VTCS Removal

[@riotpolizei3522]

4:28 Of all videos, I didn't expect to hear Navi from Zelda: Ocarina of Time in this one lmao That aside, thanks for the sweet vid! I'm planning on yanking an intake manifold from a P5 at the local junkyard to test this VTCS removal. If you do that, and couple it with an MP3 reflash, you can get about 10 horses extra on your car.

[@blk77sunshn]

As always. Great video, I was really curious about doing this modification and hadn't seen it actually done, I'm really impressed with your reminders for safety especially eye safety lots of people don't use glasses. And injure their eyes, well thanks again! Keep the great work!

[@colinpeddle]

Brother, your videos, presentation, and style are really nice. Really appreciate your clear explanations and thoroughness.

[@FiveFiveGarage]

Thanks bro! I appreciate it!

[@wonderboy005]

Fantastic video good sir. I just finished doing this as well as polishing the manifold and cleaning my valves. Now for the OCC and PCV plate. Then downpipe, exhaust, and CorkSport turbo.

[@FiveFiveGarage]

The downpipe is an exercise in patience but so worth it!

[@keuchen18x9]

Best channel for mazdaspeed content. Thank you for quality vids

[@farmonious420]

Another great vid. Thanks for the info. Just about to delete the vtcs in my speed 6. Keep up the good work.

[@attydaddy04]

Thank you! I really enjoy your videos and find them helpful!

[@shanemouton7606]

very solid video man and thanks for all the tips. i personally am trying to avoid monitors turned off and CEL so there goes my doing this but id not have known if not watching this. thank you again man

[@FiveFiveGarage]

Thanks for watching! Unfortunately with this car, when you go to add the fun parts, it throws CEL's, even with the Accessport.

[@shanemouton7606]

@@FiveFiveGarage very much true to a point. I am stage 3 currently, going bigger turbo and have a ton of bolt ons but vitally, no CEL - the reason this is vital is that i live in CA so any smog shop literally will not pass your car if there are any monitors turned off for any reason what so ever and, of course, many of your parts must be CARB EO approved. they will be much more prone to putting you under a microscope IF you have CELs and as such, I just can not have any... fuel pump, exhaust and some other parts that's are just supporting "safer mods" may not have carb eo approval but yet i will still pass as i did recently, any CEL or monitors turned off and id be toast... was about to do the corksport intake manifold which does not have the VCTS and that would have been a total no no from my perspective...

[@FiveFiveGarage]

There are ways to keep the VTCS solenoid functional (so it doesn't throw CEL's) without having it in the intake manifold. There was at some point a write-up or a thread about it on the old Mazdaspeeds forum, its in my notes somewhere. It can be done, just takes a bit of EE.

[@NewDemons666]

I can't wait to do this to my intake mani til I can afford an aftermarket. It looks like a fun process. Plus I get to carbon clean my intake mani with fire before slapping it on the built motor 😜

[@BAT-man...]

You forgot to dremel away the VTCS rod bump in the smaller Cyl 1 runner. This should help remediate some of the flow imbalance of the stock IM.

[@FiveFiveGarage]

That is a good point. When I replaced my injector seals (didn't record a video) I took the time to clean it up. I might do a follow up video to this in the future where I remove the VTCS from a different manifold and show some of the port cleanup tricks.

[@LuisMartinez-kx6uz]

you my friend got my sub 🤙i always wonderd wat people used to block thoes holes

[@Mapl3Ic3]

What's the point in blocking off the hole you stuffed with JB Weld? Does the rubber plug not suffice? What happens if it isnt plugged?

[@FiveFiveGarage]

The plug should suffice, but I didn't want ANY boost leaks. The JB Weld helped ensure it would be as airtight as possible. Anything you can do to help mitigate boost leaks is worth it.

[@Mapl3Ic3]

@@FiveFiveGarage I appreciate the insight man, just did this on my Speed6 and JB welded the hole. Definitely can tell a difference in the top end👍

[@bryanwalsh999]

Randy I love your vids. So helpful dude. Best channel for the MS3 imo. I just bought a 07 which was super cheap and in fantastic shape. Just high miles and throwing cel. Random misfire. Removed head which is at the machine shop now for a complete overhaul and valve job, Ported and polished the intake and removed the VTCS. Will also be installing a new exhaust manifold. Tuner will use my COBB to tune the new set up. I had a question on cold start and idle as I am also deleteing the EGR and installing a oil catch can. I know it has a rough idle after deleting the VTCS but saw another guy using a different start up sequence by depressing the gas pedal about a 1/2 inch before starting and then releasing it as soon as it fires which he claims and demonstrated making it idle well on cold start. Have you tried this? Does it work? And also, have you had any issue's with it driving in colder temps bypassing the throttle body coolant llines? I want to do that and am hoping in Nashville where I live that our milder winters compared to yours will be ok to bypass it reducing intake temps.

