What are the Best Mods for the Buck?

[dallasms3gt]

I am a new owner of a 2008 Silver MS3GT. Love the car, and like the potential. I have read many different opinions on the best modifications, and maximum perfomance gains, and would like to know what you think.

I am interested in improving HP first of all, and have read the Engine Management Systems, such as Xede, CPE, and Cobb are the choices. From what I can tell, the Xede is the only device that you can actually plug in, and roll.

My question is; Does anyone have experience, good/bad, that you can share with me?

Also, I found the folowing exceprt, and wanted to know your opinion...

Thanks in advance for your help. I have been driving mostly V-8's for many years, and my latest project was a Ford Lightning, after mod's produced about 550HP to the wheels, but my daily driving consists of a Gas Station stop for more Premium Gas, and I just had to make a change.

Anyway, I am just looking for the Best way to get this Mazda moving quicker.


Excerpt: Best bang for the buck upgrades are: intake$(350.00-25hp), ETS brand topmount intercooler($550.00-20hp), engine management(xede,cpe standback,cobb accessport-when its released $600-$1000 for 50hp. all combined less than $2000 for minimum 340hp, 370+torque.

[squabbin]

Excerpt: Best bang for the buck upgrades are: intake$(350.00-25hp), ETS brand topmount intercooler($550.00-20hp), engine management(xede,cpe standback,cobb accessport-when its released $600-$1000 for 50hp. all combined less than $2000 for minimum 340hp, 370+torque.

Ummm I dont know where u got those numbers however they are definately Inflated. Dont expect to see more than 15 or 20 whp for an intake, and from what i've read a tmic isnt gonna give u 20whp either and hp for an Accessport or xede or whatever isnt gonna net u 50whp either. Its a great car but dont expect those kinds of gains for 2grand.

[Captain KRM P5]

cold air intakes;
http://siteground207.com/~protegeg/index.php?cPath=281_160_258

intercoolers;
http://siteground207.com/~protegeg/index.php?cPath=281_160_257

fuel pump;
http://siteground207.com/~protegeg/index.php?cPath=281_160_395

bypass valve;
http://siteground207.com/~protegeg/index.php?cPath=281_160_250

highly important though are gauges;
http://siteground207.com/~protegeg/index.php?cPath=27

[MS3077]

I would like to have a few gauges but it seems like such a pain in the ass to install (wires and shit, etc) Do you need to have a degree in electronics or what? What would it cost for install if I didn't want to mess around with it?

*Sorry for the thread jack but this has been buggin me a little.

[CHICO2003]

wouldn't that much power to the front wheels be too much anyway?

Go with a CAI and exhaust... those 2 are easily the best bang for the buck. Fortuneatly for you... unlike the msp, mazda gave you a decent ecu and IC so those probably don't need to be messed with. this car's pretty F'in stacked in stock trim...

[MS3077]

^I agree adding a lot more power isn't really necessary as it comes stock with plenty.

Only power mod I have right now is the Cobb SRI and may car is pretty f'n fast for a daily driver.

[fasteract]

As far as gauages, Get a Dashhawk or Scanguage which can plug into your OBDII port and serve as a multi function gauge with a simple pedestle mount

[whitey4311]

Dont forget to add speeding ticket fees to your mod list, lol.

Honestly I am happy with just the CAI since the exhaust is loud enough and a custom shop inspected it and said there is nothing more then can do other then make it louder. Apparently our stock pipes are very high end work for a OEM car so the only thing to do would be the turbo back but then you get bent on the warranty.

[TheDoc]

Hurray for another former Lightning owner!

Intake, exhaust manifold, down/race/test pipes all yeild very impressive results for the money. CBE won't gain much for you, so if you're looking solely for results vs. dollars spent I'd let that go. You want a BPV to shun away any leaking and at minimum boost and AFR gauges as suggested above. You also want a motor mount to help put the power down. You're going to be looking at around 2k there.. and to be honest upwards of 2500 depending on the brands/names you choose.

You'll likely be running on the lean side.. And you're definitely going to want a new intercooler on top of that. Not to mention at any point during all of this, you could hit fuel cut and may need to drop money on a CDFP. After that.. I'd start considering engine management. Probably recommend Vishnu's xede, as CPE is having issues with their standback is actually about to be supported by a full ECM flash and Cobb will not offer a flash to support your setup, so until their Race/Pro Tuner software becomes available you'd have a 700 dollar plastic brick in your glovebox. Welcome to the world of Mazdaspeed!

