I.L. Motorsport
Racing Beat Intake

RACINGBEAT ELBOW INTAKE 90-93 1.6

[4/6/2008] Reviewed by: genesis - tagoylo@yahoo.com

Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.6 liter

RACING BEAT INTAKE FOR THE 1.6 MIATA KNN Filter,cast polish elbow tube

I bought for 205 bucks @ravenwingperformance,delivery was a day late not bad for the money,i should have bought this first instead of the RB 4-1headers,i expected more sound effects from the intake at idle hoping to hear that vacuum leak that everyone is talking about here,i can only here it at full throttle performance wise i believe what Racing beat said about the 6hp increase,The less restriction starts to pay off around4200 rpm to redline Throttle response is nice,i can notice my second gear improving after installed the intake.Racing beat intake,4-1headers is nothing earth shattering like a turbo or a supercharger,but its definitely an improvment from stock especially on a cold day,Expect 10hp

Not bad for the price,The quality of the intake is above good,hp increase is not bad,i chose this over the RandalCowl because of the throttle response, carb legal And to avoid cutting the firewall its a hassle.I think Randal is more consistent with inhaling colder air but if your going all motor power you need as much hp as you can get with bolt on stuff,And it was worth loosing my strut bar ,I will submit a new review shortly after i install the racing beat powerpulse muffler.Thank you for reading

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


Racing Beat High Flow Intake

[6/16/2007] Reviewed by: nauticar

Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.8 liter

If you're reading this then you'll know how it looks like. I got it used, but the intake tube still looks new.

I bought this ONLY to have a nicer sound ('nicer' being more throaty). The intake meets my expectations. Setup is very easy since I dont have a shock tower brace or cruise control. Increase in pickup or hp? I dont know, my opinion is if there was any increase in pickup or responsiveness, it's probably perceived. Racing Beat claims there is an increase in hp - great!

If you really want to know how this intake will sound, just take off the bottom part of your stock airbox, turn the upper part make the air filter face sideways away from the header shields (you gotta find your own way to tie the filter up so that it doesnt fall off-I used zip ties) and drive around. From my experience, if I drove normally, ie accelerate gently, I can't hear any major difference in engine sound over my previous stock setup. At WOT however, its more bassy, a little hollow, and generally throatier. Above 3.5K, it sounds sporty...try out the mod above to get an idea of how it will more or less sound like.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


Racing Beat High Flow Intake

[3/14/2007] Reviewed by: Kevin

Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.8 liter

Racing Beat High Flow intake w/cruise relocation kit for '94-'95

Easy to install, even for a mechanical Luddite like myself. The cruise control was a little bit of a hassle but no unwanted surprises happened during the install. Mounts needed to be bent a little for the hood to shut completely, but other than that, it fits great. Car seems more eager to accelerate, but the big bonus is the sound; it's like my little car got a testosterone injection! Big bassy roar at WOT, tiny little hissy sucking sound at idle. Nice.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


Racing Beat High Flow Intake

[4/15/2006] Reviewed by: Mark Lowrie - mark.lowrie@sympatico.ca

Applicable to: '99 + 1.8 liter

Cast 90 degree elbow and K&N high flow filter. Looks great installed but if you have a strut tower brace, you HAVE to buy the Racing Beat adapter or your strut tower brace will have to go.

There is a sequence to install this item and reading the installation instructions didn't make it clear. Now that I have done it, it all makes sense. I would be faster the next time

Works as advertised. Car seems to have more power and I LOVE the sound. I combined it with the carbon fiber shield and am waiting for hotter weather to see if that makes a difference. Would recommend this product and the company that sold it to me, Raven Wing Performance.

Over 30 minutes to remove completely


Racing Beat Highflow Intake

[2/12/2006] Reviewed by: Chuck Styles - chucksty@yahoo.com

Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.6 liter

Higflow Intake kit with U-tube, K&N Air Filter, and brackets

Definite improvement in acceleration from about 3500RPM and up. Definitely louder at full throttle, but sounds good.