[@FiveFiveGarage]

Yeah that works, if you have neighbors that don't like loud popping noises I recommend using it. My neighbors are used to it now I guess 😄 I haven't had any issues with the TB bypass, but as it gets too cold, I drive my TrailBlazer and don't drive the Speed during the winter. I have the bypass and a thermal insulating gasket, and I haven't had any issues and it is going on 3 years now since I did these mods.

[@bryanwalsh4674]

@@FiveFiveGarage thanks Randy. I also am installing the thermal intake and throttle body gaskets as well. Hopefully the reassembly goes smooth and we can get a decent tune in there. Dying to drive it rather than my big Ram 1500.

[@FiveFiveGarage]

I know how that feels. I drive my Trailblazer during the winter, I miss driving my Speed 😞

[@Smazes]

Great video my dude! May have to do this! I broke the little tab on the vtcs trying to get the head off for the head gasket i am doing. pos pry bars... lmao

[@FiveFiveGarage]

Oofs LOL! Yeah if you broke the tab, there isn't a way to get a replacement, well other than buying another manifold. Do it!

[@maxrosario3235]

Easy fix bro

[@Xlorntabis]

Hi Randy, happy to report with the help of your videos I have cleaned my valves, deleted my egr, bypassed my coolant, and have sent my injectors off for servicing and have the corksport seals for when they get back. Also installed the Damond PCV plate and the OCC. Whew! So ready to get the injectors back and get everything buttoned up. I had a question on the VTCS removal since I am waiting on my injectors and thinking I could knock this out while I wait. I live in AL where we don't get really cold weather very often, but the speed is my daily driver. Wondering if you ever experienced any downsides to doing the vtcs delete or if you'd recommend if for my situation? Thank you!

[@FiveFiveGarage]

The only downsides I have experienced is the rough cold starts, but other than that no issues. If you are planning on going big turbo down the line, might as well knock it out now.

[@AlanBarratt802Vt]

Great vid but will the delete cause cel code

[@FiveFiveGarage]

Yep. You can keep the vtcs solenoid on the car and that might keep the code from popping up. Pretty much anything you do modding wise to this car makes a CEL ... 😆

[@brravo6938]

Great video. My q is.. is it really necessary to do this? Im going BT on my mazda 6 mps. Should i do this to

[@FiveFiveGarage]

If you are going BT, I would definitely consider it. If you want to get the maximum potential from your setup, you are going to want to remove as much airflow restriction as you can. I would recommend a port cleanup/polish as well to the intake (I should have done it to mine when I had it apart) to help the air flow in the manifold.

[@Reed_0024]

Great vids my dude. content is very helpful for people looking to mod their ms3. Did you ever port an polish this intake mani? Might as well while its removed and the VTCS is removed. If anything I would recommend removed the Nub in Cylnder 4 =) .

[@FiveFiveGarage]

I was. But I got sidetracked with a different idea. I was looking at the Damond Motorsports ST manifold kit for the MS3.

[@Reed_0024]

They are a very nice product! Make a vid bc they are fantastic!

[@FiveFiveGarage]

Damond Motorsports makes great stuff, I am really pleased with what I have bought so far, just have to find room in the budget!

[@Reed_0024]

Ha i hear you. i have had my ms3 for 5 year, i have not stopped putting parts on it and modding it.. who needs a budget anyway haha.

[@COYOTE_N8]

How did it turn out. I just did this to a manifold I bought and ported and polished it. Waiting for my base map retune from PD to put it on. Also switching over to e40 so hoping for some decent gains

[@FiveFiveGarage]

It turned out great, if I were to do it again (I have another manifold) I would port and polish it, the stock casting has some flash. E40 should get you some solid gains!

[@zaidsyed8025]

Hey, great vid and awesome content, I know I'm 2 years late but on the intake after removing the bar, didn't the holes between the cylinder port still have there holes and how did this impact since air can now go through the holes or did you seal thoughs to? I want to do mine aswel and was wondering how or if it effect the mod in any way.

[@FiveFiveGarage]

No effect. I have seen people plug them, I have seen people run them unplugged, there is really no difference.

[@vinnycicalese5585]

Im worried about the exact thing

[@frankm201]

Would this work on a non speed removing the flappers? Does it throw a code?

[@FiveFiveGarage]

It does throw a code if you remove the VTCS solenoid. I wouldn't recommend it for a non Speed 3. The little amount of airflow that a naturally aspirated car would gain wouldn't be worth the work involved. If you were going to turbo, I would recommend the Damond Motorsports kit that uses the Focus ST intake.

