[Nikolai]

Tried the search, didn't find much other than a GB thread on the DM unit (without much info despite quite a few sales), and some casual mentions in general threads of both units, often in reference to quelling turbo seal smoking issues.

So... I'm curious to get some better info. Would love to hear experiences from owners. Was the install straightforward? Before/after impressions, complications, maybe even some dyno's?

The DM is on sale for $129 shipped right now here, and the RPMC is $150 + shipping (about $10 to the DFW area), available here. Both look similar in construction, except the RPMC is marketed heavily on their site as being the "original, better product", something about it having some uber-important extra 45 deg. bend in it.

I'm doing light mods on my MS3, only have CAI in terms of power now, but would like to do inlet pipe, TMIC, possibly down pipe, and tune all with Cobb AP or similar in the future, and upgrade the fuel pump if needed. The inlet pipe seems like it should be next on my list, especially for the price. Plus, looks pretty plain in the engine bay if I need any warranty work in the next 18k before my powertrain warranty expires. Saw someone had claimed increase of 6.5hp/8tq with one of these.

Thanks in advanced!

 

[lucky sevens]

I have the Medieval TIP. Mine fit O.K. a little tweaking of hoses and all is well. I only paid ($99) so, I figured what the hell I'll give it a try. Darkstarmotorsports was also very good with customer service and dealing with me. I figure they all do the same job at whatever price you pay. You can argue about construction or which manufacturer is better but when all is said and done this one does the job. As far as actual HP gains, I don't know. Haven't seen any real dyno numbers on this part, I know that the air flow has to be better with the inlet pipe...

 

[Nikolai]

Ok, not sure why couldn't find in search, but found a few threads about the Cobb/CPE units. Also, seems ATP has one. Here's are a few links:

http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=135343.0
http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=134881.0
http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=135857.0
http://www.streetunit.com/ATP_Inlet_Pipe_Kit_Mazdaspeed_3_p/atp-ms3-003.htm

I think I'm stuck between the RPMC and Cobb units. I like the price on the Darkstar offering, but the install pics I've seen show it obviously needs the 45 deg coupling to match up to the intake correctly. I've not seen an install pic or review with this coupling. All else being equal, I like how the Cobb piece gradually transitions from 2.5" to 2", whereas the others use a relatively abrupt 2.5"-2" reducer. Thanks.

 

[alhope34]

I have the RPMC. Fits great, sounds great.

 

[sleeperstang1994]

i also have the RPMC. fit perfect, easy install, better sound, increased performance.....................prolly not :x, turbo spools better............maybe 250-350rpm earlier. Im definitly glad i got it. i know the silicone inlets of cobb and cpe are supposed to be better because they are not metal ........but IMO its cant make that much of a difference. good luck

 

[darkstarmotorsports]

[quote author=Nikolai link=topic=135909.msg2927002#msg2927002 date=1234293781]
Tried the search, didn't find much other than a GB thread on the DM unit (without much info despite quite a few sales), and some casual mentions in general threads of both units, often in reference to quelling turbo seal smoking issues.

So... I'm curious to get some better info. Would love to hear experiences from owners. Was the install straightforward? Before/after impressions, complications, maybe even some dyno's?

The DM is on sale for $129 shipped right now here, and the RPMC is $150 + shipping (about $10 to the DFW area), available here. Both look similar in construction, except the RPMC is marketed heavily on their site as being the "original, better product", something about it having some uber-important extra 45 deg. bend in it.

I'm doing light mods on my MS3, only have CAI in terms of power now, but would like to do inlet pipe, TMIC, possibly down pipe, and tune all with Cobb AP or similar in the future, and upgrade the fuel pump if needed. The inlet pipe seems like it should be next on my list, especially for the price. Plus, looks pretty plain in the engine bay if I need any warranty work in the next 18k before my powertrain warranty expires. Saw someone had claimed increase of 6.5hp/8tq with one of these.

Thanks in advanced!

[/quote]

I can't believe RPMC would even say something like that on their site!!!


The Inlet I offer is not actually my design, it's Medieval Motorsport's Inlet. And it's a Very well made piece, and the 2.5"-2" transition is not abrupt like a brick wall on a highway. It's also a gradually slow change, to insure tubelence is not increased as the air enters the turbo.

You really don't need a addtional 45 degree coupler for the inlet. It'll work fine with any after market CAI or SRI. But if you are really concerned about it. I can throw one (any color) in your order for additional $20 for a total of $149 shipped, which is still LOWER than RPMC.

 

[lucky sevens]

I think that people are getting confused, Medieval motor sports is the manufacturer. Darkstsarmotorsport is the vendor. I think most are making more of this part than it's worth. Yes, it helps open up the air intake/pre-turbo side of the system but, I think there has been a frenzy trying to get this part so it's created a market for manufacturer's to sell it to us, period. None of the parts we have access to are any better than the other IMO. They all do the SAME thing, so spend more if you like but your not going to get any better gains than what I got from the Medieval TIP deal @ the GB I purchased mine for. Mine does the job. Argue all you want RE: who made it, R&D, material, it doesn't matter. This part is over rated as far as what it does. The frenzy we create in this market helps the manufacturer decide what to spend time on and ultimately our $$$ for their gains. I'm as guilty as the next, I get caught up in it as well. As soon as the market is flooded this part will become a moot point because someone will start designing the next big "MOD" we all have to have... and once again here we go. Got to love it. :ring:

 

[Nymisus]

I got the RPMC on the group buy and other than my hands getting in the way during the install it was really easy. I don't know anything about the other ones but they all look the same, just like alot of other mods that are available. I think whichever you get a better deal on you should take it. Whichever you get will be WAY better than the plastic piece that is currently on there.

 

[Nikolai]

[quote author=lucky sevens link=topic=135909.msg2941732#msg2941732 date=1234842773]
I think that people are getting confused, Medieval motor sports is the manufacturer. Darkstsarmotorsport is the vendor.

The frenzy we create in this market helps the manufacturer decide what to spend time on and ultimately our $$$ for their gains. I'm as guilty as the next, I get caught up in it as well. As soon as the market is flooded this part will become a moot point because someone will start designing the next big "MOD" we all have to have... and once again here we go.
[/quote]

Thanks for clearing up who actually makes it. I do agree, this is the "next new thing" for our cars, hence some of the hype and demand right now. All the same, along with some of the SRI's and test pipes out there, it's one of the cheapest power mods available for the MS3, shows consistent gains throughout the RPM range, quicker spooling, and all with arguably the least driveability consequences, not to mention people really enjoy the added acoustics these are reported to provide... Thus IMHO the good market for it; It's simply a good product.

I personally went with the Cobb piece. I liked the gradual 2.5"-2" transition through the overall length, the compliance and durability of reinforced silicone, and the excellent fitment users have reported (and is evident in installed pics). None of the others, although agreed all decent products, offer all these features. Price was competitive, though not the cheapest @ $165 OTD via SU. Great service, shipped free the same day (Friday) and should arrive tomorrow. It's my first power mod since my MSCAI ~30k miles ago, so I'm pretty excited.

Next up but likely after powertrain warranty is up in 17k: TMIC, CDFP internals, Cobb AP, and CS test pipe. Shooting for a reliable ~280-300whp.