Install is a little harder than expected. Make sure you release the spring clips on the MAF plug when you attempt to remove it. Watch for the small rectangular gasket that is included withthe MAF plug, don't forgrt the gasket I almost did. The instructions say you will have to slightly bend the brackets, turns out it is alot more than slightly. The holes to mount to the chassis were too small for the stock mounting bolts, I had to drill them out to 5/16". The centers for the holes to the chassis were off by about 1-1/2" (too small). It seems best to bend the lower bracket before you mount the upper bracket, that way you can match hole centers by bending more easily. Do Not close your hood until you are sure the assembly clears the hood framing, mine did not. This required adding another bend in the back leg of the bracket, while maintaing the correct centers. I did that bend with a block of hardwood and a small sledge hammer. Having said all that I would buy it again. Noticable increase in performance and it sounds cool

Over 30 minutes to remove completely


Racing Beat Intake

[12/30/2003] Reviewed by: Karl Reiff - devilbanjo@netzero.com

Applicable to: '99 + 1.8 liter

Racing Beat high flow K&N style intake

It was easy to install. A novice mechanic should not have any problems with this product. Fit and finish were above what I expected for the price. Performance is in the eye of the beholder as it's main benifit/drawback is increased noise. Not a bad noise as it does produce a throaty note, personally I like to be as far beneath the radar as possible. Performance might be gained in the upper revs, I feel as though it loses something in the bottom. If I could turn back time, I would look for a cowl/cold air intake system.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


Racing Beat Intake with RSpeed Strut Tower Brace

[9/25/2003] Reviewed by: Chris Ohland - cohland@yahoo.com

Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.8 liter

Racing Beat High Flow Air Inlet Assembly with an RSpeed Strut Tower Brace.

Excellent Fit and Finish

This was installed in a '97 Miata without power steering or cruise control. The installation itself is a breeze. There is one fitting problem with the STB, and that is that the nut that holds the "Z" bracket to the shock mount stud does not have much purchase, meaning that all of the threads do not contact the stud. There's no room for a lock washer or for the nylon in a lock nut to begin to take hold on the stud, though. This could be a problem and will bear watching, but it does fit and tighten on well. The other problem is going to be one of serviceability: in order to remove the STB I'm going to pretty well have to remove or at least seriously loosen up the entire RB High Flow Air Inlet Assembly. Once the STB is installed the RB intake goes on easily, but there's really no access room left to get to the nuts and bolts on the STB mounts. At least getting the RB intake off won't be much of a problem, and it's not as if I remove the STB that much.

Over 30 minutes to remove completely


Racing Beat High Flow Intake

[7/30/2003] Reviewed by: Denis Bustin - miatauniverse@yahoo.com

Applicable to: '90 - '97

U-shaped air intake with K&N filter

Excellent. My Miata is a '94 (needed to reposition cruise control to install the intake).

I am not used to working on cars but found this relatively easy to install with a friend (extra hands helped). The greates difficulty is in repositioning the cruise control. I tucked it in under the intake -- hope I did it right. The brackets need to be adjusted a bit to bolt things on. Performance: It seems to give a nice little boost to acceleration in 2nd and 3rd gear at the 4000-6000 rpm range. As mentioned in other reviews, a great growling sound when accelerating hard. Definitely worth it and makes car more fun to drive. Installation was fun too -- not too complicated even for a novice. I got mine used but was able to get instructions and an extra bracket from Racing Beat. They were very prompt and helpful.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


Racing Beat Intake

[7/3/2003] Reviewed by: Scott Lelievre - scottl@cape.com

Applicable to: '99 + 1.8 liter

This is the RB intake with the cast aluminum elbow and cone filter.

Not very happy. because this sits right near the exhaust manifold heat is a major problem. When sitting at traffic lights with the AC on the engine bay air becomes super hot. The Aluminum elbow gets severly heat soaked at the same time. Everything gets so hot that when I start from a stop on hot days my engine will knock badly. I am in florida so the problem is worse of course. On a cold day it might add some power. On hot days I'm sure it subtracts power. I'm thinking that the air being hot enough to cause pinging can't be great for my engine either.

If you live in a hot climate I would avoid this intake. The monsterflow with a cold air box might be a better setup.

Over 30 minutes to remove completely


[1/9/2003] Reviewed by: Kurt Wong - miata_roadster@hotmail.com

Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.6 liter

Racing Beat High Flow Intake 1.6L (no cruise control)

I purchase my intake system from GoMiata.com, they were very quick on the delivery (took 5 days only). Installation was simple and basic. Racing Beat could've supplied better instructions but only a dumby would know how to do it. Also they could've supplied some extra screws because they were short on one nut, always good to have extras. Didn't recieve a CARB decal but GoMiata.com's Jake got right on it to Racing Beat. Overall the workmanship is pretty good but I would suggest that the intake elbow be more smoother inside for it to have a better flow of the air. Tested it and yes it does get rid of those lumps in the powerband after 3000rpms. The sound quality is beautiful, so beautiful it harms my clutch! In the end the money was well worth it for my first upgrade other than all redline fluids.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely

[4/28/2003] Update by: Kurt Wong - miata_roadster@hotmail.com

Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.6 liter

Consists of intake elbow, brackets, and good quality K&N Filter.

