My Mazdaspeed6 mods...

Hooligan · Postby **Hooligan** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 9:14

I'm planning on a few simple mods in the next month or so:

- iPod kit: how simple is it to install? I'm a total noob

- Test pipe: same question

- CAI: out of all of them, any hands-down recommendations? Are they all very similar and it won't matter much, besides price?

thanks :delicious:

GoToTheJoe · Postby **GoToTheJoe** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 9:14

The Mazdaspeed CAI is worth it just because you should not get any grief from your dealer if you have to take it in for work. They have been known to complain about other brands and could cause you problems.

LM · Postby LM » Fri Feb 22, 2008 9:14

I think the Audio-link Ipod connector is the best option....not too horrible to fit...or Bryan (MileHighSounds) can help you.
Test pipe...hummm....it's a pain in the ass to fit so I hear....garage time.
CAI - Definitely CPE Excel ftw. Best looking and performing for sure....

Hooligan · Postby **Hooligan** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 9:14

Nice! Thanks.

I pretty much figured the test pipe would be a garage thing -maybe i'll have them do that and the CAI together...

Rich · Postby **Rich** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 9:14

Anyone with a jack and jackstands can help you do both the test pipe and CAI. Wish I had the jack at least during the CAI install.

rx8ghost · Postby **rx8ghost** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 9:14

Rich is completely right. Maybe someone wouldbe nice enough to let you use their garage or jack stand and I'll more than happily help with the install of all 3

RX-7drifter · Postby **RX-7drifter** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 9:14

i have 2 3 1/2 ton floor jacks if you need them just pm me

Hooligan · Postby **Hooligan** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 9:14

I appreciate that, Ghost and Drifter -I'm sure I'll be contacting you within a month or so...

coloskydiver · Postby **coloskydiver** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 9:14

I agree with Lightnin, Go with a CPE CAI and if you are looking for a test pipe, do I have a deal for you. PM me if you want the Test Pipe.

firestoned · Postby **firestoned** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 9:14

test pipe took 10 minutes to install..its really simple 4 bolts

Mazda has a new OEM ipod integration kit that will allow you to still use your factory Sirius (if you have it) along with an ipod. They use basically the same principal as the Audiolink (below), but also incorporate a switcher box that allows you to plug both into the same simultaneously. Allows text to be shown on lcd. The best choice all around regardless if you have the factory Sirius or not, because you can order it without the switcher box (saves $125). The kit w/ switcher box is around $225-250, depending on the dealer. Here are the others:
The audiolink ipod kit
http://www.therpmstore.com/product_info.ph...5183d6cacf8cce6 plugs into the same port as the Sirius, so you can only have one or the other. Does NOT show text on the lcd screen
The axxess ipod kit
http://www.therpmstore.com/product_info.ph...5183d6cacf8cce6
plugs into the tape/media slot, which would allow you to use both, but it is not compatible with the ipod touch or the iphone. this one also allows for text on the lcd screen.

arctic_blue83 · Postby **arctic_blue83** » Sat Mar 01, 2008 9:14

As far as the test pipe goes, it's considerably easier on a Speed6 than it is on a Speed3... the last time I swapped a test pipe on a Speed6, I don't even think it took me a full 15 minutes, it's pretty dummy proof, just 4 bolts. A Speed3 is more of a PITA only due to the a good bit of excess body bracing under the car, but since you have a Speed6, it's truly a novice mod.

A CAI is also a very simple mod. When I still had my Speed6, I swapped my AEM CAI (same as Mazdaspeed) out multiple times, and not counting the time it took to get the resonator out of the wheel well, I got to the point where I could swap the stock intake in about 35 minutes or so. Nothing difficult about it, just a tad time consuming. For your first time, you *can* swap a CAI out on the ground, just turning the driver's side wheel outward, but I would recommend pulling the driver's side wheel, as the extra room will save you a TON of time getting the resonator out. Overall, even with removing the wheel & resonator, you can be done easily in under an hour.

As far as CAI's go... well.... I measured the diameter of the MAF housing on my AEM/Mazdaspeed CAI, and it was identical to the stock airbox... and when I say identical, I mean it. I dyno'd both with and without the CAI on MAC's dyno, both of which produced the exact same AFR's.... so the AEM/Mazdaspeed CAI should not alter your fuel tables at all. There's been some debate as to the position of the MAF sensor, as the MAF is placed around the same spot on the AEM/MS as stock, but far away from the filter, whereas on the CP-E the MAF is placed RIGHT after the filter, so in essence, it might have a more accurate reading of incoming air, but both are pretty negligible. Really, the AEM is the same as the MS, but doesn't have the nice "Mazdaspeed" sticker, so it costs less, AEM actually produced their CAI FOR Mazdaspeed.

Paying for the sticker *might* save you somewhat of a hassle with your dealer, so if you have the cash why not? Neither one of the intakes mentioned are going to do much for you performance wise, maybe 3-5whp if you're lucky, and a few more ponies in the upper RPMs. The AEM/MS & CP-E are all high quality, I've installed/uninstalled both, and must admit I did prefer the direct fit of the AEM/MS, mostly just due to the lack of a rubber breather hose, which I thought looked a little subpar on the CP-E. All are great pieces, pick which one you think looks/sounds the best, as they're all going to be about the same performance wise.

If you need help, feel free to PM me, I have a garage with jacks, stands, ramps ect, and am more than happy to help. Happy modding!

Hooligan · Postby **Hooligan** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 9:14

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (firestoned @ Feb 26 2008, 08:50 AM) [url=index.php?act=findpost&pid=28361]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/url]</div>

test pipe took 10 minutes to install..its really simple 4 bolts

Mazda has a new OEM ipod integration kit that will allow you to still use your factory Sirius (if you have it) along with an ipod. They use basically the same principal as the Audiolink (below), but also incorporate a switcher box that allows you to plug both into the same simultaneously. Allows text to be shown on lcd. The best choice all around regardless if you have the factory Sirius or not, because you can order it without the switcher box (saves $125). The kit w/ switcher box is around $225-250, depending on the dealer....[/b]

Is the OEM kit available through dealerships? Being the same price as the Audiolink, I'd rather go OEM and have the text readout option as well.

firestoned · Postby **firestoned** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 9:14

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Hooligan @ Mar 10 2008, 10:04 AM) [url=index.php?act=findpost&pid=31288]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/url]</div>

Is the OEM kit available through dealerships? Being the same price as the Audiolink, I'd rather go OEM and have the text readout option as well.[/b]

yes it is available through dealerships

turbo99jetta · Postby **turbo99jetta** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 9:14

as for the Ipod intergration I could help you in stall it as well, being that i used to be an installer, not to bad, about an hour or so..

Hooligan · Postby **Hooligan** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 9:14

Thanks for all the info.

I'm buying Skydiver's test pipe and the Axxess iPod kit. I'm thinking of getting a K&N drop-in filter instead of full CAI... nothing hardcore, just a bit of tweaking. Once the iPod kit comes in, I'll take one of you up on your offer to help with installation -the head-unit removal is my main concern -mainly so I don't snap something in half while trying to remove it.

My Mazdaspeed6 mods...

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