Fenris370

I'm awaiting shipment of my Mazdaspeed struts and lowering springs which amazingly I got my dealership to match the lowest price I could find on the net. $190 for the springs (item#000-88-c03kt) @ Advanced Imports, and $505 (000-88-c04kt) for the struts @ Mazdaformance. Hopefully labor doesn't hammer me
and the difference is noticable enuf for my wife to be impressed f with the amount I paid for em anyway

Anyway my next step is an intake and exhaust.
My two fav, carefree options are going with the:
1)Ingen CAI, $238 @ Optauto.com
and
Racing Beat catback exhaust, $435 @ Advanced Imports

However, if the more cautious side of me says this combo:
2)AEM Short Ram, $189 @ Speed&Style.com
and
Mazdaspeed Sports muffler, $195 @ Mazdaformance

So I guess the question is, does my the performance enhancement of option one justify the price ($673 + labor) over option 2 ($384 + labor)? Or another combination of the two (AEM w/ Racing Beat)?

Also, can anyway know of better prices for these items? Or suggest better products then the ones I've mentioned?

Last but not least, has anyone dealt or ordered with Protoge5online.com?

Thanks for the Help!

kosmicride

Look at the minimal hp increases from using either setup.

I got my ractive intake and exhaust which most likely will boost the same hp as compared to the more expensive items if cost is what your after.
The hp power gains are pathetic for the cost.

I paid a mere $70.00 for my intake and $140.00 for the exhaust 2 bolt flange. I have a price of getting the cat back half done for 55.00 from a local muffler shop.

It is all based on how much you want to support the money hungry people out there.

The Ractive intake is the same as the AEM, INJEN, remember that those are big names and alot of items only have 2-3 real manufactures. So your getting the same but with a name brand.
Unless you get a speacilty built item which is highly doubted.