what's the plastic sheilds purpose in front of the stock snorkel...I know it's to direct the air flow into the box, but if you look around there's no holes around it to let mass air in...I just removed mine to see if it helps take in more air from underneathe...

 

are you referring to the 2 plastic pieces that sit right in front of the radiator? if so... they arent meant to direct air into the "snorkel", they are meant to direct air into the raidiator AND snorkel.... there is a little open spot right next to the snorkel to allow air into it.. and the rest of the air is diverted to the radiator..... taking it out gives no advantages.... now the air from the front will just flow over the raidiator and into the engine bay where its useless... if mazda put it there, odds are, there was a reason...

 

the two angled plastic pieces...one behind the coolant overflow resevoir and the other angled below the intake hole...I took the one out below the intake...it looks like it's supposed to shoot the incomming air from underneathe...but there's only like 3 liitle holes at the end of it...it looks like it's blocking all the airflow...

 

If you stick your head below the place where the license plate is, you can see a half circle shaped piece of plastic. This is looks similar to a periscope. When the car is moving the air hits this "periscope" and is diverted into the radiator and air snorkel. Also when the hood is closed, I believe there is more plastic that routes the airflow.


Matt|ttaM