My point is, there is a ridiculous amount power to be gained just from bolt-ons. Stick with them first- get to know your car before messing with the higher-dollar, more advanced components.

Intake ~ 250
Exhaust Mani ~ 400
Down/Mid pipe ~ 550
BPV/BOV ~ 250
MM ~ 120
Gauges ~ 300
CDFP ~ 550
IC ~ 600-1200
ECU ~ 700-1300

There is no lack of places to throw money at with this car. It has had an aftermarket explode around it. Enjoy.

[mckraut]

I would like to have a few gauges but it seems like such a pain in the ass to install (wires and shit, etc) Do you need to have a degree in electronics or what? What would it cost for install if I didn't want to mess around with it?

*Sorry for the thread jack but this has been buggin me a little.

lol, you want to add gauges after saying how riced out they look? wtf man?

P.S. To the OP, get yourself an intake first of all.

[dallasms3gt]

Thank you all for the quick responses. Several people stated the opinion, that the Mazda is really fast stock, and while I do agree with this statement, as I mentioned in my first post, I am so used to having 550HP at my beckoning call that I want to be able to summon as much power as possible with the new Mazda..I think I would be happy with at least 350, with some mounts to keep it snug on the road when romping on it...

Any other advice is greatly appreciated.(bike)

[MS3077]

lol, you want to add gauges after saying how riced out they look? wtf man?

P.S. To the OP, get yourself an intake first of all.

No, I think I want a dashawk

[thezfunk]

Thank you all for the quick responses. Several people stated the opinion, that the Mazda is really fast stock, and while I do agree with this statement, as I mentioned in my first post, I am so used to having 550HP at my beckoning call that I want to be able to summon as much power as possible with the new Mazda..I think I would be happy with at least 350, with some mounts to keep it snug on the road when romping on it...

Any other advice is greatly appreciated.(bike)

Going from experience here...get yourself a new rear engine mount and shifter bushings. That is the biggest weak spot on this car. It is mentioned in most magazine reviews. It puts the power more effectively to the ground, lessens wheel hop and cuts down on tranny grinding/missed shifts. At the same time or shortly after get a CAI. With those 3 mods I still break loose on hard acceleration without trying.

[CHICO2003]

Thank you all for the quick responses. Several people stated the opinion, that the Mazda is really fast stock, and while I do agree with this statement, as I mentioned in my first post, I am so used to having 550HP at my beckoning call that I want to be able to summon as much power as possible with the new Mazda..I think I would be happy with at least 350, with some mounts to keep it snug on the road when romping on it...

Any other advice is greatly appreciated.(bike)

But those are RWD. Putting even 350hp to a fwd car like seems like a bad idea. This car is praised for its balance... and ability to put the already enourmous power (for a fwd car) to the ground effectively. Adding another 100hp will certainly make it faster (in a straight line) but I gotta assume the TQ is gonna be a bitch and the handling will suffer. If you wanted a car that could put down that much power why didn't you get a WRX or something? Maybe I'm wrong about all this but...

[MS3077]

But those are RWD. Putting even 350hp to a fwd car like seems like a bad idea. This car is praised for its balance... and ability to put the already enourmous power (for a fwd car) to the ground effectively. Adding another 100hp will certainly make it faster (in a straight line) but I gotta assume the TQ is gonna be a bitch and the handling will suffer. If you wanted a car that could put down that much power why didn't you get a WRX or something? Maybe I'm wrong about all this but...

+1

Putting another 100hp in this car would be pointless unless you're just trying to make it a drag car or something.

[dallasms3gt]

Thanks for the advice Doc. I hope to get started soon... (spin)



Hurray for another former Lightning owner!

Intake, exhaust manifold, down/race/test pipes all yeild very impressive results for the money. CBE won't gain much for you, so if you're looking solely for results vs. dollars spent I'd let that go. You want a BPV to shun away any leaking and at minimum boost and AFR gauges as suggested above. You also want a motor mount to help put the power down. You're going to be looking at around 2k there.. and to be honest upwards of 2500 depending on the brands/names you choose.

You'll likely be running on the lean side.. And you're definitely going to want a new intercooler on top of that. Not to mention at any point during all of this, you could hit fuel cut and may need to drop money on a CDFP. After that.. I'd start considering engine management. Probably recommend Vishnu's xede, as CPE is having issues with their standback is actually about to be supported by a full ECM flash and Cobb will not offer a flash to support your setup, so until their Race/Pro Tuner software becomes available you'd have a 700 dollar plastic brick in your glovebox. Welcome to the world of Mazdaspeed!

