It's not difficult once you figure it out the first time. First release the two latches on the front of the air box. Then, slowly lift up the front and slide the top of the airbox toward the front of the car. That will release it, as the back side has three tabs that slide into slots of the bottom housing. At the point, the whole airbox top section lifts up for easy access to the filter.
To re-install, drop the filter, then point the back side of the filter housing down to where you can slide the tabs in the back into the slots then drop the front side down and latch it.

 

please post your observations after JBR install, any MPG difference or sound difference , does the car rev more freely ?

 

Perhaps I can chime in on this one. I've installed the JBR filter about a week ago in my 2.0L. As far as sound... don't expect the induction noise from a SRI or CAI... it sounds exactly the same as stock. Gas mileage = no difference... or maybe it's because I have been beating on it a little more so the mpg benefits are nullified. What I did notice though is that when hitting the gas at low rpms, the car doesn't take as much time to pick up speed so since I am a lazy shifter at times it became quite handy haha. Besides this, no other benefits except you'll never have to replace the filter. Hope this helps.

 

Anyone install this in a 2.5? I know the 2.5 has a deeper low RPM bellow - wondering if this air filter does anything (I'm being hopeful).

Although it does sound nice that lower RPM takeoffs are easier - I sit in traffic and need to get from 5-70 really fast to get into the toll lane, so this would help me a lot.

Edit - Bought one anyways, if no one has experience w/ the 2.5 I'll test it out myself

 

I'm going to be pulling the trigger on the JBR on probably today, but is there any reason that you went with that one over the AEM one? JBR says they co-produced it with K&N (who ownes AEM) and the AEM one is a bit less expensive. Not sure if there is a difference...

 

JBR is oil free
and i believe AEM/ K&N filters, you would have to add oil every now and then.

 

Iv'e had the JBR in my 2.5 sGT for a few weeks. Can't tell much difference in noise but the low end throttle response is improved. Haven't noticed and MPG difference either way. Hope this helps.

 

Anything from a 55$ replacement is good to me! I ordered mine last night and it already shipped. Not too shabby for free shipping.
@SMS2884 did you end up figuring it out?

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The stock box will kill and intake sounds. But I have been looking at getting a k&n filter. The JBR ones seem good but I know k&n work vary well and cleaning and oiling isn't that big of a issue. Though not to sounds better

 

Got mine today, was a very easy install. Apparently JBR 'Free' shipping is really 2 day USPS!

It's funny - one thing that I did notice when swapping the air filters out, is that the Mazda OEM has a rubber separator in the middle, and on the bottom it signifies "left" and "right". The JBR air filter got rid of this, and just that alone probably increased air flow.

Stock OEM:

JBR:

 

Got mines in yesterday, popped it in after work around 1 am and took it for a drive. Definitely do feel a some better response in the lower rpm range, didn't really push it so can't comment on higher rpm range.