High Quality Product with Anticipated Results
Purchased this Injen intake for my '02 2.0L 5-speed manual Protege ES, which is a whip-smart car in stock form. Stock intake design is great for low- to mid-range punch and makes for a fun car in day-to-day traffic. Naturally, engine is not as willing to rev past 4000-4500. This intake fixes that upper range willingness and the engine now sweeps effortlessly up the tach--so smoothly and drama-free it's uncanny. 1st gear leaves, feather-light on/off throttle work--what we do much of in normal city and commuter traffic, is night and day smoother than with the stock intake setup. I have read in several places that there is also a modest (to whatever degree) fuel economy bump, which I certainly appreciate in a car that's rated for 31 mpg highway, a number that is a little too close to several potent V8 cars I've owned. I will need more time to ascertain any fuel economy gains, even here in winter. The car honestly does not have the immediate punch (low-end torque) it used to. I anticipated this (knowing the trade-off), even if I hoped that it wouldn't be noticeable. It is up to me to adjust and drive the upper 2/3 of the rev range as a new norm or go back to driving the lower 2/3 of the rev range. Willingness to rev, a fun sound, and greatly improved driving manners or a punchy personality with semi-off-putting manners (that would probably benefit from a stiffer upper motor mount to quell the super soft stock mount's lack of 'authority' to manage). Tough choice, and one that will need to be made after I run this around some twisty mountain roads. I had an older '98 Protege that I did an intake on and enjoyed, so this may be a low-key College Days Pt 2. As far as packaging goes, Injen does top notch stuff. They did miss drilling a 3/4" hole for a sensor, but I was able to rectify that. Really appreciated Elite Race Fab for having this intake in the grown-up color of (textured) black. Great looking piece. And for the best price (unit + shipping combined). So, thank you!