Cold Air Intake options for 2011 Mazda3 NOT Speed.

[million]

I recently added a K&N filter to my stock 2011 Mazda 3 GT. It is not an MS3 so it is a non-turbo. I decided to look at what a full intake system would cost me. In just doing a basic internet search, I found that most of what is out there is mainly for the MS3. Are they compatible with the non-turbo? If so, any recommendations?

Also, I assume it is wise to also add aftermarket exhaust at the same time as adding an aftermarket intake but could I get away with doing one at a time? Would I need it tuned either way?

Thanks.

 

[dmention7]

-CAIs for the non-turbo 3 are completely different than the MS3. I can almost guarantee there is an Injen or AEM intake available for your 3, but they are likely overpriced compared to smaller companies that will offer the same benefits without the brand name.

-When I had my 3, there were many many CAI options. You might have better luck looking around either mazdas247.com or mazda3forums.com A word to the wise though: DO NOT let your first post be "Hey guys, what's the best CAI? You will get flamed and about 100 pages of "learn 2 search noob!"

-Intakes and exhaust aren't going to have much of an effect whether done together or separately. Tuning won't even be a factor until you add something that ends in "charger".

 

[million]

-CAIs for the non-turbo 3 are completely different than the MS3. I can almost guarantee there is an Injen or AEM intake available for your 3, but they are likely overpriced compared to smaller companies that will offer the same benefits without the brand name.

-When I had my 3, there were many many CAI options. You might have better luck looking around either mazdas247.com or mazda3forums.com A word to the wise though: DO NOT let your first post be "Hey guys, what's the best CAI? You will get flamed and about 100 pages of "learn 2 search noob!"

-Intakes and exhaust aren't going to have much of an effect whether done together or separately. Tuning won't even be a factor until you add something that ends in "charger".

Thanks for the info. I was guessing that an aftermarket intake MIGHT get me another 5hp if I'm lucky. Probably not worth it for the money though. If I was going to throw a turbo on it, I should have just opted for the Speed3 from the start... although I would have had to drop a bunch more money.

 

[JohnnyT]

http://www.corksport.com/2010-mazda-3/intake-exhaust-1/

 

[mndsm]

One thing of note, I'd like to recommend an SRI as opposed to a full CAI. While rare, hydrolock exists (ask YSOSLO about that) and it will cost you a giant pile of money. SRI's generally offer the same performance gains, and realistically, until you're going balls out race build- it's not worth the hassle of possibly honking your motor.

For the record, I have a CPE SRI on my car, and it was dyno'd against a car with a CPE CAI. Cars pulled identical power. Granted they were both turbo'd but you get the idea.

 

[dmention7]

Thanks for the info. I was guessing that an aftermarket intake MIGHT get me another 5hp if I'm lucky. Probably not worth it for the money though. If I was going to throw a turbo on it, I should have just opted for the Speed3 from the start... although I would have had to drop a bunch more money.

Yeah, it's not going to be a ZOMGPOWER difference... more of a "hmm, car feels a bit happier when I mash the go pedal" difference. Then there's the aesthetic fact that an intake generally adds a little bit of pleasantness to the engine sound compared to muffled-all-to-hell stock motors.

 

[YSOSLO]

One thing of note, I'd like to recommend an SRI as opposed to a full CAI. While rare, hydrolock exists (ask YSOSLO about that) and it will cost you a giant pile of money. SRI's generally offer the same performance gains, and realistically, until you're going balls out race build- it's not worth the hassle of possibly honking your motor.

"Giant pile of money" = insurance deductible, but yeah hydrolock can definitely happen. Granted, I drove into water in a downpour that was MUCH deeper than I realized, but it only took a few seconds to cost me a new motor. If I could do it over, I'd have gone SRI to save the hassle, but I LOVE the sound my car makes when I mash the pedal and the CAI sucks in a huge amount of air. I can't compare CAI to SRI, but when we're talking about potentially a horsepower or 2 or 3, it's not like you're talking about a significant change.

 

[mndsm]

^ You got lucky. a LOT of insurances woulda told you to suck a fat one with that claim.

 

[million]

http://www.corksport.com/2010-mazda-3/intake-exhaust-1/

Looked at the Corksport SRI... not bad at all. Do you have experience with their products? Seems like they get good reviews. Would I need to pair the SRI with their air box component or could I get away without it? it doesn't seem like it would add much to the system... more of a gimmick than anything.

I'll probably pick up the Corksport Adj. Rear Sway Bar too, if I order the SRI.

 

[dmention7]

Corksport is legit.

The air box is not necessary, but they generally do work. Instead of drawing air out of the hot engine bay, they help pull it in from the fender area without actually sticking a tube down there. So you get most of the benefits of an actual cold air intake and most of the benefits of a short intake.

 

[Mnspeed3]

I have a corksport on mine, couldnt be happier.

 

[escort1991]

Looked at the Corksport SRI... not bad at all. Do you have experience with their products? Seems like they get good reviews. Would I need to pair the SRI with their air box component or could I get away without it? it doesn't seem like it would add much to the system... more of a gimmick than anything.

I'll probably pick up the Corksport Adj. Rear Sway Bar too, if I order the SRI.

Had an intake on my Contour, originally without a shield. Dealt with heat soak on hot days or when the motor was warm. Bought a shield for it and it reduced the heat soak. Once, I get to doing my intake, I will buy a shield.

 

[3 for the money]

I had an AEM CAI on my 2007 3 s Sedan. The sound benefits of intakes on na cars are > HP benefits. But CAIs are not worth the rain hassle.
Rain will ruin a trip if it hits the filter and gets the MAF sensor wet, happened a lot with that CAI.
I have an Injen shield if you need, helped with rain dripping and splashing, will not save you from hydrolock:

I also have Corksport SRI in my Speed3 and my buddies Speed6. Love it. Corksport uses AEM dryflo filters.

 

[mndsm]

Didn't help that you liked to drive the wrong way through deep ass puddles in downpours.

 

[million]

So I should be ok just picking up the SRI without the air box right now? I guess I am getting a mixed reaction on whether or not I should take the chance. Thanks.

 

[dmention7]

Well, you can always get it later. It's not a necessity, but IMO it would probably be worth the price to help avoid heat soak on hot days. It will also probably keep the filter cleaner longer, as it's not going to be exposed to whatever dirt and debris happen to pass through your engine bay.

 

[million]

Well, you can always get it later. It's not a necessity, but IMO it would probably be worth the price to help avoid heat soak on hot days. It will also probably keep the filter cleaner longer, as it's not going to be exposed to whatever dirt and debris happen to pass through your engine bay.

Thank you for the straightforward response. I will most likely not gamble with just the SRI. I will look to purchase them together.

I appreciate all the insight guys! Thanks a lot and I look forward to making a Wednesday Night Meet Up sometime soon.

 

[mndsm]

So I should be ok just picking up the SRI without the air box right now? I guess I am getting a mixed reaction on whether or not I should take the chance. Thanks.

I don't have an airbox on my SRI, no big deal for me.

 

[Mnspeed3]

No airbox on my SRI either. No problems with water or dirt on mine without it. I did rotate mine up just a bit after the initial install. Ive gone thru puddles and driving rain and had no issues. After 10,000 miles the filter even looks like new on it.

 

[million]

Decided on the Corksport SRI. Just not sure I will be getting it this year. We'll see though. $179 seems reasonable.. might be able to find some change in the couch. LOL.