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2016

  1. XD Induction Hose R&D, Part 1: Design Plans

    XD Induction Hose R&D, Part 1: Design Plans

    We're on a roll with new Titan XD project development! In addition to our plans for improving the factory intake, we have decided to implement an upgrade that is simple and awesome. What we'd like to do here is develop a silicone intake hose that will replace the factory intake tube.

    The factory intake tube is a well-designed piece, but it has room for improvement. For instance, we can increase the volume of air that flows through the tube, which will only benefit this 5.0L Cummins turbo diesel. The factory piece will be comparatively restrictive in size when compared with our planned design.

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  2. The Civic Has Boost! - Intake R&D, Part 2: Prototype Development

    The Civic Has Boost! - Intake R&D, Part 2: Prototype Development

    We are moving along with the intake project! Last time, we talked about the stock system and our goals for this project. Now, we will show you our process for assembling a prototype that we can test and analyze results from. Let's jump right in!

    Once our engineers finalize a design, the proposed idea gets modeled in 3D modeling software. The next step is to make the idea a physical reality. We have an awesome machine called a waterjet that can cut almost anything with pinpoint accuracy using a mixture of high pressure water and abrasive material. We upload our design to the waterjet through computer software, "telling" it exactly what we want to cut. The machine takes care of the rest! We just sit back and watch as our prototype gets crafted out of a big sheet of any metal we place inside the machine - in this case, steel.

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  3. Prototype Fitment - Catch Can R&D, Part 2

    Prototype Fitment - Catch Can R&D, Part 2

    We are moving fast with this project! We have now talked about the differences and significance between two types of fuel injection, evaluated the stock system and began designing a bracket with our neat waterjet. We have also dived into the specifics of how our catch can works. Now, we have a working prototype that we have mounted onto our loaner Civic.

    We decided to go ahead and use the open space right behind passenger side of the motor that would conveniently place our catch can around the PCV ports. This will lighten any complexities in the hose routing.

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    Area where we will place prototype Civic catch can

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  4. Final Prototype Installed - ND Miata Intake, Part 5

    Final Prototype Installed - ND Miata Intake, Part 5

    As we finally round the end of the long and arduous testing and data collection process, it's time to test the fitment of the final prototype to ensure there are no issues before we kick off full-scale production. A lot of effort has gone into designing and engineering this kit, and it has been rewarding to see this project finally come together.

    There were some minor changes and cool feature additions that will make this kit unique. Take a look at some images below.

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    Prototype Miata intake box

    After we pieced together the rest of the box, we cleaned it up with some fresh paint and added a neat feature that will help with cooling. Right underneath the front of the box, you can see an angled plate that has been attached. This plate acts as

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  5. Prototype Sound Clips - ND Miata Intake, Part 3

    Prototype Sound Clips - ND Miata Intake, Part 3

    We want to be absolutely sure we are designing an intake that will provide what the MX-5 enthusiasts crave from such a product - sound, throttle response, looks, and of course, driving feel and performance.

    Our prototype is still in the testing process so we do not have dyno results quite yet. Instead, to hold everyone over till our next, more substantial update, we have some sound clips of the prototype being tested on our Dynapack. Keep in mind, this is just a prototype and does not feature any finalized production-quality components. We just wanted to give our readers a quick peek into what is going on behind the scenes.

    In the clip below, we have a short sound comparison of the stock intake vs. our prototype. The airbox lid is removed so you can clearly hear the sound. Some of the footage may look familiar, as it

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  6. Mazda Miata ND Oil Cooler R&D, Part 3: Initial Data Collection

    Mazda Miata ND Oil Cooler R&D, Part 3: Initial Data Collection

    Interested in purchasing our new ND Miata direct-fit oil cooler kit? Check out our product page linked below!

    Mishimoto Mazda Miata Oil Cooler Kit!