My point is, there is a ridiculous amount power to be gained just from bolt-ons. Stick with them first- get to know your car before messing with the higher-dollar, more advanced components.

Intake ~ 250
Exhaust Mani ~ 400
Down/Mid pipe ~ 550
BPV/BOV ~ 250
MM ~ 120
Gauges ~ 300
CDFP ~ 550
IC ~ 600-1200
ECU ~ 700-1300

There is no lack of places to throw money at with this car. It has had an aftermarket explode around it. Enjoy.

[Redlinez]

There's no such thing as too much hp. I think you'll benefit most from the CAI, DP, and some comuter tuning upgrade. Same as most any turbo car. I got rid of my MS6 over a year ago and tuning still wasn't available, but they had some out for the MS3, go figure.

[dallasms3gt]

There's no such thing as too much hp. I think you'll benefit most from the CAI, DP, and some comuter tuning upgrade. Same as most any turbo car. I got rid of my MS6 over a year ago and tuning still wasn't available, but they had some out for the MS3, go figure.



I totally agree with you. Obviously, each individual has their own opinion, but I am of the opinion that if, and when you find yourself in a bit of a race, I definitely do not like gettng left behind due to lack of horsepower.

I would rather have too much HP than not enough ANY DAY..!(drinks)

[dparm1984]

You can't just Lego-build and add the claimed horsepower numbers. It doesn't work like that. Catback exhausts only bring out that much power if paired up with the proper downpipe and other exhaust parts...but marketing departments LOVE the whole "+20hp!" sticker they can throw on anything.

I think the car is plenty fast stock, and the intake is a quick and easy way to give it a bit more oomph. Beyond that and you're entering the world of tuning, labor-intensive downpipes, etc.

[intak3_bLkMs3]

do it dude dont listen to them the car maybe fwd but who cares dude pull up to someone on a roll and put them in there place who doesnt love to do that to a fagget kid who thinks hes hot shit driving a mustang gt oh wait we do that stock... in fact i did that last night. anyways dude intake/dp should be your first two then a bpv to hld boost moter mount maybe a short shifter then more exhaust work man

[happy and angry]

But first...
do it dude dont listen to them the car maybe fwd but who cares dude pull up to someone on a roll and put them in there place who doesnt love to do that to a fagget kid who thinks hes hot shit driving a mustang gt oh wait we do that stock... in fact i did that last night. anyways dude intake/dp should be your first two then a bpv to hld boost moter mount maybe a short shifter then more exhaust work manWow man, I think that's just swell. Thanks for telling us all about how you tool those 'fagget' kids on the mean streets of... wherever the hell you're from.

Back to the topic at hand. I say this for almost any car, but most especially a 260 HP front engined front drive vehicle: why bother with power mods when the biggest problem we have is putting all the power we have down to the ground in the first place? Stiffen the motor mount, go to 225/R45/18s, get a subtle drop and better handling, and make better use of the power we have in a straight line and in the twisties.

[Mid_Life_Crisis]

But first... Wow man, I think that's just swell. Thanks for telling us all about how you tool those 'fagget' kids on the mean streets of... wherever the hell you're from.

Back to the topic at hand. I say this for almost any car, but most especially a 260 HP front engined front drive vehicle: why bother with power mods when the biggest problem we have is putting all the power we have down to the ground in the first place? Stiffen the motor mount, go to 225/R45/18s, get a subtle drop and better handling, and make better use of the power we have in a straight line and in the twisties.

+1 except that I think an intake is a must simply because they are cheap and yield gains in both power and efficiency. I also think that if you intend to lower the car a little for better handling, you want to go with 40 not 45. Slightly smaller diameter tire will give a little better clearance in the wheelwell and the shorter sidewall will make for a little crisper road feel, if you are fanatical about your handling.

[dallasms3gt]

I really appreciate all of the feedback I have received so far. However, I do have to totally "DISAGREE" with the statement that this car is fast enough as is...!

This is very subjective statement, and in my opinion, the car is nowhere near fast enough as is. Does it have a lot of potential - Yes. Does it look good - Yes. Is it one of the best deals you can get on a vehicle with this type of performance for the money - Hell Yes.

