Cool air intake
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Cool air intake
I'm new to this site but I need to know what exactly a cool air intake will do for my rx-8? Are they only for power and looks? Will it help my gas mileage? I'm not looking for anymore power so would this be something I should forget about? plz hlp!
Won't do much for anything but looks and noise. Some actually cause more problems than they are worth
The stock setup pulls the air from inside the front bumper...not the engine bay...so it really isn't that bad
The stock setup pulls the air from inside the front bumper...not the engine bay...so it really isn't that bad
hahahahaa, please tell me this is a joke. well, ill assume its not, and be extremely nice and not flame up at you. A CAI, or Cold Air Intake, draws colder, denser air with more oxygen into the engine. This oxygen rich air creates a larger combustion inside of the engine. More HP. Most aftermarket intakes are rather noisy. I have the K&N typhoon 2 kit. which is a SRI, or Short Ram(air) Intake, and it is very loud under full throttle, but sounds nice throughout acceleration, and is quiet enough in calm driving. CAI's are rather effective on turbocharged vehicles, often increasing by near 20 wheel HP. On normally aspirated engines, like the stock renesis 13b, they do not increase HP that much. Even when accompanied with a flash, or chip. With this being said, personally i like the slight but existent throttle response that my intake provides. Most intakes on the market do increase throttle response. And lastly to address your gas mileage concern. If you're worried about that you've confused your priorities. However most any thing that you do to increase performance will help the mileage, but not much. I personally don't keep track of my fuel economy, but I would be surprised if it improved since I have installed my intake.
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Thanks, the reason I'm asking is because I'm a chick and I have no idea about that stuff. My husband likes to think my 8 is his sometimes and tries to rice my car out. I love it just how it is. I'm not in it for speed,horsepower,or anything like that. He told me an intake would help my gas mileage, so Im guessing thats not really why he wants to put it on my car.
The X is silent
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 688
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From: New Lebanon, Ohio
Also, to the OP, don't make two new threads on the same topic. It is a decided faux pas.
40th anniversary Edition
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,951
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From: Grapevine, Texas
I have a Mazdaspeed Cold Air intake on my 2008 40th Anniversary Edition and also on my 2008 Mazdaspeed3 GT. On the turbocharged and direct-injected engine of the Mazdaspeed3 GT the CAI adds almost 30hp at the crank. On my normally aspirated RX8 the CAI can add anywhere from 5hp-13hp,depending on the ambient air temp and the humidity and altitude. The MSCAI and the AEMCAI are the same part. The benefit of the Mazdaspeed CAI is the MSCAI will come with a Mazda warranty and WILL NOT void any Mazda warranty on your RX8.
Some here will dismiss CAI ,but THEY DO add safe, modest HP and greater throttle response. The engine will breathe better and you will even get a fraction better fuel economy.They do add a throatier exhaust note too. You will notice the better performance every time you drive the car. I know.I have owned seven rotaries since 1973, stock and modified, normally aspirated and forced induction, street and race rotaries. I know from driving a million rotary miles what makes a difference. It is not like in a turbocharged and direct-injected car, but a CAI is still worth the price in your RX8. The longer CAI like the MSCAI or AEM CAI will always make more horsepower than the shorter Ram Air type which still get their intake air from high up in the hot engine bay, and from behind the radiator which gives off warm air. The MSCAI and AEM position their intakes in front and below the radiator to get the coldest air possible. In an RX8 engine a reduction of each 10 degrees of intake air temp can produce a 1hp increase in power.
Some here will dismiss CAI ,but THEY DO add safe, modest HP and greater throttle response. The engine will breathe better and you will even get a fraction better fuel economy.They do add a throatier exhaust note too. You will notice the better performance every time you drive the car. I know.I have owned seven rotaries since 1973, stock and modified, normally aspirated and forced induction, street and race rotaries. I know from driving a million rotary miles what makes a difference. It is not like in a turbocharged and direct-injected car, but a CAI is still worth the price in your RX8. The longer CAI like the MSCAI or AEM CAI will always make more horsepower than the shorter Ram Air type which still get their intake air from high up in the hot engine bay, and from behind the radiator which gives off warm air. The MSCAI and AEM position their intakes in front and below the radiator to get the coldest air possible. In an RX8 engine a reduction of each 10 degrees of intake air temp can produce a 1hp increase in power.
Last edited by gwilliams6; Aug 25, 2011 at 09:58 AM.
I HATE SPEEDBUMPS!
