Custom Exhaust/Intake

I would like to do a custom exhaust and intake kit on 3i w/2.0L engine. I read online somewhere, that in front of the stock intake there is something called and 'Air Guard' where the vent is to pull in air. The person that found it, removed it and added the aftermarket intake, to get that extra air pushed into filter. Does anyone know if this is actually something on the car or not. On the exhaust side, does anyone know the length from the outlet of catalytic converter to the inlet of the muffler and is there any bends or is it just straight pipe. Thanks.

Don't know about the intake, but I know the exhaust isn't straight back. Next time I have my car on a lift I'll take a pic of my Mazdaspeed exhaust for you.

There is an 'Air Guard' in the front of the left wheel well right next where the cone filter of the CAI would go. i wouldnt remove it though because it keeps a lot of dirt and water from contaminating the filter.

Thanks for the info on the exhaust. I dont really want alot of bends/curves in my new pipe so I will see if the muffler shop can find a way to make it as straight as possible. Regarding the air guard, has anyone taken that off that you know of? I would imagine a possibility of modifying it so it will let more air pass thru without taking the whole thing our. I live in Az, not alot of water, but lots of dust to clog a filter.

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