Weapon-R Intake Problems

[00Polar]

I recently purchased my first Miata (2000 Base) and it came with a cobbled together Cold Air Intake. It was all well done and properly braced and assembled. It is made from a Weapon-R crossover tube and a K&N cone filter.

Everywhere that I look, the Weapon-R has a disastrous reputation, is hugely frowned upon, and should be replaced immediately! But the only complaints that I can find are that they often don't include all of the pieces in the box and that the filter falls off. ALOT! I have not had these problems, my filter cone is a K&N and seems to fit well. I know that the aluminum tubing can become heat soaked and I know that the filter cone is right next to the exhaust. But I figure that heat wrapping the intake tube and addressing the header with wrap or ceramic can alleviate some of this.

Are there any other problems that I should know about on this setup, or should I just leave it alone? I do not have the OEM intake setup, this is the way the car came. Should I not worry about it, or should I seek out an OEM setup? Any opinions?

[Stealth97]

I had one and it was a waste of $200. It did not fit properly and dented my hood... then later the air filter melted. If it fits, leave it alone, maybee make a heat shield.

Aftermarket intakes for Miatas are all pretty much crap. I run a monster flow tube, with a silicone 45 to tuck it right behind the headlight. It’s been my experience nothing out of the box really works well.

[00Polar]

Yeah, I read that about the Weapon-R and others. Maybe his filter melted and that's why he swapped it to a K&N. He did install it well and I have no fitment or rubbing issues.

I'll be getting a header soon. Either a Racing Beat or an 01-05 OEM. If I get the RB, I'll get it ceramic coated. If I get the 01-05, I will install the OEM shield. I might get it ceramic coated as well. Maybe that will help. We'll see.

[sharkythesharkdogg]

Independent testing has shown that where the Miata picks up its air is one of the coolest places under the hood. So that Weapon-R isn't doing you any favors. It just makes a nice noise.

There's a few intakes, like this one, that have potential to move the air filter to a colder location. Even with this one might be compromised by getting heat soaked where it sits over the radiator.

[kung fu jesus]

If you need a 99-00 stock intake, I have one. I don't have the airbox.

[00Polar]

Independent testing has shown that where the Miata picks up its air is one of the coolest places under the hood. So that Weapon-R isn't doing you any favors. It just makes a nice noise.

There's a few intakes, like this one, that have potential to move the air filter to a colder location. Even with this one might be compromised by getting heat soaked where it sits over the radiator.

I have never seen the factory airbox in person, but in pics, it looks like it is the same location as the Weapon R.

I may try casting a new one in carbon fiber this winter. I picked up some scotchcast last week. I just need to get some carbon sleeve and a vacuum pump...

[Blake]

That is the best Miata interior Ive ever seen. What did you use to mount the afr gauge?