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Las Vegas, NV
I have a drop-in K&N filter and it works just like any bolt-on cold air intake. Anyway, it is usually for looks and some says it will let the car gain horsepower...maybe.
Seriously.. FML..
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Miami, FL
I have a Mazdaspeed Cold Air intake on my 2008 40th Anniversary Edition and also on my 2008 Mazdaspeed3 GT. On the turbocharged and direct-injected engine of the Mazdaspeed3 GT the CAI adds almost 30hp at the crank. On my normally aspirated RX8 the CAI can add anywhere from 5hp-13hp,depending on the ambient air temp and the humidity and altitude. The MSCAI and the AEMCAI are the same part. The benefit of the Mazdaspeed CAI is the MSCAI will come with a Mazda warranty and WILL NOT void any Mazda warranty on your RX8.
Some here will dismiss CAI ,but THEY DO add safe, modest HP and greater throttle response. The engine will breathe better and you will even get a fraction better fuel economy.They do add a throatier exhaust note too. You will notice the better performance every time you drive the car. I know.I have owned seven rotaries since 1973, stock and modified, normally aspirated and forced induction, street and race rotaries. I know from driving a million rotary miles what makes a difference. It is not like in a turbocharged and direct-injected car, but a CAI is still worth the price in your RX8. The longer CAI like the MSCAI or AEM CAI will always make more horsepower than the shorter Ram Air type which still get their intake air from high up in the hot engine bay, and from behind the radiator which gives off warm air. The MSCAI and AEM position their intakes in front and below the radiator to get the coldest air possible. In an RX8 engine a reduction of each 10 degrees of intake air temp can produce a 1hp increase in power.
Some here will dismiss CAI ,but THEY DO add safe, modest HP and greater throttle response. The engine will breathe better and you will even get a fraction better fuel economy.They do add a throatier exhaust note too. You will notice the better performance every time you drive the car. I know.I have owned seven rotaries since 1973, stock and modified, normally aspirated and forced induction, street and race rotaries. I know from driving a million rotary miles what makes a difference. It is not like in a turbocharged and direct-injected car, but a CAI is still worth the price in your RX8. The longer CAI like the MSCAI or AEM CAI will always make more horsepower than the shorter Ram Air type which still get their intake air from high up in the hot engine bay, and from behind the radiator which gives off warm air. The MSCAI and AEM position their intakes in front and below the radiator to get the coldest air possible. In an RX8 engine a reduction of each 10 degrees of intake air temp can produce a 1hp increase in power.
Good info.
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I have a Mazdaspeed Cold Air intake on my 2008 40th Anniversary Edition and also on my 2008 Mazdaspeed3 GT. On the turbocharged and direct-injected engine of the Mazdaspeed3 GT the CAI adds almost 30hp at the crank. On my normally aspirated RX8 the CAI can add anywhere from 5hp-13hp,depending on the ambient air temp and the humidity and altitude. The MSCAI and the AEMCAI are the same part. The benefit of the Mazdaspeed CAI is the MSCAI will come with a Mazda warranty and WILL NOT void any Mazda warranty on your RX8.
Some here will dismiss CAI ,but THEY DO add safe, modest HP and greater throttle response. The engine will breathe better and you will even get a fraction better fuel economy.They do add a throatier exhaust note too. You will notice the better performance every time you drive the car. I know.I have owned seven rotaries since 1973, stock and modified, normally aspirated and forced induction, street and race rotaries. I know from driving a million rotary miles what makes a difference. It is not like in a turbocharged and direct-injected car, but a CAI is still worth the price in your RX8. The longer CAI like the MSCAI or AEM CAI will always make more horsepower than the shorter Ram Air type which still get their intake air from high up in the hot engine bay, and from behind the radiator which gives off warm air. The MSCAI and AEM position their intakes in front and below the radiator to get the coldest air possible. In an RX8 engine a reduction of each 10 degrees of intake air temp can produce a 1hp increase in power.
Some here will dismiss CAI ,but THEY DO add safe, modest HP and greater throttle response. The engine will breathe better and you will even get a fraction better fuel economy.They do add a throatier exhaust note too. You will notice the better performance every time you drive the car. I know.I have owned seven rotaries since 1973, stock and modified, normally aspirated and forced induction, street and race rotaries. I know from driving a million rotary miles what makes a difference. It is not like in a turbocharged and direct-injected car, but a CAI is still worth the price in your RX8. The longer CAI like the MSCAI or AEM CAI will always make more horsepower than the shorter Ram Air type which still get their intake air from high up in the hot engine bay, and from behind the radiator which gives off warm air. The MSCAI and AEM position their intakes in front and below the radiator to get the coldest air possible. In an RX8 engine a reduction of each 10 degrees of intake air temp can produce a 1hp increase in power.
