[Kracka]

Mazda put a ton of R&D into the hood ducting to keep air flowing to the top-mount; its not the ideal setup, but they wanted to stay away from the boy-racer look of the EVO/STi with the big wings and scoops. They heatsoak on the dyno since the car is stationary, but on the highway at speed it should be pretty effective.

Allan, definitely look into those MazdaSpeed intake and exhaust setups, I think those are both fairly large restrictions (especially the exhaust) resulting in the "doggier" 4-6 gears.