This a review on how it's gone for a 5 month period since I've got it on. It is worth the money if you want 1-3hp and a cool intake growl. But when it comes down to performance, there are better ones out there. I love it, but I'm so darn sick of the intake growl after like a month or so. It just gets borning. My eyes are on the randall cowl intake system sold by Flyinmiata. It's the one for the miata owners out there that want a intake system that can make the most power, but never makes the intake growl like other open element systems do. Overall since my purchase of this product it recieves an "A". Reasons are that it's cheap, looks somewhat good, makes power, and sounds cool for awhile till your sick or it. So I'd buy it again if I was given the oppurtunity. PS: I'm getting the Randall Cowl intake soon, and selling the RB one. Contact me at my email and i think I'll sell it for $100(maybe delivered).


[8/14/2002] Reviewed by: Anthony Pagano - ikozebasara@yahoo.com

Applicable to: '99 + 1.8 liter

Another quality Racing Beat product, very similar to the one I installed on my '90 Miata. Polished Aluminum intake elbow with K+N cone filter.

Arrived with all the necessary brackets and very clear instructions with pictures. Nice glossy paper too, so the pictures are very easy to see. Installs in place of the factory air box in about 30 minutes, retaining the stock MAF sensor and intake temp. sensor. No unexpected problems, except that the suggested routing for the wiring pulls it tight across the corner of the sharp bracket. I just drilled an extra hole in the supplied bracket and ran it that way.

Power gains were even better than in my '90. Immediate increase in power at 40-50% throttle. If you drive it lightly (who does?) than you can't even tell it's there. But put your foot down and you'll be greeted with a VERY nice intake growl and a kick in the pants your little 1.8 shouldn't be able to do. The sound is great, more of a low "Wooohhhhhppp" than a "zoooommm". I am waiting on a back ordered 4 into 1 header, race connecting pipe and dual tip muffler from Racing Beat, and I'll follow up with those next month. Great product, as always.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


[6/8/2002] Reviewed by: D Heronemus - dheronemus@hotmail.com

Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.8 liter

Racing Beat High Flow Intake (elbow with cone filter)

I installed a Racing Beat High Flow Intake on my '96 Miata last nite, I must say I was a big skeptic on intakes but I finally decided to buy one. After doing extensive research on different intakes I chose the Racing Beat High Flow (Randall Cowl was my first choice but I did not want to mess with cutting the firewall). Installation was fairly straightforward, although I did have to mount the support bracket below the shock tower nut instead of above it (you'll understand this once you have the intake). Also had to bend the long support brace extensively so that the intake would not interfere with the hood. Intake worked fine with my shock tower brace (sorry, don't remember the brand, its an inexpensive one with a 1/2 moon mounting bracket, the brace itself mounts to the bracket behind the shock tower) although I understand the this intake won't work with any brace on'93 and early Miatas.

The intake sounds beautiful, the car does seem to climb to redline quicker (more torque), irregardless it is more than worth the money just for the sound. Under normal driving you won't notice a difference but when you floor the throttle the deep growl it makes climbing to redline is priceless, (although not as loud as I was expecting). I do have a vacuum hum which can only be heard when the car isn't moving, but its not overly annoying. The intake coupled with my Borla exhaust and advanced timing (14 deg. BTDC) make this car noticeably quicker and much more fun to drive.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


[5/11/2002] Reviewed by: Eric Suchanek - suchanek@cinci.rr.com

Applicable to: '99 + 1.8 liter

Curved aluminum tube connecting the air sensor to a K&N filter.

Generally positive, but a simple design change would make installation easier.

The RacingBeat air intake has received generally postivie reviews. Mine was one of the 'bargain bin' items, but arrived looking as new. Installation was straightforward and the instructions were generally clear. However, I experienced the problem described by another reviewer. That is, the small 'oblong' bracket connecting the intake to the shock tower is too short. This results in the electrical connector being a bit 'bent' and the rubber gasket not fitting completely flush on the intake tube itself. Long-term this should be addressed. Initial impressions are positive. Hard acceleration results in a deep whooshing sound as the engine pulls through the new filter, and my SOP feels like a slight increase in power. Looks cool in the engine bay too.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


[5/3/2002] Reviewed by: Anonymous

Applicable to: '99 + 1.8 liter

Cast elbow intake with strut tower bracket replacement

Good but costly. The cast elbow was easy to install but attaching the obling metal thing "under?" the bracket. The trickiest part was putting the original bolts back onto the shock tower studs. It was very hard to work in such a tight area. I had to remove the windshield washer container in order to reinstall the rear shock tower bolt. (Can't use a rachet here...use a wrench even then you only have 1/5th of turn to work with at a time...so it will take some time!) Make sure that the bolt on the bottom of the elbow that holds the oblong metal brace is tighten after everything is done. other than that...Great quality unit..instructions could have been better. Performance? I think it is faster...definetly louder. Got it directly from Racing Beat. Great service but Costly for me cause I live in Canada and the Taxes and Brokage fee KILLED me! About 500 CDN spent. I would do it again though! Looks Great and sounds great.

