Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I installed this cold air intake on my 2008.5 Mazda3i Touring Value 2.0L, automatic transmission model car and I've owned this product for nearly 2 1/2 months. It was fairly simple to install, the hardest part was removing some of the stock components that were to be reused in the application of the new air system. Having read some reviews on some Mazda3-specific forums, I was a little nervous about the outcome (performance gains, fit of the after market product, etc...).
One reviewer did state that the fit could have been better, namely when replacing the battery compartment cooling duct: The reviewer stated he had to remove the bracket that pinned the duct down to its stock location. That reviewer was right, the plastic bracket does get in the way somewhat and he permanently removed it by grinding it off with a Dremel-type device. I wasn't willing to do that. My car still has a little over a year left on the factory warranty and I was concerned that the duct wouldn't fit right if I had to replace the stock system for any reason.
Another fit issue I noticed, although it may not be that big of a deal, was with the white, plastic (sensor/valve?), which was a huge PITA to remove from the stock air hose location. It seems to fit a little awkward on the new application, I'm hoping the supplied grommet is keeping a sufficient seal, as the hose which is attached to that valve(?) tends to pull it towards the engine block/firewall.
Another issue has to do with a rattling noise that I hear in a certain gear/RPM. I've tried to reproduce this noise while in park and revving the engine a little, but it only seems to be present when I'm in drive. I can't really pinpoint what is causing it. My first impression is there is more, unrestricted air moving over the butterfly valve at the throttle body, but that's just a shot in the dark guess.
Also, the fit for the mass airflow sensor on the RAM was a little tight, I was worried at first it wouldn't fit at all.
I have seen some marginal gains in MPG's, I'm averaging about 22.5 miles per gallon with a max of 25.5 MPG on one fill-up in particular (I am a bit of a lead-foot, so others may have better stats in this regard). I can't really tell much of a difference in torque, if anything it seems to be a little more sluggish off the line, but that could be my imagination.
In summation:
Pro's:
* Great price! While this is my first experience with aFe products, I've heard they are top of the line, without having to shell out a grip of cash on a similar product like K&N.
* Utilizes a dry filter element, not sure if this is really that big of a deal, but at least you're not having to oil it down when you clean the filter.
* Pretty easy to install once you've removed all the stock equipment. Install instructions could have been better. I seem to recall it referencing a part from the stock setup that needed to be installed on the aftermarket setup that I simply did not have.
* Slight gains in fuel economy. Mine went up by a rough average of 1.5 MPG.
* Comes with some other little treats, like a Takeda key chain, 2 stickers, license plate frame and a discount card for accessories purchased from the manufacturer.
Con's:
* A little ill-fitting; but may be what you have to live with if you're choosing a short RAM v. a long RAM.
* Some noise generates at certain RPM's/gears.
* Might produce a little less torque off the line than I expected, in combination with an after market exhaust system, this might be a non-issue.
Overall, for the budget-minded modder, not a bad choice. I don't regret the purchase, just wish it fit a little better.
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aFe TR-4101P Takeda Cold Air Intake System
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