MS CAI DYI Installation - easy?
 

I've searched but didn't find a thread specific to the CAI installation. I see how easy it is to remove the front bumper assembly but when I look at the CAI instructions and all the parts in the box...it looks a little intimidating. Is there a DYI thread and how long should it take?

I ordered a Mazdaspeed CAI and it should be here probably by tomorrow.

I never installed one but Im sure its not hard.

Just take VFAD out, everything else after is pretty straight forward.
(I said this bcuz I took the VFAD off by myself 2 yrs ago and installed the RB duct, back then I was a super noob and I still found it easy, RB duct still on car)

maybe I can make a DIY when I get my kit, depends on my mood.

Just make sure you un-attach the correct vacuum lines on the intake manifold. The one towards the front of the car not the back. Also you may want to purchase vacuum caps from the auto parts store the on they give you is a real pain in the ass to put on. The size you need is 3/16" that should make it a little easier.
Any questions pm me.

Its easy, just learn how to take off the front bumper. I didnt even have to remove it all, just kinda slid it forward.

Vacuum caps? Hmm - I'll take a look at it before doing anything. I'd like to do this myself. But since I also have the MS exhaust, strut tower and rear brace, RB sways and links and a set of rotors/brakes to install, I've asked my local dealer for a package labor quote....should get it tomorrow am. I'm far more experienced working on motorcycles these days than cars. I know it can all be done DIY but there may be some economy and speed to having the dealer do it all.....corrrectly the first time.

Best case, I'll have him do the rotors and I'll do the rest.

you can get those caps for like 4 for maybe 2 bux. I got mine at pepboys.

cap the nipple under the intake manifold thats suppose to be connected to the VFAD

I strongly suggest that u do them urself

it was cake to install for me and it was my first time doing something under the hood for the car....

i took it off now though.. combined with my Borla it is way loud!

I will install mine as soon as its here.

stock exhaust here. borla sound kinda too "civic kind of ricey" for me.

I had doubts initially.. dont bring them back nycgps :(

lol !

we all made mistakes ... one way or the other ...

I'm hoping that I'll like this MS setup; I can't imgagine that as an OE kit that is unbearable. Mainly, I'm justy looking for faster throttle response, a slight rasp and a better looking rear end . No boy racer motivations here. Afterall, we're not dealing with an overly restricted powerplant, as is.

I tried a Borla many years ago on my BMW E36 M3 and removed it because it was too loud and reverberated the inside of the car at low RPM's. Quite often, I return to stock too - even on my motorcycles. But this car isn't a daily driver...more of a garage queen that I enjoy playing or to use in a pinch. A little testosterone is fine as long as it's 'sophisticated', not just loud.

OK, I'll bite. Why am I capping these if the car isn't running?? Told you...I'm new to this....but not unwilling to try.

cap it so u will not have a vacuum leak at the intake manifold.

I know u're new to this, and Im just telling you what I got for my car :)

Cause if you didn't, you'll have a vacuum leak since the VFAD vacuum line isn't there anymore.
My AEM CAI came with the cap for the nipple... I'm surprised the MS doesn't!

Damn it nycgps... you are a quick typist! Beat me to it :)

if Im in the "mood", I can type like 150 to 200 words in 1 minute. :)

Well I'm no where near that....

So to clarify, it appears that everyone who has installed the MS intake (from this thread) needed to purchase a cap for the VFAD nipple on the intake manifold?
Does this mean that Mazda's intake doesn't already come with one or did I miss something?

mine came with the cap, it was, however; hard to fit.

OK... thanks for clarifying!

My cap has been on for months.

Cuz I hd K&N, I didnt even cap it in the beginning. After I cap it, the idle is much more stable.

Now Im back to stock box, cuz I want to make my money's worth :) But still VFAD off, cap still on.

OK, thanks everyone...and especially for the tip on the vacuum cap. Now if the darn parts would just all arrive.....

I'm like a little kid waiting for Santa Clause to bring the presents. I want to get this stuff installed! And I'm praying that it doesn't sound like a Civic when I'm done.

No worries... you'll like the sound.

Jon316G is correct. No Civic Sound. I did the AEM CAI and I'm no mechanic by all means. You'll be fine. Ask a friend for help as well that has experience with this stuff. That allways help the confidence level as well.

we all gone thru the same process, havent we ? :)