Over 30 minutes to remove completely


[4/21/2002] Reviewed by: Greg Winters - gwint10@pacbell.net

Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.8 liter

Racing Beat High Flow Intake with K&N Permanent Filter, mounting brackets & fasteners, CARB certification sticker.

Installed the RB Intake by myself. Biggest problem was separating stock air box. Instructions were adequate. Had NO problem installing over Finsih Line Shock Tower Brace (modified nothing to make it happen). Filter fit is very tight and hood not quite happy with the filter's location. I am getting a hum at idle that is slightly annoying (will be rechecking the filter to horn fit and seal). WOT sound reminds me of my MOPAR days.

The RB Intake was the last mod I made after putting on a Jackson Racing cat-back exhaust and going to a Moss Motors 8.3 lb flywheel and Sachs clutch so the performance increase was hidden. The whole package really sings now. At 4200 RPM (with stock timing) it really comes alive and keeps getting better up to the governor.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


[4/11/2002] Reviewed by: Mike Franklin - wmf5@prodigy.net

Applicable to: '99 + 1.8 liter

Racing Beat's "High Flow Air Inlet".

Positive experience. Good product.

This is a good product. It is easy to install, it sounds great, and I did pick up a little more power in the mid range rpm. The intake system also fit very nicely with my "new" billet style "Freedom Design Strut Brace". It has been advertised by one known company that this brace would not fit with this intake system. I had know problems. My M2 is a 1999 LS with cruise control. My car does not have ABS. I wish Racing Beat would make the inside portion of the metal bracket atleast 1" longer. This part of the one piece bracket is where the relays bolt on. My relays used to hang straight and vertical. Unfortunately, I had to turn them slightly to the left to get them to fit. It does not look bad, but my wires now touch the chassis. In the stock position, they don't. Its not a big deal, but they could improve on that. I consider it to be a minor flaw. This intake is CARB certified. Something I think is important. Great Addition for the money.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


[11/16/2001] Reviewed by: Rene Valbuena - valbuena@ix.netcom.com

Applicable to: '99 + 1.8 liter

180 degrees curved aluminum air duct with K&N filter charger and metal mounting kit; and RB custom mount for the factory strut brace.

Can't wait to complement it with the new RoadsterSport Exhaust. But...

Instead of bolting the metal bracket on the fender/body, I used three layers of industrial-strength double adhesive tape and used a rubber bushing between the oblong metal strip bracket and the aluminum duct. This also allowed me to reposition the metal bracket some 3/4 to an inch forward to the front of the car to make more clearance between the air temperature sensor and the RB custom mount for the strut brace. Before, the sensor did not seat squarely on the rubber groumet because there was not enough clearance. The air duct was also touching the plastic container for the windshield washer. The shield can still be used. Invert the shield and secure it by 'sandwiching' it between the relays and the metal mounting bracket, bolting them on the same holes provided for on the bracket for the mounting of the relays. I have to shave off, however, the four small ridges straddling the mounting holes on the plastic shield.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


Racing Beat Intake

[11/1/2001] Reviewed by: Guy Thomas - gthomas@mail.pjsnet.com

Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.6 liter

Relatively inexpensive engine upgrade.

After installing my Greddy Power Extreme Exhaust, I was pretty unsatisfied with the power it produced. That is, until I bought my new Racing Beat Intake. After installation of my intake I could easily feel at least 10 extra horse power at 5000 rpm. The intake is very quiet in the lower RPM's, but when you step on it, a loud growl emits from the hood and the tach races between 5000 and 7000 in no time. You can't expect this kind of performance from just an intake or exhaust alone, but when you put the two together they sing.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


Racing Beat Intake

[10/6/2001] Reviewed by: Frank Esposito - fesposito@ix.netcom.com

Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.8 liter

Racing Beat High Flow Intake

My application of this product was on a 1996 1.8L. Product was generally easy to install. Some minor bending of the supplied brackets is need to position cruse control and intake correctly. I had been debating buying an intake for some time. I was thinking about the JR CAI, but i was not enthused about the location of the install. Seems that it would make an everyday driver hard to do maintenance on. I also considered the RSpeed monster flow. This one had the looks I wanted with polished intake and I felt the design with isolation box was a good one. Only thing is they do not sell it for M1 and since I had not read about anyone retrofitting an M2 version, I decided against it. After reading the many reviews posted here, the Racing Beat Intake seemed to be the best bang for the buck. After installing ant trying it out, I strongly agree. Sounds great too.

