I have done a little researching and used the search button but I just want some opinions. Does it matter if you have the intake like this just in the main compartment.



or is it better to have it come through the hole in the front like this.

 

Best to not draw in hot air from the engine.
CAI like AEM has their filter behind the bumper.
An intake like Racing Beat has the filter in an airbox like the OEM, which can also come with an air dam to direct the outside air while the car is moving.
Or modify your OEM airbox (plenty of discussions on that).

So I gave you 3 good choices:
1) AEM
2) Racing Beat
3) Modify OEM box (search in the DIY section for further details).

 

Thank you for your help!

 

i have the aem and love it. I would imagine that is pulls in a lot colder air than then intakes that have filters located in the hot engine bay area. hope this helps

 

This looks like a modified AEM/Mazdaspeed intake. I think the the original AEM/MS has the pipe bent downwards after coming out the engine bay before bending to the left.

I have this design in my mind too. It should works well with MS bumper since the bumper front opening is high enough for cold air suck in directly. And, we don't need toworry about water being splashed to the filter directly when raining or washing.

 

no its not a modded aem, its a intake from some no name company that has a website....just cant remember the name. Its not worth it in my opinion it costs about the same price as the AEM