99 intake support bracket

I am curious if anyone has permanently removed that huge aluminum support under the 99+ intake manifold. It is always in the way of oil changes and since I'm considering putting a 99 head on a 95 block, not sure there will be bolt holes for it. I have a friend on this list that has already suggested removing it. But my concern is why the heck would Mazda spend the $$ to make it and put it on the car if it's not needed?

Anyone else running ok without the support??? Thanks for any comments. ;-)

Maniac Mitch

I removed mine a long time ago. Dead weight IMO

When TDR did my timing belt swap they removed it -- said they did it to all the cars that came through that weren't in a class that prohibited it (SCCA Stock for instance).

Another vote for dead weight that's in the way. I'm rocking a '99 head/intake with no bracket, and I enjoy reaching my oil filter.

You also have to take that POS off to R&R an alternator.

Removed mine over 3 years ago and my intake manifold hasn't fallen off yet!

If you take yours off, I'll take it off your hands. My car doesn't have one and I'd like to put one on.