if you had say 3k, what would you do?

[UltimaGT]

I will soon be spending a large quanity of money, right around 3k give or take 500 bones on upgrades on my 03 MSP and I'm really not sure the best route to take, even though this is a fairly newb question, I would like some solid in depth answers.
The only thing that currently is not stock on my MSP in an injen CAI, where should I go from here?
The path i'm looking at taking is engine work, I'm pretty happy with the handling and streetablity of the MSP, of course if there are thing that could be done that are worth the time let me know.
The engine stuff that I'm interested in are hardpipes, exhaust, downpipe, FMIC, perhaps engine managment? I heard really good things about Ion performances line of FMIC, and hardpipes, but I can't find a site that really lists specs and pricing, are they still around?
I'm leaving this pretty open because I really don't have a clue where to start, let me know what you think.

I remember reading good things about the Ion line of FMIC, and hard pipes, but I can't seem to find good links to prices

[Captain KRM P5]

http://mazda3online.web.aplus.net/product_info.php?cPath=21_32&products_id=324
http://mazda3online.web.aplus.net/product_info.php?cPath=21_32&products_id=311
http://mazda3online.web.aplus.net/product_info.php?cPath=21_32&products_id=312
http://mazda3online.web.aplus.net/product_info.php?cPath=21_32&products_id=290
http://mazda3online.web.aplus.net/product_info.php?cPath=21_32&products_id=329
http://mazda3online.web.aplus.net/product_info.php?cPath=21_32&products_id=202
http://mazda3online.web.aplus.net/product_info.php?cPath=21_32&products_id=352
http://mazda3online.web.aplus.net/product_info.php?cPath=21_32&products_id=377
http://mazda3online.web.aplus.net/product_info.php?cPath=21_32&products_id=328

that would be, for me, a partial shopping list :D

[nate0123]

damn, ken, you're quick on the draw!

[jmv]

thats a good list right there.... wish i had 3 grand to spend on that stuff

[tracknfield423]

Ken's list is very good, I would go alittle different though.

AEM wideband-399.99
AWR front and rear motor mounts-149.99
Hiboost FMIC-899.00
Autometer Ultralite boost/vac gauge-55
Autometer Ultralite oil pressure gauge-69.00
Autometer triple gauge pod-59.00
Perrin Performance exaust-850.00
Greddy Profec b spec II-499.00
NGKcopper spark plugs-3.75

No engine management but this is pretty much the basic bolt ons, gauges to monitor whats going on, the motor mounts for no wheel hop and a boost controller.

[msp35]

Ion=no, You could actually go with MAM (~1200, comes w/ an intake), or even the Perrin kit (~1400?). Some EMS whether it be Unichip that YOU can't tune, or MPI/Emanage, or even DSM's AFC. Corksport Exhaust or GHL. Whit those mods you think you have a new car, with some left over for Engine mounts, shifter bushings, and some other odds-n-ends.

[MSPRedDragon]

I would have to go with:
Unichip
HiBoost FMIC
MAM Tubular Manifold
Greddy Profec B II EBC


JT

[tracknfield423]

he still has his stock exhaust though, and changing that out for an aftermarket one should be one of the first things you do. the stocker is very restrictive. i did forget about the tubular manifold and a short shifter and shifter bushings those can be put in there too in place of some other stuff

[UltimaGT]

thats a good list right there.... wish i had 3 grand to spend on that stuff


Let me tell yah, a year long tour in Iraq does wonders for the savings :D

[tracknfield423]

if i had 3grand to spend on my car i would have it just about right where i want it to be

[UltimaGT]

one of the upgrades I was really wondering aboutthat no one has addressed is the "S" pipe. From my understanding that's a huge bottle neck, and although a huge pain in the ass to install, worth the trouble.
True, or false?

[jeffmsp]

you need to figure out what you want from the car. 14s? 13s? If you are looking for a bolt on upgrades start with the UNICHIP, exhaust and you already have the intake. Should put you at 200WHP. If you want more go with a different EMS and an upgraded intercooler as well. A smic will b good enough for 13s but by the time you factor in the intercooler and pipes you might as well get the begi fmic kit.

[tracknfield423]

as far as the spipe goes it is a bottle neck. if you get a true turbo back exhaust that will replace it or you can get ghls spipe. however a jpipe back exhaust such as perrins will be just fine. if you definately want engine management i suggest you get something you can tune yourself instead of the unichip, especially if you plan on upgrading more after you get it. i would go with the mpi tuner with extra injectors for engine management.

[mazdaspeed75]

Mpi tuner with extra injectors, Fmic , 2.5 catless downpipe to 3'' catback ,Motor mounts,Profec b ebc , aem wb and you can get this vids 006.MOV (http://www.msprotege.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=68374) Moves pretty good for me . About 3000.00 now

[orng1]

I will soon be spending a large quanity of money, right around 3k give or take 500 bones on upgrades on my 03 MSP and I'm really not sure the best route to take, even though this is a fairly newb question, I would like some solid in depth answers.
The only thing that currently is not stock on my MSP in an injen CAI, where should I go from here?
The path i'm looking at taking is engine work, I'm pretty happy with the handling and streetablity of the MSP, of course if there are thing that could be done that are worth the time let me know.
The engine stuff that I'm interested in are hardpipes, exhaust, downpipe, FMIC, perhaps engine managment? I heard really good things about Ion performances line of FMIC, and hardpipes, but I can't find a site that really lists specs and pricing, are they still around?
I'm leaving this pretty open because I really don't have a clue where to start, let me know what you think.