So what would you recommend about this, im thinking about getting a K&N typhoon with a chip. I know the chip isnt the best thing, but its cheap and I could get a SLR motorsport chip that SAYS "30 -70HP gain!". I understand that they bull ****, but I need anothers opinion.
I have a Mazdaspeed Cold Air intake on my 2008 40th Anniversary Edition and also on my 2008 Mazdaspeed3 GT. On the turbocharged and direct-injected engine of the Mazdaspeed3 GT the CAI adds almost 30hp at the crank. On my normally aspirated RX8 the CAI can add anywhere from 5hp-13hp,depending on the ambient air temp and the humidity and altitude. The MSCAI and the AEMCAI are the same part. The benefit of the Mazdaspeed CAI is the MSCAI will come with a Mazda warranty and WILL NOT void any Mazda warranty on your RX8.
Some here will dismiss CAI ,but THEY DO add safe, modest HP and greater throttle response. The engine will breathe better and you will even get a fraction better fuel economy.They do add a throatier exhaust note too. You will notice the better performance every time you drive the car. I know.I have owned seven rotaries since 1973, stock and modified, normally aspirated and forced induction, street and race rotaries. I know from driving a million rotary miles what makes a difference. It is not like in a turbocharged and direct-injected car, but a CAI is still worth the price in your RX8. The longer CAI like the MSCAI or AEM CAI will always make more horsepower than the shorter Ram Air type which still get their intake air from high up in the hot engine bay, and from behind the radiator which gives off warm air. The MSCAI and AEM position their intakes in front and below the radiator to get the coldest air possible. In an RX8 engine a reduction of each 10 degrees of intake air temp can produce a 1hp increase in power.
Some here will dismiss CAI ,but THEY DO add safe, modest HP and greater throttle response. The engine will breathe better and you will even get a fraction better fuel economy.They do add a throatier exhaust note too. You will notice the better performance every time you drive the car. I know.I have owned seven rotaries since 1973, stock and modified, normally aspirated and forced induction, street and race rotaries. I know from driving a million rotary miles what makes a difference. It is not like in a turbocharged and direct-injected car, but a CAI is still worth the price in your RX8. The longer CAI like the MSCAI or AEM CAI will always make more horsepower than the shorter Ram Air type which still get their intake air from high up in the hot engine bay, and from behind the radiator which gives off warm air. The MSCAI and AEM position their intakes in front and below the radiator to get the coldest air possible. In an RX8 engine a reduction of each 10 degrees of intake air temp can produce a 1hp increase in power.
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-aftermarket-performance-modifications-23/mazdaspeed-cai-222246/
So what would you recommend about this, im thinking about getting a K&N typhoon with a chip. I know the chip isnt the best thing, but its cheap and I could get a SLR motorsport chip that SAYS "30 -70HP gain!". I understand that they bull ****, but I need anothers opinion.
BTW the only options for descent power gains are nitrous, TC, SC .... which I can easily assume are waaaaay out of you price range by reading your post.
Last edited by wcs; Aug 31, 2011 at 08:53 AM.
40th anniversary Edition
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,951
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From: Grapevine, Texas
Modest power can be obtained with a CAI. Yes if you want a lot of added power you will need to go to forced induction and/or nitrous, but that will get expensive. I have done both in my lifetime with rotaries. In my RX8 I choose the low cost and modest power improvement, and slightly better fuel economy of the CAI.
It is always a personal choice and whatever your wallet can afford. Just remember a Renesis engine with its already highest compression ratio of any Mazda 13b size NA rotary engine was not really designed for forced induction or nitrous . So you will have to have excellent fuel management and electronic tuning and keep the boost to a safe level if you want your engine to last.
BTW WCS, yes there are two similar threads running now and I posted to both. You have a problem with that, too bad.
It is always a personal choice and whatever your wallet can afford. Just remember a Renesis engine with its already highest compression ratio of any Mazda 13b size NA rotary engine was not really designed for forced induction or nitrous . So you will have to have excellent fuel management and electronic tuning and keep the boost to a safe level if you want your engine to last.
BTW WCS, yes there are two similar threads running now and I posted to both. You have a problem with that, too bad.
Last edited by gwilliams6; Aug 31, 2011 at 09:41 AM.