Fit and finish of the intake elbow are nice, but the brackets are lame given the cost of the product. Really just stamped steel. I guess they will do the trick, but they do not look so great. Luckily the massive elbow hides most of the hardware. This product does make a noticeable difference in throttle response and smoothness through the RPM range. Only downer on this product is that it makes installation of a shock tower brace nearly impossible. I read one review where the Moss brace fits with this intake. I will likely try this out soon.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


Racing Beat Intake and Tuned Header for 2001 Miata

[10/13/2001] Reviewed by: Carlos Piad - cpiad@gis.net

Applicable to: '99 + 1.8 liter

Intake: Aluminum mandrel bent tube with K&N cone filter. The MAF and the ITS fit perfectly. And it looks great. The Header: Tri-Y design ... ceramic coating .. looks great!

Had little problem with RB getting the right header. I overreacted. Jim Langer handled the problem and now I am delighted with RB. Great guys. Intake quality superb. Bracket fits dead on, just right flex and sturdiness anodized with "factory" finish. No interferences Install instructions super. The header is just as high a quality -- perhaps better than the intake. I can't wait to install it .. I'm headed down to the garage right now ... the lift is calling me! The instructions are clear as a bell. Top quality stuff. I'll be ordering everything else I can (JR-SS/IC, etc) as I go along to the goal of a 200 hp Miata. Thanks to Jim Langer and the Racing Beat professionals .. just give these guys a chance and they will delight you as a customer!

I highly recommend Racing Beat .. their products and their service!

Over 30 minutes to remove completely


Racing Beat High Flow Air Intake

[8/2/2001] Reviewed by: David Swinehart - David.Swinehart@Commercebank.com

Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.8 liter

Curved aluminum tube, brackets, and K&N high flow air filter.

The only tricky part we ran into was separating the stock airbox from the mass air flow sensor - the bolts took quite a bit of coaxing to come out. Once we got those two apart, the rest was a snap. The new unit sits JUST under the hood, so you have to be careful on your angles to avoid having the filter push up on the hood. I'm a gearhead, so the instructions were generally ignored, though they seemed to be well illustrated and concise.

I got this product from Finish Line Performance (and they're great to deal with), and coupled it with a Borla catback exhaust. It sounds HUGE, with plenty of roar above 3k RPM. At idle the sound is close to stock, but with a slight "sucking" sound from the engine bay (I say my car's breathing). Definite performance improvement.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


[7/5/2001] Reviewed by: Matt Daniels - matthew.daniels@excite.com

Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.8 liter

A 180 deg intake pipe with open-element K&N filter.

Easy install. Did it with a buddy, the extra hands definitely helped. The placement of the "long" bracket was a little weird at first, but then we figured it out. The pictures could have made that aspect of the install easier (maybe with illustrations.) The sound at WOT is great, nice throaty intake sound. I also am experiencing a slight metallic-low frequency hissing noise at idle in my '96, but it isn't too loud. The butt dyno reports that there is a slightly better throttle response, revs easier. Sounds EXCELLENT. Took about an hour to install.

I installed this on a box-stock 1.8 liter engine. I would imagine that coupled with a free flow exhaust this would significantly affect throttle response.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


[6/15/2001] Reviewed by: Howard Bronstein, Dr. How? - Bronins@pacbell.net

Applicable to: '99 + 1.8 liter

Aluminum elbow, K&N air filter & strut tower brace bracket. Installed on a 2001 LS with factory strut tower brace. Use of existing bolts, mass air meter, and wires.

I installed the air intake by removing the strut tower brace, the bracket arrived later. I then installed the bracket. The instructions were poor, once you have done this you can do it again easily. Better/larger/more photos would have helped. I stalled rubber washers wherever the unit was bolted to the car to isolate vibration and noise. I believe it works. This is a very good power mod/removable if need be to smog...(Calif. car) no carb legal exemption available yet from Racing Beat for cars after 1997, but they assure me they will certify this unit.