I am no stranger to mdified vehicles. I still have an 03 Lightning that puts down 550 the rear wheel, and runs low 11's, and high 10's.

Basically, I will start with the following short list of mods for now, and see how it progresses.

CAI, or Cobb SRI - I have done a tremendous amount of research on this, but haven't made a final decision, and still would like more facts.

MM - I will definitely be installing MM's to put the power where it belongs

Shifter Bearings, and Short Throw Shifter - The shifting on this car is just unacceptable to me, and this seems to be a mandatory upgrade

BPV - Need to do more research, and more facts, but I am leaning towards the HKS

Gauges - Undecided, but want to make sure what I add in the future can be handled by what I install now as far as gauges. Later mods will be IC, Xede EMS, DCFP, RP/DP, etc.

Aesthetic Upgrades, I will start with the following:

HP Design Lightning SS 18" Wheels, and undecided on rubber, but will get the most perfomance with a balance of longevity, and price

Once again, thanks again for all of your feedback, it is much appreciated. Please keep the comments coming, and I will keep you posted on my mods over the next few weeks.

You can never have too much HP...!(alright)

[MS3077]

I really appreciate all of the feedback I have received so far. However, I do have to totally "DISAGREE" with the statement that this car is fast enough as is...!

This is very subjective statement, and in my opinion, the car is nowhere near fast enough as is. Does it have a lot of potential - Yes. Does it look good - Yes. Is it one of the best deals you can get on a vehicle with this type of performance for the money - Hell Yes.

I am no stranger to mdified vehicles. I still have an 03 Lightning that puts down 550 the rear wheel, and runs low 11's, and high 10's.

Basically, I will start with the following short list of mods for now, and see how it progresses.

CAI, or Cobb SRI - I have done a tremendous amount of research on this, but haven't made a final decision, and still would like more facts.

MM - I will definitely be installing MM's to put the power where it belongs

Shifter Bearings, and Short Throw Shifter - The shifting on this car is just unacceptable to me, and this seems to be a mandatory upgrade

BPV - Need to do more research, and more facts, but I am leaning towards the HKS

Gauges - Undecided, but want to make sure what I add in the future can be handled by what I install now as far as gauges. Later mods will be IC, Xede EMS, DCFP, RP/DP, etc.

Aesthetic Upgrades, I will start with the following:

HP Design Lightning SS 18" Wheels, and undecided on rubber, but will get the most perfomance with a balance of longevity, and price

Once again, thanks again for all of your feedback, it is much appreciated. Please keep the comments coming, and I will keep you posted on my mods over the next few weeks.

You can never have too much HP...!(alright)

You're headed in the right direction.

[happy and angry]

+1 except that I think an intake is a must simply because they are cheap and yield gains in both power and efficiency. I also think that if you intend to lower the car a little for better handling, you want to go with 40 not 45. Slightly smaller diameter tire will give a little better clearance in the wheelwell and the shorter sidewall will make for a little crisper road feel, if you are fanatical about your handling.225/45/18 is closer to the stock wheel/tire diameter, the 45 profile tire will actually fit on the 7" wide stock rims, and with the Cobb stage 2, I don't think rubbing will be an issue when the drop is only about an inch.

Ideally I'll be running Cobb SRI/Stage 2 suspension kit and 225/45R18 RT-615 Azenis on stock rims and the CS insert. That's the goal, anyway. Subtle changes without changing the stock looks much if at all to keep it a bit of a low profile sleeper.

[happy and angry]

I really appreciate all of the feedback I have received so far. However, I do have to totally "DISAGREE" with the statement that this car is fast enough as is...!It's not fast enough as is, but the major road block with this car is traction, not power.

If you consider for a moment that torque wasn't chopped in 1st and 2nd and we could put the power to the ground, this car would do 13.5 1/4 and a low 5s or 5.0 flat 0-60. Traction is limited in the front and it's hard to put power down while exiting a corner. Weight shift under acceleration leads to wheel hop which hurts acceleration. This car can't put the power it has to the ground as it is, so why make that worse?

[MS3077]

I agree and disagree.

If you add power mods it will go faster than stock regardless unless perhaps you're into autocross or something. Yes we have traction issues but after 2nd gear extra power from mods does help with achieving faster 1/4 times, etc (It's been proven).

However, an upgraded motor mount/mounts, short shifter/bushings, suspension upgrades and wider tires should be in order before adding a lot more power in my opinion. That's what I'm doing anyway.

In the end it really depends on what your goals are with the car.