cylinder brace to it. Expense of the strut brace redeemed!

I like this thinking... have been torn about removing mine as I would feel bad trying to sell it.
I see some dodgy work happening soon.

hks_kansei · Postby **hks_kansei** » Fri Mar 20, 2015 10:43 am

Another vote for strut braces being useless.

I have a Mazdaspeed one on mine, it's functions consist of:

Looks pretty and shiny
Kids think it's cool because JDM
When under the bonnet I can lean on it
it's a convenient place to cable tie loose things onto
It's a convenient ground point for testing electrics in the car.

Lokiel · Postby **Lokiel** » Fri Mar 20, 2015 11:31 am

If strut braces are so useless then why did Mazda's last generation NBs all have them?
(those same Mazda guys also shipped the MSM/SE with 17" rims too so maybe I shouldn't put too much stock in the fact that "they know best").

If nothing else, I love mine as a place to lean on while working in the engine bay and as a place to mount a master brake cylinder brace.