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From: Redmond, WA
As has been mentioned already. The RX-8 has a good intake system from the factory. It is quiet and efficient. Not all intake systems are as efficient from the factory so on other cars you will see reasonable power gains and possibly fuel efficiency increases from an intake. On the RX-8 it seems the consensus is you will not.
There are a few types of intakes.
1. Stock airbox - your typical factory intake system, often sucks air from the engine bay. In some instances, such as the RX8 the intake portion of the air box is close to to the front of the car and gets cool air rather than engine bay air.
2. Open air filter - this is an open air filter, rather than sealed in a box (typically a cone style filter) that just sits in the engine bay. It draws warm air from the engine bay.
3. Ram air intake - this where the intake has air forced into it while the vehicle is moving, this would be considered a type of cold air intake since it is usually pulling ambient air.
4. Cold air intake - this is an intake where the filter is usually sealed and exposed to the outside of the vehicle, although not necessarily sealed and positioned in a way that air is forced into the intake. This intake pulls cool air from outside the engine.
The open air filter, ram air, or cold air intake will all make the engine sound louder because the filter is exposed rather than contained in a box.
A ram or cold air intake will be more effective under most situations because cool air is denser and thus more HP can be created (the more air the car can take in, the more power it can make).
[QUOTE=graveshb;4062685]CAI's are rather effective on turbocharged vehicles, often increasing by near 20 wheel HP. QUOTE]
This is wrong. Any car that has a restrictive intake will benefit from a more efficient intake. Naturally aspirated cars benefit from a cold air intake more than a turbo vehicle because naturally aspirated cars are more dependent on cool air density to make increased power. A turbo will just heat the intake air up, so a cold air intake with a turbo has small if any additional benefit because the air will get heated and then cooled by the intercooler anyway. Turbos benefit greatly from less restrictive intake and exhaust, so the gains derived from a cold air intake for a turbocharged car are often because the stock intake was really restrictive so the cool air intake in general is more efficent.
From what I have seen, there is no RX-8 intake that will provide a noticeable power increase and keeping a clean air filter is going to do just as much for fuel mileage as an intake. You will spend more on the intake than you will save on fuel.
Do an intake because you like the sound and are trying to eke out a few more HP. Otherwise tell your husband no thanks, he can mess with his own car.
There are a few types of intakes.
1. Stock airbox - your typical factory intake system, often sucks air from the engine bay. In some instances, such as the RX8 the intake portion of the air box is close to to the front of the car and gets cool air rather than engine bay air.
2. Open air filter - this is an open air filter, rather than sealed in a box (typically a cone style filter) that just sits in the engine bay. It draws warm air from the engine bay.
3. Ram air intake - this where the intake has air forced into it while the vehicle is moving, this would be considered a type of cold air intake since it is usually pulling ambient air.
4. Cold air intake - this is an intake where the filter is usually sealed and exposed to the outside of the vehicle, although not necessarily sealed and positioned in a way that air is forced into the intake. This intake pulls cool air from outside the engine.
The open air filter, ram air, or cold air intake will all make the engine sound louder because the filter is exposed rather than contained in a box.
A ram or cold air intake will be more effective under most situations because cool air is denser and thus more HP can be created (the more air the car can take in, the more power it can make).
[QUOTE=graveshb;4062685]CAI's are rather effective on turbocharged vehicles, often increasing by near 20 wheel HP. QUOTE]
This is wrong. Any car that has a restrictive intake will benefit from a more efficient intake. Naturally aspirated cars benefit from a cold air intake more than a turbo vehicle because naturally aspirated cars are more dependent on cool air density to make increased power. A turbo will just heat the intake air up, so a cold air intake with a turbo has small if any additional benefit because the air will get heated and then cooled by the intercooler anyway. Turbos benefit greatly from less restrictive intake and exhaust, so the gains derived from a cold air intake for a turbocharged car are often because the stock intake was really restrictive so the cool air intake in general is more efficent.
From what I have seen, there is no RX-8 intake that will provide a noticeable power increase and keeping a clean air filter is going to do just as much for fuel mileage as an intake. You will spend more on the intake than you will save on fuel.
Do an intake because you like the sound and are trying to eke out a few more HP. Otherwise tell your husband no thanks, he can mess with his own car.
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In my 2004 rx8 4spd auto i cant burn rubber. I know the 4spd was a stupid idea and i also know that the rotary engine has a poor low rev torque, but ive been told that the rx8's were supposed to be able to have a pretty fast launch. If i were to get an aftermarket CAI would that help my throttle response?
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