BLKTOPTRVL

I recently started experiencing higher than normal boost. I decided to take it easy on the go pedal until I get the profec b installed.

Last week, I took a 1600 mile trip. A quarter of the way into the trip I noticed an air escaping sound at 10 pounds.

It continued through the rest of the trip (stopping at times to look for boost or exhaust leaks) and by the time I got home. Max boost was limited to 8 lbs and above 3 pounds the sound was like a small jet engine.

Another way to describe the sound would be to say that it makes me think of an air compressor that had the hose suddenly blow off.

So, I opened the hood, and removed the intake hose between the secondary turbo (?) and the air-filter and the smaller hose next to it and there it was. (I jammed a screw-driver into the hole to emphasize for the camera.)



I was lucky that the rip was facing the right front, otherwise, I might have had to do some more disassembly.

So, the question becomes, do I just replace this y-pipe hose with a Mazda part, or do I replace them all with a hard-pipe kit?

Does anyone know the price from Mazda?

Is there any advantage to the hard replacement set other than less of a chance of another rip?

Does anyone regret their purchase of the hard-pipe set?

CCarlisi

Personally I would get an Efini Y-pipe rather than replace the coupler with another. I had the same problem and replaced mine with a silicon coupler. It hasn't ripped, but the crossover pipe pops out every now and then because the coupler is not as stiff as the stock piece. As an added bonus the Efini Pipe is more efficient than the stock us pipe. A friend of mine, who I consider to be a reliable source, picked up 15 rwhp on the dyno by installing an efini Y-pipe.

BLKTOPTRVL

I can see why silicone would keep poping out. Y-Pipe gives 15? That is tempting.

Thanks, I'll have to look a lottle harder at this.

duboisr

THE bolt on y pipe is good ,BUT 15 HP increase . Wow wow wow. Show me please so I will know if some one ask. My mechanic has one on his car and does advise customers to use them. Fifteen hp seem high to him and I . More info please ..

evot23

iTrader: (17)

15 hp from a y-pipe would be awesome. Haven't seen that one before, more info would be nice.

That area is a pretty common place for a boost leak. Especially once you have some miles on the car, that area doesn't seal as good.

Glad you found it. 1600 miles is a long way with poor boost.

DRAG0NEER

why do you need a new y-pipe when all you need is some silicone couplers????

evot23

iTrader: (17)

Even silicone couplers have a tendency to leak over time. Y-pipe provides better flow and a better seal.

Thats not to say silicone couplers won't do the job but with the Y-pipe you won't have to worry about tightening them or having them pop off.

BLKTOPTRVL

I am actually leaning toward getting an OEM part from Mazda. The first one lasted 93K miles and if the second only lasted 50K I would still be happy.

If as CCarlisi says, the silicone has a tendancy to pop off I see no real reason to make the switch. On the other hand, if the Efini does flow well enough to generate another 10 HP, then it might be worth the money/trouble. I just need to find some confirmation.

maxpesce

Not only does the newer (Efini) Pipe flow MUCH better and eliminate the possibility of the coupler blowing out. It can be POLISHED for added BLING BLING in the engine compartment.

Check this pic of mine w/ my polished AST from SpooledUp7
https://www.rx7club.com/photo/showph...t=7&thecat=500

Also I think mazda credits the new Y pipe design w/ 15 (iirc) of the 25 FWHP increase (255>280) in power for later model FDs

BATMAN

hey man whats up... that is one of the most common parts in a FD.. in my personal experience ... that break.. i broke mine under 5 pounds of boost. i will take some pics of the new 3mm Silicon Hose that replaces that. its a flex hose..and can hold a hell alot more boost. .. and looks nice at the same time

as far as y-pipe.. why do it if your gonna go single.?
seems sorta useless to me.

but i will take pics tomm of the hose and post it up

BLKTOPTRVL

Single? Who? Not me, no interest.

mp5

iTrader: (3)

Happened to me after driving the car home after buying it ,scared me to death,turned out the coupler had popped off after some 100 mph jaunts.
Just go and get some silicone couplers. They grip better and you wont feel bad about giving Mazda 50 bucks for a piece of rubber pipe!

BLKTOPTRVL

You are the first to say that they grip Better. Is this your first FD? How long have you had it? On what basis do you think they are better than the OEM?

mp5

iTrader: (3)

Assuming you dont change your Y pipe and thats fine if you dont ,the stock plastic Y pipe and rubber coupler would occasionally come off under boost on my car.

So it was more a case of grip ,or lack thereof.
I had a split too and had to replace them and I remember Mazda wanted $50 each!!

So a good Fd mechanic who was going through the whole car suggested silicone couplers and it was cheaper longer lasting and a bit of dress up as well to boot.
Btw first FD.

DamonB

I race my car several times a month along with daily driving while running 11 psi. I use the stock plastic crossover tube but use silicone turbo hose from Baker Precision along with better clamps. I have absolutely never had the couplers blow off or split. No issues whatsoever in 2 years of hard use.

LAracer

why not just get the efini and never have to worry about it again. $200 is worth the peace-of-mind.

Shinobi-X

The less couplers under the hood, the better...

actionhank

Thats kinda my thought. I have the Y-pipe and im much happier. I figure I dont have to worry about it comming apart now, while with the couplers, you might.

BLKTOPTRVL

Thanks for the info. I am actually starting to lean toward the y-pipe now. The thought being that if the crossover pipe has a tendancy to crack too. Them that makes the price of the new y-pipe only 150 over the straight OEM replacement.

I'd still like to know if anyone else has confirmation on 10-15 hp.

BLKTOPTRVL

Where did you see $200. Best I have seen so far is $225. (Every little bit helps.)

Kento

If you don't wanna spend the dosh for an Efini y-pipe, I've got a set of high quality silicone replacement hoses that replace all the rubber couplers for $100. All you need are a couple of good screw/locknut clamps (not hose clamps; the screw/locknut clamps are available at most auto parts stores) to fasten them down.

I never had them blow off in two years of hard driving. Unlike the stockers that blew a hole in less than a year.

rpm_pwr

Finally I think I understand all this stuff. When you say efini y-pipe you're actually refer to the x-over pipe and not the y-pipe that couples the turbos am I correct? Because your photo shows a polished x-over pipe, and the two I have here are not y-shaped, but the couplers are!

-pete

maxpesce

The Efini "Y pipe setup replaces BOTH the Crossover pipe AND the "Y" pipe. The new design has much less restriction in than the old setup. In addition it uses a bolted flange connection between the "Y" and the Crossover in place of the rubber coupler & hose clamps of the old setup.

Vintage Red Touring

I've had the efini Y-pipe for a few years now, and I recommend it. not sure about any/how much hp gains it provides, but the peace of mind is well worth the $$.

Installation isn't too bad either!

good luck

LAracer

Sorry, guess I meant roughly $200 .