So when I bought my 8 it had an aem intake and this plug with a resistor in it. What does it usually go to? and is it okay to be setup like this?

 

Looks like the VFAD connector.

 

VFAD connector. Not sure why there is a resistor tapped into it ... then again i did read somewhere that someone needed to do that to make it compliant in CA

 

the vfad plug does not cause any cel if left unplug, more like some idiots who thought by doing so will untap that secret 50 hp mazda has been hiding for over a decade ... rofl

 

So I guess my question is since I obviously don't have the vfad. Does it make a difference to leave the resistor in there or remove it? Does having the resistor in there trick the ecu into thinking there is still a vfad then?

 

Theoretically what would a resistor be doing in there? Would it be telling the system to stay open loop thus tricking it to believe that the vfad is in and open at all times? Could this cause unwanted power loss under 5500 rpm? I've noticed my 8 lacks quite a bit of power in the low end even though its been tuned by MM. I don't quite understand if it makes a difference being installed or not. What I do get that it is a pointless mod, but necessary if you install a CAI from all the posts I've read. Should I remove the resistor? Would it even make a difference?

 

Remove the resistor, it is doing nothing. Your 8 lacks power in the low end because it is an NA RX-8.