I remember reading good things about the Ion line of FMIC, and hard pipes, but I can't seem to find good links to pricesgo for one of the two things that breaks first. rods and pistons or and lsd I'm learning this the hard way as my diff just blew a few weeks ago going on two months with out my car.

[livelyjay]

Mpi tuner with extra injectors, Fmic , 2.5 catless downpipe to 3'' catback ,Motor mounts,Profec b ebc , aem wb and you can get this vids 006.MOV (http://www.msprotege.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=68374) Moves pretty good for me . About 3000.00 now
Sounds like a good plan.

[sickspeed94]

AEM EMS, MAM Hbeams, CP pistons, WB tuning from shop, #4 with cheese and a Dr. Pepper.

[orng1]

AEM EMS, MAM Hbeams, CP pistons, WB tuning from shop, #4 with cheese and a Dr. Pepper.Yeah I'll take a double cheese burger and a coke.

[UltimaGT]

Quick question... On most of these FMIC kits MAM etc. Do they replace all of the soft plastic pipes leading all the way to the intake, or would I have to buy additional hardpipes?

[orng1]

Quick question... On most of these FMIC kits MAM etc. Do they replace all of the soft plastic pipes leading all the way to the intake, or would I have to buy additional hardpipes?Kits do, but you can get a custom front mount by itself through other companies if that's what you are looking for.

[POSEIDON]

Whatever you do.


Buy it from Ken.



+rep for being in clarksville..well, close enough. I used to live there. Family is 101st.

[sickspeed94]

yes the kits do... except the BEGi. if i'm not mistaken, it retains the stock cold pipe. custome route is the way to go.

www.johnnyracecar.com
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2-5-ALUMINUM-TURBO-PIPING-KIT12-PIECES-UNIVERSAL_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33742QQitemZ8 029031998QQrdZ1

that's the combination i will be using. (johnnyracecar 6 inch with cntered inlets.)

also MAM (although not on their website) sells spearco cores for i think just shy of $200. PM them!

[UltimaGT]

Ok, so I'm sitting looking at either the Apexi 3in or the perrin, what do yah think?
I perfer the look of the apexi, but I'm definetly more performance oriented then looks so I'll take the better performer of the two.

I would also be getting the apexi downpipe for which ever one I chose

[03orgspd]

The perrin is already downpipe back, so you wouldnt have to get the apex downpipe. All you would need is the s pipe if you wanted a turbo-back, but they arent really that necessary.

[UltimaGT]

The perrin is already downpipe back, so you wouldnt have to get the apex downpipe. All you would need is the s pipe if you wanted a turbo-back, but they arent really that necessary.


What would be the better buy then? the apexi w/the DP add on or the perrin?

[cheapmiata1600]

I'd start an IRA...


I'm getting old.

[Mental Addiction]

There's a number of things you can do with $3000.
Here are a few products that we make that might be able to help you with your goals.
FMIC $1195
http://*******************************/cart/product_info.php?cPath=23_119&products_id=205&osCsid=758e03423e5157c2ecc03a7aa6a4f64f
Tubular manifold $795
http://*******************************/cart/product_info.php?cPath=23_37&products_id=203&osCsid=758e03423e5157c2ecc03a7aa6a4f64f

Engine management of some sort. With this you need to figure out how far you are going to take your MSP up the Horsepower ladder.

Exhaust. Same thing applies here.

Here are some videos from customers that are running our Mazda products.

277whp @12psi.. Stock motor
http://videos.streetfire.net/Player.aspx?fileid=2E8120BF-AD7A-43D2-A4CB-12BF93CA5AD0&term=Mazdaspeed&p=0

MSP with Thumper kit on 10psi Vs SRT4 stage 2 18psi
http://videos.streetfire.net/Player.aspx?fileid=9FBDBA11-0D8F-4A23-B936-CEB2E7D7592B&term=Mazdaspeed&p=0

Thumper kit on 12-13psi
http://videos.streetfire.net/Player.aspx?fileid=D889FB16-EE14-4D5C-B261-13FC9B8CBE1F&term=Mazdaspeed&p=0

You can also visit http://www.*******************************/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=8
to see other videos and pictures of what others are doing.

[UltimaGT]

I'd start an IRA...


I'm getting old.



Don't worry, the life plan savings thing is already thought out, I gotta throw a few bills for fun ;)

[EnjoyMinuteMaid]

I would get...

RR Racing motor mount insert combo ($55)
Kartboy Shifter bushings ($25 to $35)
Some midpipe back exhaust with hi flow cat, resonator, and flex pipe, Vibrant makes one ($800)
DSM AFC ($325)
Greddy Profec Type S ($310) set to 8 psi
AEM Wideband ($270)
Autometer full pillar 3 gauge pod holder ($55)
Stewart Warner Boost Guage ($50)
Stewart Warner Voltage Gauge ($50)
CustomMSP SMIC ($485)
Cast Single Runner Intake Manifold ($199 or $250 with egr pipe)
Rocky Anthology (includes all five)