I veiw the orings as a poor design, and always advise the use of freeze plugs when installing an aftermarket intake that doesn't have the water passages. Just an added security item, in my mind.
I know why Mazda used the water passages in the intake, but it could have been designed a little better. Those orings tend to leak far too often.
The reasoning behind the heated intake is not only to help prevent carb icing in colder climates, but the warmer air/fuel mixture is supposed to give a more complete burn. Great for reducing emmissions, but not so great for maximizing the power.
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