So let me just start out by saying, I don't think you're going to gain any power from replacing the intake pipe.

That being said, some people like a louder engine note that comes with aftermarket intakes.


I like the OEM filter/airbox/scoop setup and I don't want to change that, but I would like to hear the engine a little more. After a little searching, it looks like this intake pipe for the 2UZ would fit perfectly and look discrete.

Airaid 510-781/511-781


My only concern is if there would be any loss by removing the resonator. On the Miatas, I remember there being a dyno sheet showing a couple of ft/lb loss in the midrange when you remove the Helmholtz resonator. However, on all the "joe z" intake pipe threads for ISFs and other lexus vehicles on this forum, it looks like the general consensus is that the intake pipe makes no discernable difference in terms of performance, it's just a matter of sound/appearance.

Does anyone have any experience/insight/dyno sheets?

 

well, I think I may have answered my own question shortly after posting this. I just found this on Planet Soarer:
http://planetsoarer.com/resonator/resonator.html

It reaffirms the testing the Miata guys did with their setup, the resonator plays a functional role in optimum performance, not just sound.

Looks like sticking with the stock pipe is the way to go.