MazdaSpeed Cold Air Intake Review and Thoughts
 

I am one of the lucky Canadians who received a free performance package when I bought my RX-8. This package included a Mazdaspeed (AEM) Cold Air Intake. The kit took a few months to come in, so I have had plenty of time to get to know the car before the CAI was installed - about 6000 km.

During the waiting period I tried to find as much information about the CAI as I could, trying to figure out what I could expect from it. I had a tough time with this, as there seemed to be a lot of conflicting information out there. Now that I have spent the last 1000 km with it installed, I thought it would be helpful to others if I posted a review.

First, a little background to start. I have always had a passion for cars, and driving. I raced 100cc/125cc karts growing up, and found I had a very keen sense for the "feel" of a vehicle with a lot of natural talent.

Together with my racing experience, keen senses, and natural talent I have become a very smooth, capable driver -with a good sense of what the car is doing. I have had the opportunity to drive a wide range of nice cars over my short driving career. I am 25 years old.

I tell you this only so you can weight my opinion accordingly. What good is a review if can't have some degree of trust with the writer. This was my primary problem when looking for information on the CAI.

Now onto the review. I have a 2007 RX-8 GT, MT.

When I first hopped in the car after the install, the difference in sound was immense - it surprised me as I was not expecting that kind of change. I had read that it was not very noticeable in the lower rpm range, but this is completely false - the sound of the car it now totally different. If you apply "eggshell" pressure to the gas the car almost sounds stock, but as soon as you put your foot in it a bit - the guttural snarl of the CAI can be heard (at any RPM). I found it especially noticeable in the lower RPM range when getting going from a stand still (in a bit of a hurry). The car is still nice and quiet while cruising.

For those used to the quiet UFO-like noise of their stock RX-8, this is going to be a BIG change. In fact, I was so used to my quiet car, that at first I didn't like the sound (in certain rpm ranges), it was such a shock - but after a few days, I really appreciated the extra auditory feedback. The roll-on's following gear changes sound especially nice due to the extra tone the car now has. However I do wish it was just a bit less guttural sounding in the lower RPM range on takeoffs.

The next biggest change I noticed was the throttle response - something I had not expected, but has turned out to be my favorite attribute of the CAI. It is the most noticeable on takeoffs, the tiny dip in acceleration that I always had to compensate for when slipping the clutch in 1st from a standstill is gone. The car is much, much easier to launch in a smooth, sweeping, steady motion. Much better harmony between the clutch pedal and gas. Keep in mind that when I say launch, I mean everything from slow acceleration to standing on it. The car is also easier to shift smoothly, again because the clutch and gas just seem more harmonious now.

From what I can tell, any difference in power is negligible from the drivers point of view, and you are much more likely to notice the smoother throttle response then any power differences.

In conclusion, the CAI has done wonders to the throttle response of the car, and adds quite of bit of throat to the RX-8's normally reserved sounding engine. Sound is really such a subjective thing, and what I may like others may dislike, and visa versa. I will say that those who enjoy listening to the quiet rotary whirl away, may find the MazdaSpeed/AEM CAI intake a bit too noisy; but even then, the increase in response may be worth the perceived trade off.

I hope those reading this have found it to be helpful, and if you have any questions, please ask.

Thanks for the detailed review.

I've had my 8 for only two months now, but I've noticed right from the beginning the throttle compensation and clutch slipping you described. It was a stark contrast to my former '97 Eclipse GS-T, which, I'd say, had excellent throttle response like how your 8 does with the CAI. My Eclipse did have a K&N intake and Greddy cat-back exhaust, so that may explain the good throttle response on the car.

Anyway, I've wondered whether there's any mod that can lessen the clutch slipping/throttle compensation on my 8. Thanks to your excellent review, I now know what I need to do. :) I wouldn't mind the increased noise at all. In fact, the 8 is tooo quiet compared to my Eclipse. ;)

Btw, do you have the stock exhaust still?


Edit: Up until now, I always thought that the lack of torque required throttle blipping/clutch slipping in 1st gear everytime. Sure, 160 lb-ft of torque isn't a whole lot, but it ain't that little, either...(But then again, I was coming from +225 lb-ft of torque. :banghead:)

Yes exactly, no more fancy footwork to get a smooth, even, consistent start. The difference is amazing. My 8 is completely stock except for the CAI.

I am not sure of what other mods you could do besides the CAI to increase your throttle response; but it sounds like you would love the CAI, and you are going to be very happy with the throttle response.

Thanks for the write up. Are you planning on changing your exahust?

Very well written. Thanks!

well done. i wish i knew someone local with one so i could hear/feel the difference.

nice review. tks.

^+1

I have reservations about cabin noise w/a few potential upgrades. Which is prlly silly since I usually have the radio cranked anyway.

Now taking donations for upgrades. :)

thanks for the interesting read while I was at work. My trans am did the same thing whenever I put my K&N CAI on, I could hear it whenever I touched the throttle, and barely at idle.

