how did you get the stock elbow off? i have the upper right bolt off, but the lower left is impossible to get too...

i even unbolted the bracket thats in the way, but i cant get that out without removing the tb elbow!!

ive checked the fsm and they dont even show the bracket on there (its the tmic bracket)

anyone whos taken the tb elbow off, please PLEASE let me know how!

thanks!

 

I would just remove the UIM

It's really easy once you've done it.

the 5 bolts to the IUM
Then undo the vac lines
Then the nut on the TB cap to the frame.

You might be able to get away with leaving the Vac lines on and just lifcting the UIM up a few inches.

 

so i guess i should call mazda and get that gasket

 

better to have one on hand just in case it cracks while lifting the UIM off.

 

also , i took the intercooler off (obviously), do any of the IC bolts double as UIM bolts? i dont remember where the long one came from

 

no...there are 4 "small" bolts for the intercooler...but none double as manifold bolts

 

the long one goes into the center of the UIM, screwing into the oposite side of the LIM that the bolts screw onto, it's pretty easy to find.