VentPod Single Gauge Pod for Mazda 3 / Mazdaspeed 3
Item #: EHP-MZ3-VP
Status:
Discontinued
True performance drivers want to know exactly what is going on with their vehicle at all times, but much of this detailed information is typically only available through supplemental gauges. But at a minimum, adding an accessory gauge increases clutter and decreases visibility around the dashboard, and typically requires some form of cutting or drilling into your valuable vehicle.
The new VentPod Single Gauge Pod is cleverly designed to integrate in the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) vent of any Mazda 3 / Mazdaspeed 3. Installation is simple – just remove the HVAC air louvers by gently pulling outwards to remove. The VentPod then replaces these louvers with no cutting, drilling, or trimming required. Installation takes only a few minutes.
Those concerned that the VentPod will obstruct the air through the system can rest assured that there is no significant loss of air flow for the cooling and heating functions.
The VentPod will fit any standard 2-1/16 inch (52mm) gauge. The unit is low profile and designed to match the interior of the vehicle.
Pictured gauge is not included.
NOTE: This product is a direct fit for the Gen 1 only. It can be made to fit the Gen 2 with minor modifications, as detailed here.
Stock-ish look and perfect for the job
I purchased this to hold the CoolingMist gauge and a single pod gauge was what I was looking for.
This unit is pretty good. Yes, you loose the air flow redirection and yes, you need to either use some electrical tape to force it down into the factory vent location or use some double bonding tape or foam. But we knew this from the product description already. But once fitted it just stays there and looks pretty good.
It doesn't look perfect though, the silver paint on the vent ring had only one layer and even that wasn't consistent enough. Since the other vent is on the other side of the car you can't tell the difference, but if you look closely the finish of that painted ring is not that great.
Also fits a 6MPS/Speed6 with minimal mods
Bought this on a chance as it looks very similar in size to the 6MPS/Speed6 pod.
Luckily I was right and it fits with no permanent modification to the dash or vent pod. It was as easy as completely removing the stock vent, detaching the silver ring from the stock vent (tweesers make this easy), plastidipping the silver ring on the RPM store pod black and sticking the stock silver ring on top of it.
Image of Install in a 6MPS/Speed6: http://mattjj21.co.uk/dump/293.jpg
Easy install, looks beautiful. No issues whatsoever.
So I ordered this pod for a 2012 MS3 to hold a 52mm aeroforce interceptor gauge. I chose this mounting pod location over the top dash vent mount because this was cheaper and the location looked stock.
First impressions pulling this pod out of the box is it was BEEFY. It is made of plastic but very hard, dense, thick plastic. You could literally slam this pod on the ground and it would not break. BUT there in lies the problem. It is TOO thick. In order to get this pod to fit in the outer ring of your stock HVAC unit, you have to sand it down. REALLY sand it down which by hand with 100 grit sand paper took well over an hour. This wasn't a big deal because you won't ever see the part that is sanded once installed but its the simple fact that it had to be done.
Once that was finally done i inserted the gauge itself into the pod only to be confronted with a "hot dog down a hallway" analogy. The gauge opening was about 2mm too large which allowed the gauge to spin freely once inserted. So I had to wrap the gauge about 2-3 times with electrical tape to take up the extra space so the gauge fit snugly. Again not a huge deal since it was a quick and easy fix that would never be seen again once installed. After that I was finally done and when installed this thing looks incredible. Fits snug (thanks to me) and really does make the car look stock. Air flows well and I am confident this pod will provide many years of service.
good quality and stock look
This was a pain to install but was well worth it. Looks great and holds my prosport gauge in place. The only con is you can no longer direct the airflow of that vent. I knew that when I installed it though.