[@spolo123]

@@FiveFiveGarage You would get I think P2009 maybe

[@jimmykimball9290]

Thanks for the video just did mine

[@alexpedroza872]

I’m About to clean my intake valves and I’m planning on removing the flaps as well. I just finished tuning with PD tuning for 93 and E30, would you recommend getting a touch up tune after the removal? I wouldn’t really mind the CEL light but would it make my car run any different?

[@FiveFiveGarage]

It shouldn't be necessary to get a touch up tune. Keep an eye on AFR's and maybe log for a day or two and look for any issues.

[@willyhawley]

do you have a video of putting the manifold back?

[@FiveFiveGarage]

Yep. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqu3iZmXgqaMY7c its the Thermal Intake Gasket video.

[@willyhawley]

Five Five Garage i’m also redoing the vtcs but i need help putting the black plastic that sits right on top of the manifold

[@FiveFiveGarage]

The black box? That gets connected to vacuum. I removed it from mine, since I deleted VTCS I didn't need it.

[@ByCrail]

Do I need a tune for this?

[@FiveFiveGarage]

No. You will get a CEL from removing the solenoid though.

[@randywaters8298]

Hello & Thanks for this video. I was considering reinstalling the intake manifold runner shaft w/o the plates so as to to retain some turbulence below 3500rpm, but more so to aid in cold start warmup. How does that sound? Has anyone done this with good results? Best Regards.

[@FiveFiveGarage]

I can't say that I remember anyone keeping that shaft. I don't see why it couldn't be done though.

[@jimmy4993]

Bit late to the party but I have 2004 MSM and it won't start cold. Have to prime and crank a few times first then runs fine. Bee trying to diagnose a few things but maybe this is it?

[@FiveFiveGarage]

Probably not, I would check some other things first. Like injectors, fuel filter, etc

[@RakmanHD]

The car threw a p0421 after doing this… How do I get this tuned out?

[@FiveFiveGarage]

That code is for the catalytic converter. Check the cat, check your upstream o2 sensor.

[@KGua7845]

What did you do with the black vtcs box on top of the intake manifold?

[@FiveFiveGarage]

+Kurtis G Removed it. Plugged the hole in the intake with JB Weld.

[@KGua7845]

Five Five Garage aren't there some vacuum lines that run to it?

[@FiveFiveGarage]

There is the one line that goes to from the vacuum regulator to the VTCS solenoid (some people keep the solenoid, I removed it). The other vacuum line is from the regulator to the electrical connection. The actual vacuum port is covered by the regulator (the one you end up plugging). When you remove the regulator (black box), it takes all the lines with it. Leaving just the one port in the intake manifold to plug.

[@FirstGenSpeed3]

Hey man was wondering if there could be any correlation between me having the vtcs code and the car throwing running rich codes as you said the vtcs affects the afr

[@FiveFiveGarage]

If it stuck closed, it chokes off a lot of airflow, what codes are you getting?

[@FirstGenSpeed3]

Five Five Garage p2178 p2188 which is running rich on idle and off idle and then the vtcs code which is p2006

[@FiveFiveGarage]

It *could* be that the VTCS solenoid is stuck closed, or the rod that the solenoid pushes on has a plastic piece on the end that has failed. That plastic piece has been known to crack and/or break. So the solenoid might be doing its job, but the plastic piece on the end of the rod no longer allows it to function properly. There is no replacement part # for that rod/plastic combo, if it is broken/damaged, you have to replace the entire intake manifold or just remove it. You can visually check it and see if it is still connected before tearing into anything. I found a post on the mazdaspeed forum that might help you out: www.mazdaspeedforums.org/forum/f293/now-what-p2006-196060/ It also includes a possible fix that might help you out!

[@Mrbacky55]

Will this cause a car to not run because mine didn’t after I did this

[@FiveFiveGarage]

No. It will still run. Check all your connections and vacuum lines.

[@Eggbert823]

Back when mazdapseedforums was around they had a relay trick that was able to bypass the CEL. I found the link for it but since its down can't find any info about it. I just need it to get the car to pass smog. Anyone have any more info on that?

[@FiveFiveGarage]

You could try using the wayback machine site since you have the link and see if you can pull up a cached version of the page. Good luck!

[@alfonsomolina9143]

hello I have 1.8 engine mazda protege e.s. and I want to modified my engine and replease the intake manifold with a nother manifold and I need emvice a lot

[@FiveFiveGarage]

It took me a minute to respond to this because I had to do some research. The 1.8L in the Protege is very similar to the 95-97 1.8L in the Miata, truthfully is is almost the exact same motor. The differences are that since the 1.8L in the Miata is mounted longitudinally (front to back instead of sideways), the intake manifolds face the wrong way to be used on a Protege. You could probably modify/fab something up to make it work, but that is a lot of time and money. I have searched and cannot find an aftermarket intake manifold for the Protege. But I did learn that 99-00 Miata cams can be used in the 90-98 Protege 1.8L and they make more power than the stock Protege cams, you will need to switch the HLA's for solid lifters. You are probably going to have to port and polish the stock intake to make power, though.

