Hi all. I just received and installed a VIP intake combo kit on my 2011 (See the attached pictures). I pulled the trigger on the combo kit because I dig the way it looks, you save $50 plus shipping on buying both together, and I needed to satisfy my need to dump some money in to my ride First impressions are that this kit LOOKS pretty impressive and the fitment of the parts and their quality is VERY good. The intake tube (AIR VIP 802) didn't make a ton of difference in the sound department by itself, but with the addition of the open element kit (AIR VIP 802.5), the motor growl is much more appreciated. I can't say that I feel any notable increases from a power perspective, and will update on the MPG increase/decrease when I have that data.

One of my concerns, however, is a notable increase in air temperature going through the intake (measurements via Dash Command app and OBDII wi-fi reader). I was running in the neighborhood of 20-30 degrees above ambient with stock setup. On my first commute with the AIR VIP system installed, ambient was around 60 degrees and intake temp reached 125 degrees at points during my drive. While this was in stop and go traffic with little to no airflow through the engine compartment, all of my previous (stock) measurements were taken on the same commute under similar conditions.

Anyone else running this or similar intake systems (with open element) and seeing the same results? Should I even be concerned with the drastic change in intake air temp or stop looking at the darn phone the whole time I'm driving?

The alternative I am considering is going back to the stock airbox with a drop-in (K&N or the like) and leaving the AIR VIP tube in place of the resonator. But, I really do like the looks and sound of the whole combo. Kinda torn. Any thoughts/help is greatly appreciated!!! Thanks all!!

 

Heat soak will result in decrease of power.
I had the DDM before, which is also "open" (it sucks the air from the back the engine bay), but the performance was terrible in hot weather. Especially in stop and go traffic.
Having said that, it works great during winter time.

I've moved on to using the stock intake with an aFe filter. No unwanted heat soaking to worry about.

 

I have had one on mine for about 2 years. No issues or loss of power noted.

 

Increase intake air temps result in reduced hp. The rule of thumb when I was in the Miata world was that an increase of 5.5 degrees in intake temp resulted in a 1% hp loss.