    The most exciting part of product design happens during the final stages. Product testing reveals any flaws in the design and also provides insight into possible adjustments for enhanced performance. In addition, testing validates our existing design and makes all our efforts well worth the time spent. So far, our team is having a great time developing new ND Miata parts.

    Our ND Miata oil cooler kit will be no different. Since the stock vehicle with SkyActiv technology does not include a factory oil cooler system, we expect to see some pretty big decreases in fluid temperatures. On to testing the Miata oil cooler!

    Testing Conditions and Instruments

    As we noted in the conclusion of our last segment,

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  7. ND Miata Catch Can R&D, Part 2: Bracket Construction

    ND Miata Catch Can R&D, Part 2: Bracket Construction

    Interested in purchasing our new ND Miata catch can system? Check out our product page linked below!

    Mishimoto Mazda Miata Baffled Oil Catch Can Kit!

    In our first segment, we removed all components within the 2.0L intake system to evaluate oil contamination. Our findings indicated that a reasonable amount of oil was making its way into the intake manifold through the PCV system. Not only was this coating the manifold, it was producing buildup on the valves themselves. A catch can install is an easy way to slow this progress, which is exactly what we will be working on for the ND.

    Catch Can

    For the ND, and all our existing direct-fit kits, we will be utilizing our compact baffled oil catch can. This component has proven to be extremely effective at separating oil/fuel byproduct in numerous applications.

    This catch can has numerous features that

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  8. ND Miata Oil Cooler R&D, Part 2: Bracket Completion and Sandwich Plate Details

    ND Miata Oil Cooler R&D, Part 2: Bracket Completion and Sandwich Plate Details

    Interested in purchasing our new ND Miata direct-fit oil cooler kit? Check out our product page linked below!

    Mishimoto Mazda Miata Oil Cooler Kit!

    Not long ago we posted some initial details regarding plans for our direct-fit Miata oil cooler solution. We've been hard at work on our design, with hopes that our end product will provide optimal oil temperatures for track junkies.

    Final Bracket Design

    Last time, we constructed two mounting brackets for our kit. We prefer three mounting points for optimal rigidity. This Miata oil cooler is going to see quite a bit of airflow, so we want to ensure the cooler mounts can handle this force. Below is a shot of our third bracket, which ties into the passenger side of the radiator support.

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  9. ND Miata Catch Can R&D, Part 1: Evaluation of PCV System

    ND Miata Catch Can R&D, Part 1: Evaluation of PCV System

    Interested in purchasing our new ND Miata catch can system? Check out our product page linked below!

    Mishimoto Mazda Miata Baffled Oil Catch Can Kit!

    If you've been keeping an eye on our blog or posts on the forums, you would notice some recent attention on ND Miata R&D. We have big goals to improve air inhalation for the 2.0L by way of a high-flow intake system, and we are knee deep in an awesome oil cooler setup, which will keep fluid temperatures in-check during track driving. Although this project might not be as neat in terms of testing data and added performance, it is equally important.

    Why a Catch Can?

    Catch cans and direct injection go together like Miatas and R-comps. You might not think you need it, but once installed, you won't want it removed. We've been designing direct-fit catch can systems for quite some time, for a variety

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  10. Stock System Review - ND Miata Intake, Part 1

    Stock System Review - ND Miata Intake, Part 1

    If you read our blog, you'll remember a short while ago that we did a quick dyno test on a brand-new, fully stock 2016 Miata ND. That's not all we had planned for this little roadster. We put our Engineers to work on upgraded intake. Take a look behind the scenes and follow our progress as we bring our intake design to life.

    Mazda has pulled out all the stops for this brand-new MX-5. Auto manufacturers rarely make the next generation in a specific vehicle line lighter in weight. With the rapid increase in advances in technology and the demand for more safety features in new vehicles, there is little doubt that the next generation of a model will be heavier. Not the case here! The current US-released version of this 2016 Miata ND has a curb weight of around 2,332 lb. Compared to the previous-generation NC that weighed around 2,498 lb, this model has shed

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