I recently got a new shutter valve at the dealership and my car feels slower (any ideas why?)..In order to replace the shutter valve, what is taken off during the process? I ask this because my AEM intake doesn't look right, the clamps are not aligned correctly and the piping doesn't look straight. I was told at first that you need to take the intake off and then when I pointed that it looked odd, the service manager said they never touched it. Thanks for your help.

 

In order for the dealer to replace the lower intake manifold they would need to disconnect the upper intake manifold. To disconnect the upper intake manifold you would need to disconnect it from the intake at some point. While they may not have removed your intake...something between the intake and lower intake intake manifold needed to be disconnected so it is possible that the alignment isn't right or that a hose clamp was (re)moved. You could also have a vacuum leak from them forgetting to put something back on properly after the install, like the vfad nipple, since it isn't part of their normal process. I would give the intake a once over just to be sure.

 

Thanks for your help. I was planning on taking my car back to the dealership for them to straighten up my intake and align the clamps on right..where is the vfad nipple located?

 

You can align your intake yourself and save you some time at the dealership. Loosen the clamps straighten the piping and tighten.

 

i want to complain because they always leave something wrong..any ideas why my car is slower invasion?

 

You can remove the SSV without pulling out the intake.
And if you have the AEM there should have been no reason to touch it.
Though, I had an easier time reaching the two mounting bolts for the SSV with the upper intake manifold removed, so its possible that they removed it for easier installation.

To remove the SSV they would have removed:

1. ACV
2. Released belt tension at the alternator
3. Drive belt
4. Water Pump Pulley
5. Alternator bracket
6. Thermostat
7. I removed the battery housing to reach the pulley easier, but isn't necessary
8. Disconnect the SSV position sensor
9. The two bolts securing the valve
10. Remove valve

+1

 

But this is a Mazda dealership...they have to do it by the book right? So they would have had to do the top half like we did for Steve...no?

 

If you did it "by the book" they would have pulled the engine out to get to the valve.

 

at first they told me they removed the intake and when i pointed out that it didn't look straight, they drove to the back with my car and came back right away saying they didn't take it off and that the intake was too tight to be taken off anyways

 

ROFL! I would have wiggled it and told them to go fix it already and quit wasting your time.

 

Wow... doesn't take much to loosen a few home clamps.
Sounds like they are trying to cover it up.

 

yeah..my clamps are all misaligned where it meets the throttle..and the piping looks off a bit too..could this cause a leak?

 

it just sucks cause my car was already slower to being with and now its SLOWER lol

 

If the pipes were just a little skewed, it wouldn't cause a leak.
The couplers give the pipes room for play.
As long as the clamps are tight, you shouldn't have an issue.
BUT... I would straighten those out anyway.

 

It does suck not knowing for sure what they removed.
Double check the nipple behind the throttle body and verify that its still plugged.
Take the MAF out and give it a generous soaking with contact cleaner.
Straighten out the pipes and see how it runs.

 

thanks man. when i accelerate, it just seems like its harder to reach higher RPM..it does get up there but its slower than before

 

i did a complete tune up like 2 months ago too..coils/spark plugs/wires/oil change/cleaned filter

 

Also if you arent sure if the intake leaks, fire up the car and check for leaks at every hose clamp or splice in the intake pipeing by soaking the joint in starting fluid and if you hear the engine rev slightly, the clamp isnt sealing good enough and that could cause the lack of power by sucking too much air. Just something else to try if you didnt get it fixed yet.