Ramair Pleated Induction Kit Review - for Mazda MX-5 1.6 & 1.8 NB

The Mazda MX-5 NB is a car that doesn't really need much to make it more enjoyable. It's light, relatively simple and rewards small changes that make the driving experience a little more engaging.

With that in mind, I decided to replace the standard airbox on our Splash Green 1.8 VVT NB with the Ramair Performance Pleated Induction Kit.

Ramair produces this kit specifically for the 1.6 and 1.8-litre NB, replacing the factory intake arrangement with a black powder-coated intake pipe, heat shield, silicone couplers and Ramair's pleated synthetic nano-fibre filter.

The question is whether it's actually worthwhile on a naturally aspirated MX-5. I opted for the pleated air filter however, Ramair do also offer a foam filter with this kit.

What's included?

The kit is nicely put together.

You get:

• Ramair pleated air filter

• Black powder-coated intake pipe

• Black powder-coated heat shield

• Silicone elbow and coupler

• Fitting hardware

• Installation instructions

The components have a good quality feel to them, and the black finish works particularly well in the NB's engine bay.

Installation

Installation is relatively straightforward for anyone comfortable working on their MX-5.

The kit is supplied with the required hardware and instructions, and doesn't require any major permanent modification to the car, so the option is always there to return the car to OEM spec if required.

I spent around 2 hours fitting the kit and that's including taking out the stock filtration set up and cleaning the engine bay once the stock components had been removed.

So, does it make the MX-5 faster?

This is where it's worth being realistic.

I wouldn't buy this kit expecting a dramatic horsepower increase.

The MX-5's naturally aspirated engine isn't suddenly going to gain 15 or 20 horsepower from an intake alone. There are plenty of claims surrounding aftermarket induction systems, but without before and after dyno testing on the same car, it's impossible to put a meaningful horsepower figure on the difference.

What you can notice is the change in the way the engine feels and sounds.

And that's really where this kit makes sense.

The induction sound

This is probably my favourite part of the modification.

The standard MX-5 intake is relatively subdued. Once the Ramair is fitted, the engine has a much more pronounced intake note when you start opening the throttle. It gives the car a more purposeful sound and a low growl as the engine revs up. It certainly makes the car more enjoyable to drive than the stock set up. The sound is addictive.

Throttle response

Ramair claims improved throttle response with the kit, and this is one area where expectations should remain sensible.

It's not night-and-day.

However, the combination of the intake and the change in induction character makes the engine feel a little more eager when you're getting into the throttle.

On an MX-5, where part of the enjoyment comes from actually working the engine and using the rev range, even small changes like this can make the car more enjoyable.

What about heat?

This is something worth considering with any open-style intake on a naturally aspirated engine.

The factory Mazda intake system was designed with temperature and airflow considerations in mind, so simply fitting an exposed filter isn't automatically an improvement.

That's why I like the fact that the Ramair kit includes a dedicated powder-coated heat shield rather than leaving the filter completely exposed in the engine bay and this forces the filter to draw in cooler air.

Is it worth it?

Yes, If you understand what you're buying.

If your only objective is maximum horsepower per pound spent, an induction kit probably isn't going to be the first modification I'd recommend.

But if you want:

• A better-looking engine bay

• More induction noise

• A sharper-feeling throttle

• A quality replacement for the factory intake

• A relatively straightforward DIY modification

then the Ramair kit makes a lot of sense.

There are also plenty of positive owner reports around the kit. Current customer reviews on the NB version are overwhelmingly positive, with owners particularly mentioning the straightforward installation, quality and value.

Ramair Performance Pleated Induction Kit

Mazda MX-5 NB 1.6 & 1.8

Build quality: ★★★★★
Ease of installation: ★★★★☆
Sound: ★★★★★
Throttle response: ★★★★☆
Performance gains: ★★★☆☆
Value: ★★★★☆

Overall: 4.5/5

The Ramair pleated induction kit is a good example of the sort of modification that suits the MX-5 and it's well made. The all black finish makes it easy to tie in with the rest of the engine bay as well, unlike some of the other kits available that come with stainless/chrome pipes. These don't always fit with certain build styles/themes.

It's not going to transform the car into a completely different machine, and I wouldn't make exaggerated horsepower claims about it.

Instead, it makes the engine bay look better, gives the engine a much nicer induction note and adds another layer of involvement to an already enjoyable car.

For an NB that's being built around OEM+ upgrades and making the most of what Mazda gave it, it's a modification I'd happily recommend.

SGM verdict: Worth doing.