Intake and exhaust questions
 

Greetings all!

I'm a newb to the Mazda world so these may be dumb questions.

I'd like to put a header and a CAI on my 3 to get a little more power, but I have some questions.

The CAI is pretty straight forward, but I've heard that it can decrease fuel efficiency. Is that really true? I don't understand how that can be.

For the header, if I put one on, do I need to upgrade the rest of the exhaust system to gain anything from the header or is the stock exhaust adequate? I don't mind changing out the muffler, but I don't really care to redo the whole thing.

Thansk in advance!

Kevin K.

As far as intakes go I like Injen. I have had AEM before I switched to Injen. IMO Injen is a better intake over AEM. As far exhaust goes just get a cat back system for starters. If you get a header you'll have to deal with the fact that the main cat is part of the manifold and run the risk of throwing a code, by switching out the manifold for the header.

I have the AEM intake and an ark exhaust. It's hard to gauge my fuel efficiancy because of the way I drive, haha.

I had a 2.3L 6 before I got my MS3. I put the Mazdaspeed CAI on (no issues with CELs since it's designed for the car) and it did help with fuel efficiency a little. Mazdas tend to run rich and with the better breathing CAI it leaned it out a little I think.

I also installed a Magnaflow Catback Exhaust. Loved it but it didn't really gain much power for me (Gained a little topend, lost a little lowend). It's more of a looks/sound mod.

To truly take full advantage of these types of mods, you really need all three - Intake, Headers, and Cat-back Exhaust (and some would argue you need a high-flow cat).

Other than that it's up to you and what you want. Each gives you different advantages and sounds to appreciate.

Thanks for the insight guys!

SilverMS3, that's EXACTLY what i was looking for. I just wasn't sure what size exhaust was even on there (haven't crawled under it yet). I'm definately getting the CAI, but I'm not sure I want to spend the $$$ for the catback. ...yet.

I'm not one for slapping on a fart-can muffler and calling it a "performance mod", so if I do it, I plan to do it right.

Thanks again for the infi all!!!

Kevin K.

Intakes usually INCREASE fuel efficiency...It's just you hear the deeper tone and your right foot suddenly gains weight :yelrotflm

As far as headers go, I recommend you START with exhaust if you want to go peice by peice...

The gains realized by the header would be minimal if it is choked up by the stock exhaust....

just remember, a car engine for all intents and purposes is just a complicated air pump...the more air you can move, and the faster you can move it, the more power you will make....this means eliminating restrictions in air flow wherever you can find them, and getting to get the engine to take bigger gulps of air too...