Check all bolts after a couple of weeks for tightness. The area to work in is tight at times and you may drop bolts into the engine bay...have a magnetic pick up handy. The intake provides for better all around throttle response, more power, the car is more eager to respond and climb in the rpms and there is an intake noise that is loud. It is good but it is a surprise and the car makes more noise than I like...telegraphing to everyone around when I have my foot in it. There is more torque. Relocation of the two relays that originally fit onto a plastic shield by bolts is a chore. These are for the a/c operation and required if you want a/c. I relocated them fashioning a new shield out of the existing one (plastic). When installing the bracket or the unit you must put everything in loosely cause you will find new and better ways to install & reroute wires with experience. I am sure Racing Beat will talk to you if you have problems, they have been responsive to deal with.

Over 30 minutes to remove completely


[6/6/2001] Reviewed by: Adam Kraynak - fungus2112@hotmail.com

Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.6 liter

I ordered the Racing Beat High Flow Intake for the 1.6 M1s last Tuesday, one week later it's here.

I installed it in under an hour with no problems, that's good news considering I am a mechanical novice. The pictures in the installation notes could have been clearer, but it was rather easy to figure out the install anyway.

After test driving it for about 20 minutes, I noticed a little more power at high rpms, nothing earth-shattering, but it really does sound good! Worth the money as far as I'm concerned! Also, I have not heard any hissing sound that others seem to notice, so I'm 100% satisfied with this product.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


[4/24/2001] Reviewed by: Bill Hetzel - bill.hetzel@mpct.com

Applicable to: '99 + 1.8 liter

Racing Beat's Cold Air Intake for M2. Cast aluminum elbow with K&N filter charger that replaces stock air box.

I was skeptical about the product from some of the earlier reviews, but I'm delighted to say that I can't imagine a better product for the M2. Racing Beat must have gotten their act together. It took about 30 minutes to install with great, detailed instructions (including pictures) from Racing Beat. The brackets are well thought out, a perfect fit and mount solidly. The engine compartment looks great and much less cluttered. The sound out the system at idle or cruising is just like stock, but when you're at WOT (at any RPM) there is a totally new, aggressive "song". I believe both torque and horsepower have increased as I now get rubber shifting from 1st to 2nd but even if there were no increase at all, the look is great and the sound (when you want it) is intoxicating.

It looks like OEM and is a great addition to the M2

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


[4/18/2001] Reviewed by: Gene Yoon - ejy2r@hotmail.com

Applicable to: '99 +

Racing Beat High Flow Air Intake

I think the sound is the biggest difference with this modification. I guess I can feel a bit more power at high gears but nothing to shout about. The sound of the miata is much more aggressive and it makes the engine soung bigger.

I hope this will not change the emissions on my M2. I'm about to move to California and I hope I won't have to put the stock filter and box back in. Once you get use to this product, you can't go back.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


[4/9/2001] Reviewed by: Jeremy Willard - jerm21@aol.com

Applicable to: '90 - '97

A 180 degree aluminum air intake with a K&N filter

After reading the many reviews about the various intakes available for the Miata I settled on the Racing Beat Model. I made this decision based on three main factors: price, looks, and most of all performance. I ordered the kit from Performance Buyers Club. I would like to state that this company is first rate. I received the package the day after I ordered it! I set out to install the intake on my 1993 B package Miata. The workmanship on Racing Beat’s intake was superb, all of the parts were well fabricated. BUT the instructions for the kit were poor. My brother, who is a mechanic, aided me in the install. I think that a single person could do the job, but having an extra set of hands helped out. It took us about 1.5 hours from start to finish, this was mainly due to the lack of good directions. If I had to do it again I could install the intake in about a half an hour max. Once the directions were deciphered though everything went together well.

It is a TIGHT fit, and I had some concerns with how close the intake comes to the shock tower, but there were no problems (i.e. rattles). Results: The intake looks great, it really adds a lot to the engine bay. As far as performance goes… I would say that the increase is subtle, but noticeable. The car feels like it runs to redline more freely. I could also feel the increase in pull in the mid to upper range of the engine. I would agree with the 3-4 HP gain. The sound that the intake produces is great. At idle there is no noticeable difference (I heard no hissing or the like). But when you get on it there is a nice deep growl… not unlike a Webber progressive two-barrel. >From what my research and my own experiences have told me the Racing Beat intake is the best intake on the market. The fact that the product is relatively inexpensive, is a bonus. I am very pleased with the product.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


[3/7/2001] Reviewed by: Ray Grunch - grunchr@hotmail.com

Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.8 liter

Racing Beat intake system.

