* Dynamometer Model:
Mustang AWD-500
* Testing And Installation:
Custom Performance Engineering
Pros
Although the Mazdaspeed6 shares the same 2.3L MZR power plant with the Speed3, its AWD puts that power to the pavement without the wheel-hop and torque steer of its FWD brother. Coupling Mazda's Active Torque-Split All-Wheel Drive with a turbo I4--producing 274 hp--puts it on par with previous generation STIs and EVOs. Its subtle exterior styling and up-market interior were a harbinger of things to come, reflecting a direction both Subaru and Mitsubishi took with their current flagships. It is a capable platform, worthy of standing alongside its more popular counterparts.
Cons
Only produced from '05 to '07, the Speed6's aftermarket offerings are limited, along with qualified shops that have the knowledge and experience needed to safely tune its notoriously temperamental ECU. Engineering downfalls include a plastic bypass valve that barely holds the factory boost, and motor mounts that are notoriously weak. Another nuance was that the turbo doesn't seal completely at idle, leading to small amounts of oil entering the exhaust system and making for some spectacular smoke effects.
Notes
The Speed6's direct-injected engine is gifted with ample power in the low-mid range, but falls short after 5,200 rpm. This may be great for a short traffic-light rumble, but to compete with the big boys it needs some high-revving muscle. Modifying the Speed6 can be challenging thanks to the powerful but cryptic ECU programming.
Pros
Gains of 30 hp and 46 lb-ft of torque were not surprising, given the awkwardness of the factory air box. Still, large credit must be given to AEM's engineering team as both fitment and performance are near perfect. The increased power was immediately apparent behind the wheel, with no idle or ECU stumbling issues, making the intake one of the best bang-for-the-buck products for the Speed6.
Cons
Although fitment issues are nonexistent, the configuration of the engine bay makes it difficult to properly place and secure the inlet pipe.
Parts
Intake, filter, silicone hoses, hose clamps, nuts & bolts, license plate frame, stickers
Tools
10mm socket, ratchet and extension, flat- and Phillips-head screwdrivers, pliers
Installation Time
45 minutes
Notes
The use of a lift tremendously expedited our installation. Once under the chassis we removed the plastic panel from behind the driver-side wheel well, giving easy access to areas that would have been problematic working from above.
Shell V-Power
Helping Keep Your Engine "Gunk"-Free
Shell V-Power helps your engine function at its best to deliver the performance you want.
Using lower quality premium grade gasolines can allow carbon deposits and other "gunk" to build-up on intake valves and fuel injectors. This gunk can cause less efficient mixing of air and fuel, which can result in incomplete combustion. Translation? Lower performance. Not only does Shell V-Power prevent build-up, tests prove that Shell V-Power can remove gunk left behind by lower quality gasolines, keeping your motor running its best.
Today's engines are evolving and one technology at the forefront is direct fuel injection. With this system, the fuel injector is located directly inside the combustion chamber, subjecting the injector to intense heat and pressure. These conditions can result in a breakdown of cleaning agents in today's conventional additive formulations. New Nitrogen Enriched Shell V-Power, however, is designed to maintain thermal stability under extremely hot engine temperatures such as those found in most direct-injection vehicles.
With five times the amount of cleaning agents required by federal government standards, Shell V-Power cleans up engine gunk even faster than regular Shell gasoline, helping your engine maintain optimum performance both on the dyno, and off.
For more information about Shell V-Power, please visit www.shell.com/us/vpower.