Recent content by ericm

Specs for the AEM filter for the AEM CAI (same as Mazdaspeed CAI): AEM Part # 21-2029DK 2.75" x 9" Dry Base Outside Diameter: 6 in (152 mm) Flange Inside Diameter: 2.75 in (70 mm) Flange Length: 1.563 in (40 mm) Flange Type: Centered Height: 9.125 in (232 mm) Inner Structural Support: Yes...

For a $1200 budget I'd get Bilsteins and keep the stock springs. I have MS coilovers and they are rough for daily driving on bumpy roads like where I live. They really punish you on sharp edged bumps. But they are great on smoother pavement.

I have my stock 2008.5 wheels, tires and TPMS for sale. $500. I don't want to hassle with shipping, so be local to the SF bay area. I'm around San Jose. email to ericm at Lne.com would be the best way to get in touch.

I've had some issues since I installed my MS ccoilovers- last winter I started hearing a clunk from the rear. It turns out that the right lower shock bushing had developed some play (put a finger on it and have an assistant pull up and push down on the fender- if you feel play it's bad). I...

Modern car temp gauges aren't really gauges. More like three state idiot lights: cold, normal, hot. Even the ones marked in degrees. My VWs gauge needle will point at 190 when the real temp is anywhere from 180 to 230. You need a real gauge to see what's up. The stock sender is ok, it's the...

Sleeves don't transfer heat as well as plated aluminium. And the piston clearances you'll need will be different as well. I've had damaged motorcycle cylinders welded up, machined and replated. US Chrome is one outfit that can do it. You might check with them. It may hinge on the...

You can find the same size AEM filter on line for that price.

Any harsher and the MS coils would be too much for DD use. (but keep in mind that I'm 49 and drive some really bumpy roads). They're great when the road is smooth or I'm going fast. I lowered my car the minimum that is possible with the MS coilovers (1/2") , and it's as low as is practical...

You can buy a strut housing spreader. Or make one. I made one from an 8mm hex socket. Grind it down on two sides so it's thin enough to fit in the slot. Stick it in and rotate it 90 degrees. Grind it so the flats will wedge in the slot. Commercial tool...

Yep. I am hoping to find some used mounting parts or shocks from someone who has replaced their shocks with some that include their own mounts, like BCs. I had to drill out my mounts for Mazdaspeed shocks, so they no longer will fit stock shocks.

I need the stock upper mounts for the 3's rear shocks, the ones that the shock bolts into and which then bolt onto the car. I'm willing to buy some used shocks to get them but I'd rather not since I already have shocks off my MS3. I'm in the SF bay area of California. ericm@lne.com

You can get sets of stock wheels (often with tires) used. See the for sale section.

If you are worried about the dealer, get the black Cork Sport inserts. They are almost invisible, work pretty well and they're much cheaper than a complete mount.

It's less comfortable and offers much more control. The suspension doesn't move much at low speeds. My commute recently changed from 20 miles of twisty back roads to mostly crowded freeway driving. At 20-40 mph on a rough California concrete slab freeway it's awful. I feel like one of those...