Just sayin hi....

[jmv]

I just bought a spicy orange MSP yesterday, for $14 with 35,000 miles. Its FANTASTIC, i love it. Just wanted to introduce myself. Only dissapointment is, it doesn't have the stock headunit... but i knew that before i paid for it, so thats okay.

Are there any, like, common, CHEAP mods that are reccomended for the MSPs?? Like, before i go the route for exhaust, FMIC, etc.?? Thanks!!

[evilmonkeyMSP]

(hi) congrats!

[CitizenPro]

Welcome :)

[CasopoliS]

I just bought a spicy orange MSP yesterday, for $14 with 35,000 miles. Its FANTASTIC, i love it. Just wanted to introduce myself. Only dissapointment is, it doesn't have the stock headunit... but i knew that before i paid for it, so thats okay.

Are there any, like, common, CHEAP mods that are reccomended for the MSPs?? Like, before i go the route for exhaust, FMIC, etc.?? Thanks!!

I would say buy a Airflow Logistics AFC (Air-Fuel Controller). They are hard to find, you pretty much have to stick around the forum for-sale section and wait for a used one to sell. Many people sell them because they upgrade to a control system that is able to adjust timing AND air-fuel. This comptuer only controls air-fuel.... thus why is it inexpensive. You can get one anywhere from $240-$300. Even on a stock MSP, this piggyback system will read signals from the MAF (air sensor on engine near intake filter), and signals from the O2 sensor, then 'modify' them so your ECM (engine control module) will run the right air-fuel ratio. The stock Mazda ECM runs really rich air/fuel mix and there is hesitation problems during acceleration on many MSP's. You would definately notice the car runs better with this on there, and there are maps written for a stock mazdaspeed. You just plug it into a laptop and upload the 'map'. This does not give you huge HP gains - but it makes your power curve much nicer and you will def. feel a power difference. Well worth the $ if you can find one used.

[RacerXGirl]

Hey there! Congrats on the new ride. (thumb)

[-pixy-]

i envy you. MSP>MP5 and i paid more for more miles.


eitherway welcome :)

[vxfilmer1000]

Welcome to the Forums

[jmv]

Okay, that AFC that casopolis mentioned sounds interesting... but i don't have a laptop. Do you have to have one to use that?? (sorry, i'm a newb, :))

[MSP #167]

Okay, that AFC that casopolis mentioned sounds interesting... but i don't have a laptop. Do you have to have one to use that?? (sorry, i'm a newb, :))

yea you need a laptop to load the different maps.

BTW-Welcome

[CasopoliS]

borrow one from a friend.... I will find the FAQ thread on that unit so you can read up about it. It is VERY easy to install if you know how to solder wires.

[CasopoliS]

FAQ thread:
http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=94634

I believe this unit is one of the best bang-for buck. I spent lots of $ on mods, and this little $300 mod gave the most noticable difference. Now you can find them even cheaper.

Also, you could ask the seller to put the stock map on the AFC - and the onboard memory will save it for you. That way you don't have to upload anything, it is already on there. Then again you are putting faith in the person that uplaoded it.

At the bottom of the FAQ there is an install thread I created to show how easy it is to hook up. I no longer have this unit, but can still offer help if needbe.

Forum member DSMConvert is the vendor of these, and the original guy who got these working for our cars.

[livelyjay]

At the bottom of the FAQ there is an install thread I created to show how easy it is to hook up. I no longer have this unit, but can still offer help if needbe.
I bought his unit and installed it last week. Feel free to ask me any questions as well. You don't even need to be good at soldering, as you can use wire taps for the install. I used them just out of curiosity, and used a multimeter to ensure the signals were good and strong, which they were. Using my wideband and laptop it was pretty simple to install and make changes to the maps.

[CasopoliS]

If you use wire taps, zip-tie the tapped wires to other wires for strength. When you put the ECM back into position the wires get all twisted and undergo a little bit of stress. If a wire got pulled from a tap, you could have a big problem. if a wire came loose during driving, the engine would die and you would be stuck.

Just words of wisdom... wire taps work... use them at your own risk. If you can solder... do it. Those connections (if soldered right) will not come loose.

[livelyjay]

If you use wire taps, zip-tie the tapped wires to other wires for strength. When you put the ECM back into position the wires get all twisted and undergo a little bit of stress. If a wire got pulled from a tap, you could have a big problem. if a wire came loose during driving, the engine would die and you would be stuck.

Just words of wisdom... wire taps work... use them at your own risk. If you can solder... do it. Those connections (if soldered right) will not come loose.
True indeed. I electrical taped the crap out of all the wires and taps to hold them steady. For those who aren't good at soldering it's a good option.

[MSP #167]

i used just electrical tape, and have been fine since last december when i first put my afc in.

[RallyeRedSi]

so when i install my afc i need a laptop ready, i jsut thought u put it in and that it :(

[livelyjay]

If you buy it from DSMConvert, it will come preloaded with the super map and you will be fine, no laptop needed. If you buy it from a forum member you are running the risk of getting a custom map.

[RallyeRedSi]

oooooooh ok cool cause i got it from dsm convert :)

[miss_steele_msp]

welcome

[livelyjay]

I logged my A/Fs right after putting in the AFC, and I was a little concerned about the A/F in the top end. It moves up around the 13.0:1 range, which to me seems a little lean. I contacted him and he told me when they did testing for the maps it was deemed "safe". Just for my state of mind I added fuel and right now I'm trying to level out at 12:1, then I'm going to add fuel across the board and hopefully get it down to at least 11.5:1.

[miss_steele_msp]

and if you decide you want to drop it i hvae some tien s tech springs for sale

[MSdestro]

welcome to the boards....enjoy the ride...i wish i had spice.

[jmv]

okay, heres a question.... do the MSPs come with an airbox stock?? Cuz mine has some sort of performance filter, it seems like... its not a cold air intake or anything, though. Maybe i should replace it with a K&N or something, just so i know what it is and what i should do to keep up with it??

[thejoker0409]

Welcome. K&N have a filter recharge kit that u can use on other filter's. I have the Injen CAI on my msp and that's how I cleaned mine.

[Blue_Speed]

hey man welcome. by the way, where you located? just asking cause i saw a couple new spicy mazdaspeeds down by me in sofla

[jmv]

I live in central texas. The car originally came from the dallas/fort worth area. I've seen two others in the area, but i think one of them moved away or was sold. It actually used to live only like 4 houses down from me. Both were spicy.