The product was in a-1 condition with no flaws or missing parts. The price was right and after reading the reviews, I knew that I had to get one. The install was quite difficult; however, if I had to do it again, it would only take about thirty minutes. This is not a job for a novice. The instructions could have been written a little better and there also could have been more pictures at a higher resolution. The entire install was a knuckle-buster from the start. The biggest pain was getting the two z-brackets to stay where they should and getting them tightened while doing so. Moving the Cruise Control was also a hard job. If this is your first time, find a friend who has done this before.

I personally picked the product up at Racing Beat and they were very nice and helpful people!

Over 30 minutes to remove completely


[2/19/2001] Reviewed by: Mario Ginebra - ginebra@bigfoot.com

Applicable to: '99 + 1.8 liter

Aluminum elbow with K&N cone filter.

Relatively clear installation direction but the instructions are copied and the pictures are hard to make out. For the price it should have clear pictures.

Great sound! I love it. "Seat" dyno says it provide more top end power. I park in a parking garage and everyone thinks I have an exhaust system from the throaty sound the car makes. Did I say I loved it?

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


[11/17/2000] Reviewed by Tony Forcier - toenail2k@hotmail.com

Applicable to '90 - '97 1.6 liter

K+N cone filter, 180 degree cast elbow, mounting brackets.

Easy install for the mechanically inclined. Instructions a little vague. Some modification of supplied brakets required to install mine. Overall not too difficult.

Apex of the elbow wanted to contact brake line coming off master cylinder if mounted as instructed. Of the 2 mounting points on the bottom bracket I shimmed the rear one with a nut (1/2" thick) between the car and bracket to raise it up slightly. Worked like a charm. I had put on the Thermal cat back 2 weeks prior and noticed the difference. I bumped the timing 1 week before and noticed the difference. With intake installed it makes the 2 previous mods even better. Great aggressive growl above 4k. I recommend for any one modifying the exhaust. Not sure of benefits without doing exhaust first.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


[3/18/2000] Reviewed by Jeff Jacques - jeff_helen@prodigy.net

Applicable to '99 + 1.8 liter

Racing Beat Intake for M2, p/n 56502

Easily installed, though not quite up to same quality standard as R/B's Power Pulse muffler;

supplied bolts too long for drilled/tapped housing, supplied bracket does not work well for relocation of relays; however, great sound and performance when accompanied by the new muffler.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


[11/30/99] Reviewed by William P. Bailey, Sr. - VBFD18@pinn.net

Applicable to '90 - '97 1.8 liter

Elbow shaped intake with K&N Cone filter installed

Easy to read directions and a well made product. I enjoy the sound made by the intake when I go to WOT. I do not know about the HP claims but I did the timing bump, installed the intake and a Borla catback all at the same time. However, it does feel faster and much improved!

I would purchase this product again! It has made driving my Miata even more fun than before!

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


Racing Beat intake w/K&N Filtercharger

[9/14/99] Reviewed by: Kurt R. Dylan - krdylan@aol.com

Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.8 liter

180 degree cast elbow with a K&N Filtercharger

It is a very nice product and installs very eazy, but the sound at idle is a loud hissing/sucking sound, that is very annoying, at least that is how my 1997 sounds.

As for performance, my engine seems to run up to rpm's faster and it makes my Borla muffler sound deeper and more aggressive.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


Racing Beat Air Intake for M2

Reviewed by: Peter Dudley - pdudley@home.com

High flow air filter and aluminum elbow that replaces the stock air intake system of the M2.

Incredible sound- there is a much more aggressive growl especially under hard acceleration. Normal cruising is largely unaffected. Acceleration over 4000 rpm seems to be better, at the expense of low level torque (SOP observation). Racing Beat claims a 6 hp increase at the wheel, though I am not sure about that, I can notice the difference. I was thinking of upgrading my stereo, but now I often dont even turn it on; I love the intake sound! My gas mileage has suffered, but only because it seems the rpms are always above 4000 now! It really feels that the muffler is more restricting now with the increased flow- so I can't wait until Dan @ mroadster gets his catback system in production.

It really cleans up the engine bay. Good investment for some, but not worth it for *strickly* performance gains. I think its worth it for the modest performance gains, sound, and look, though.

For M1

Reviewed by: David McNett - nugget@slacker.com

Replacement Air Intake with K+N filter.

Product was installed into a 60,000 mile 1994 M Edition after many happy years of driving with normal air intake system. Other than some nice NKG plug wires from Roebuck and a timing bump to 14, this is the only performance upgrade on the car.

Instructions were sketchy at best, and the presence of cruise control complicated the install further, but we still managed to get everything bolted into place in about 45 minutes. If I had to do it again it'd be 15 minutes, I'm sure. Most of the time was spent figuriing out what to do, not actually doing it.