How much would one of these Mazdaspeed CAI's run someone? And just how easy in the install? I heard someone talking about it before in a previous thread that you have to take the front bumper off to do it? I'd be a little worried about doing that...I'd be really pissed if I took it off and it didn't sit plesh after that =(

thanks,,,,,,,


Anyone know what a Mazdaspeed (AEM) Cold Air Intake would cost to get installed?

i think $270. and im pretty sure you just bolt the things on. 4me2, uh.. just do it yourself.

my question is, why would the intake make the engine sound any different?

i have installed intakes on N/A motors before...and often times, while you may not make much more power...the motor gets more air, quicker...and seems to flow better...and what you perceive is more smoothness in how things operate.

nice write up.

for someone who had to pay full retail + install, however, I"m wondering if it's worth it?? how much would it cost to put that on?? assuming you can't do it yourself and paid the dealer??


i'm wondering for someone like me who wants an 8 but hasn't bougth one...how hard would it be to negoatiate a purchase where you work in free labor to install the CAI and maybe a flywheel? but the parts, and then get them to agree to free install... all they have to do is have some tech put in some overtime...effectively costing them nothing....

hmmmmm....

I can't answer any questions about install or cost as the intake was installed for free at the dealers.

As far as worth goes, I think it comes down to the individual driver. Some drivers will benefit greatly from the extra responsiveness and others may not even notice the change in smoothness (but may love the new sound). I will say that if Mazda told me I had to pay $300US to continue to use it, I would do it in a second. It would be very hard to give up the new responsiveness and extra tone.

23109VC, I am sure you could work something out with the dealer if you are planning on buying a new 8. I did something similar with the tires when I bought mine.

As of now, I have no plans to change the exhaust note; and don't foresee any desire to in the future. I typically enjoy "driving under the radar".

ms cai was 355 for me, then install from my shop was 250 or something around thier because he said he had to take off the front bumper and everything.

i had a high flow cat and ms dual exhaust before i put this on and my friend said it sounded before like the exhaust sound was coming out of only side of the exhaust in whether with the ms cai it sounds like its coming out both with a more full and louder sound< if thats makes sense
^ for anyone who would like to know : D

Huh?:Eyecrazy: Can someone please translate that to English? :uhh:

cant read or what? what dont u understand

I think he is answering "no" to the part of your post where you asked if it made sense. :)

how did u come up with that... probably cause i didnt use correct grammer , its not english to him, its the interenet so i dont really give a f

My response was meant to be lighthearted. Your description of the sound coming out of the "side of the exhaust" was hard to understand.

Sry, it just made it louder , easy way to put it

So by improved throttle response, do you mean that the engine revs faster when you apply throttle?

I'll have mine this week...

The engine reacts faster when you apply the throttle.

What about MPG?
Also what was the total cost?
thanks.

I noticed a slight increase in fuel economy under certain driving conditions. I can't answer any questions about cost or install as this was installed for free by my dealer. If you do a search, you will find other threads that cover cost and install questions.

Awesome - I would be interested to hear your thoughts on it.

No, what did it cost you for everything?
thanks

Heck at those rates, I'll install a CAI for anybody in the DC area for $150.

Zip. My first post of the thread explains it all. It was a free promotion from Mazda Canada.

went for it
 

I am getting mine within the next 2 weeks. I am in Canada and they had to order it from the US.

Cost for me will be around CDN$800. Pretty pricy, but i want to keep my warranty which i would lose if I go with other options.

Just installed mine today. I like. I like the air filter in front of the grill. Intercooler-esque.

Can you post a video/sound clip of what the new intake sounds like?

Great review btw!

Careful, if water is ingested into the engine, you will not be covered.

Thanks for the warning. I didn't know the CAI is an orange level. This means that any damage caused by the part will not be covered under the warranty. I rather wait a bit more for this.

I believe it's blue. Rosenthal has it listed at blue.

Doesn't matter, my warranty at Mazda runs out September 17th anyways.

Here is more info in our Canada thread. We got this as a promo for all 06'-07' purchases. Mine was free and I love it.

My car is automatic and the CAI makes it sound like a standard but better. The sound comes from the front and not the back. Kind of like a race car.

https://www.rx8club.com/canada-forum-35/mazdaspeed-cai-116265/

New member here, about the CAI those who have it, have you ever driven the car in he rain?

It's not a problem, I've driven in torrential rain and the CAI was still pretty dry when I checked. I would definately be worried about going through any standing water though- but that's pretty much with or without a CAI..

What I have been trying to track down(and maybe someone here can chime in-) when it IS raining my exhaust notes are PERFECT. The pitch drops quite a bit.. I'm guessing the water cools off the exhaust and midpipe, but I'm not sure. I'd love to replicate that sound on a daily basis. Any ideas?

It has been discussed on the forum many-a-time...

Unless you're driving in about a foot of water, you have nothing to worry about.

sweet i recieved 20% of from a dealership cause we held a rotary meet there and the service manager was great. i will put it on as soon as i get home in a week and i will be sure to post my personal suggestions. although the first post was very well written i will try my best to be realistic and helpfull, as he.
sgt glass

I had this CAI before and it actually robbed me of torque. It's pretty much just a sound mod imo. I'm back to stock now because I didn't feel it was worth keeping. Installation was quite easy though as I would never pay anyone to install this mod.

If you want a louder intake sound, it's a decent CAI. If you want it for power, I'd suggest a high flow cat instead.

I just had the Mazdaspeed CAI installed on my '07 6spd RX8 and it's great! I went in knowing that it wasnt going to give me some substantial boost in HP or anything like that, but for the other aswpects of it. Throttle response does seem much better, and it seems to me like takeoffs are smoother and require less gas with the same clutch action. Sound wise, you'll hear a difference anytime you give it a good amount of gas....really around 3500 rpm and up.