[@alfonsomolina9143]

@@FiveFiveGarage thank you I found manifold modifiel on mazdaspeed protege could be possible to work on my 1,8 engine ether way think ain gonna look for mazdaspeed engine and do swap thank you so much

[@pitbulltrainingandmotorcyc1658]

What about the holes 🕳 between the channels for each tuner itself ?

[@FiveFiveGarage]

You know I never really thought about it. The air can't escape when you plug the ends, the holes between the ports are in the manifold so there isnt a chance for a leak. When I pull my intake back off I will ask my machinist about it.

[@Bc-um9qx]

Ok awesome I appreciate it I just fucked mine up so I’m deleting it would like to find a way to not throw a code lol 😂

[@FiveFiveGarage]

I've seen people keep the VTCS solenoid connected and and somehow have it read operational so it doesnt throw a code. I always said I would figure it out but never did! Guess that is something to figure out over the winter.

[@Bc-um9qx]

That’s what I did I loooped the vacuum line kept the thing plugged in and stamped them out of the way 😂👌 I’ll let you know after I’m done with cleaning my valves if it throws a code

[@MattA-fi5qe]

@@FiveFiveGarage did you ever find out if blocking those holes between the ports is needed?

[@TMERUNNR]

#noisyneighbors errrrrr....Thank you for this Quality Video, appreciate your work.

[@JackBurton871]

Sounds like it will be time for a bigger turbo soon :-)

[@FiveFiveGarage]

That's the plan!

[@JackBurton871]

I created a spreadsheet to help another who was going with the CorkSport turbo for the most cost effective way to do it. If you want to see it I can DM you the link. Are you on the mazda forum? mazdaspeeds.org/

[@FiveFiveGarage]

You can hit me up via DM.

[@franciscorios2129]

After the vtcs deleted do you plug in back the plugs or leave them unplugged?

[@FiveFiveGarage]

I left mine unplugged. I knew it was going to throw a code.

[@mr.donuts1261]

im sure its obvious and once somone says it ill realize i know what it is but what does he mean by ATR software?

[@FiveFiveGarage]

Back when I did this, you used to be able to download the Accessport Tuner Race (ATR) software for free from Cobb, which you could use to make your own tunes/change settings. That software is no longer available for free.

[@amguitarman]

Do you have to adjust your tune at all after this delete?

[@FiveFiveGarage]

No, but your cold starts will be a bit rough. The engine will stumble and pop for a few seconds then it settles down.

[@mikef058]

Does this trigger any codes/Check Engine Light?

[@mikef058]

Ok, you answered this at the end. Thanks!

[@FiveFiveGarage]

I am getting close to the end of this series, so close to buttoning up my car so I can go zoom-zoom!!!

[@javilamaravilla]

does my Car hasa VTCS? 2005 Mazda 3 i. No mazdaspeed or anything.

[@FiveFiveGarage]

I am not for sure. I know the earlier engines had something called VICS, but that wasn't the same.

[@MS3ZACK]

You never got a rough idle on cold start when deleting the vtcs ? I just did and I have a rough cold start . I’ve read a lot of people saying their idle is rough once deleting vtcs.

[@FiveFiveGarage]

I do when I first start it in the morning, goes away after a few seconds. I did this mod over two years and have gotten used to it, through a 3" exhaust, I dont think my neighbors appreciate the sound of it as much as I do!

[@colinas_hitman2424]

I have 07 speed 3 with a cst4 turbo u think i need to remove my vtcs

[@ChevyCruizer]

Can you tell me how you got your ATR software? I am a member of the Mazdaspeed Forum and the link I find there is dead>

[@FiveFiveGarage]

I got it back when it was free, when I first got the car. Now I think you have to take the tuner course from Cobb to get access to it (and $150).

[@KDShufflers]

Does anyone know if you need a tune after doing the VTCS delete?

[@FiveFiveGarage]

No. There is no tune for it.

[@Tonysbucketseat]

You feel a difference after you did this??

[@FiveFiveGarage]

The gains are minimal unless you are going to upgrade to a bigger turbo (I am). If the VTCS solenoid is stuck closed, it will make a big difference.

[@FeFranValencia]

😯😯😯

[@evannarvais]

Subbed

[@roberlzc]

What gen speed

[@FiveFiveGarage]

Genpu. I have a 2010 Celestial Blue.

[@DSweervo]

mazda3s had plastic ones, remove them for more power ☺️

[@ghosthawk3103]

was it easy to remove?

[@tyronenur2373]

I fucking broke this shit trying to take off my intake manifold smh

[@FiveFiveGarage]

That is how I ended up removing mine!

[@kwbalance108]

Subbed