Performance gains are subtle, but noticeable, definately in the higher-RPMs. I was most surprised by the throaty growl that accompanies the increase in airflow. Under calm driving, there's no increase in volume, but wide open throttle is quite rewarding. This is definately a modification you'll notice on the freeway. City stop-n-go (unless you're drag racing) commuting is mostly unaffected.

I was missing the four screws that held the stock airbox together, so in true miataphile form I did the only prident thing and replaced the stock airbox with the Racing Beat. :) I'd buy another one if I had to, it's much fun, but I think the performacne benefit is overrated. Noticeable but not startling. Overall, I'm quite satisfied.

Under 30 minutes to remove completely


Reviewed by: John Baek - Jobkmar@aol.com

This kit includes a curved aluminum tube, K&N cone filter, brackets, and hardware.  Took about 40 miuntes. Instructions were very clear and simple. Though illustrations would have helped. You will need to relocate the cruise control if you have one.This kit includes a curved aluminum tube, K&N cone filter, brackets, and hardware.  Took about 40 miuntes. Instructions were very clear and simple. Though illustrations would have helped. You will need to relocate the cruise control if you have one.

Wow! Enginewise I started with no mods. With the Intake, I felt a significant change in engine performance. The car feels much more "willingly" to rev. There is definitely more to be felt at the upper RPM range and at higher speeds. The sound produced by the intake is very "sporty" and "aggressive." I can not vouch for a great hosrespower increase but about 2-3 hp increase sounds reasonable.

Visually, it enchances the engine greatly. The curved aluminum piece really stands out.

Best lookin intake this side of turbos and superchargers. Highly recommended!


Reviewed by: David Johnston - gt0840a@prism.gatech.edu

Air intake that sits behind driver side headlight

I never was really satified with the stock setup for the air intake, being serpentined next to the fender, so I decided to purchace the Racing Beat Intake. It is a nice unit with a 180 degree turn pointing the lifetime K&N filter right behind the headlight. Instructions weren't all that clear, but a little imagination makes it a 25-35 minute job. Increase in performance is noticable; probably a 7-8 HP gain. I love the way it growls when the throttle is wide open and it definitely helps between 3500-7000 RPM area. Coupled with a NACA lid and some TSI's, this unit would be a great idea for someone who isn't interested or have the funds to plunk down for a Super Charger or Turbo.


Reviewed by: Mark R. Haflich - jhaflich@erols.com

Replaces standard air filter and air filter box with a U pipe and permanent K&N type air filter. U pipe mounts the filter behind driver's side headlight and above TSI intake. Really opens up space in engine compartment.

Couples with a TSI intake and a free flowing exhaust the car ( a 1.8L 1994 M) seems to have about 7-8% more horsepower. Just a guess. The sound is really neat and one wants to floor it in second or third everytime it is safe to do so. I find myself winding the engine past 6500rpm all the time and it really starts to pull past 3000 rpm. I wonder what replacing it with a JR cold air induction would do. Clearly about three feet of intake pipe not eliminated by the Racing Beat system would be eliminated (ther black pipe across the fronnt of the engine) and the scoop of the JR would at high speeds preasurize the air somewhat. Any one out ther have any comparison to share about the two?

For about $170 highly recommended.


Reviewed by: Harry Berzes - harcort@primenet.com

Very high quality kit with a "U" shaped Cast Aluminum intake runner with a K&N cone filter element. Polished aluminum matches the cam covers and looks better than the black plastic CAI my friend has. 

Fairly quick 15' installation using one z clip and a bracket that mounts to existing chassis bolts. Not quite as easy an install as the Akimoto, I previously reviewed. The Z clip braces the intake to the shock tower which makes access to your adjustable shocks a problem. I would also expect that a strut brace cannot be used with this intake. Will make swapping to stock airbox a bigger pain when I Solo2 this puppy those 2 wknds each month.

Unlike the Akimoto which is bolted directly to the Mass airflow sensor, the aluminum duct 180's and allows potentially colder air to be picked up from just behind the headlight. My impression is that some of the missing bottom end torque is now present. Some intake noise, more bass sounding than the Aki whistle. Pulls hard from 3.5K to Redline. Worth twice the cost of the Akimoto?.....errrrrr, maybe not. But it sure looks pretty!


Reviewed by: Chris Gizinski - swamie@greenapple.com

Delivers an increase in horsepower and torque that you can feel. Easy to install, looks good.

Recommended for any Miata owner who is either not interested in or ready for forced induction (turbo or supercharger)


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15 June, 2010



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