Help a newbie! MazdaSpeed3

[rjs_speed3]

Hey guys, my name is RJ (obviously).. I just traded in my P5 for the MS3 sport.. It's a big jump from a slow automatic to a fast 6 speed... I'm still kinda new at the whole shifting thing... but just a quick question:

I want to get the full potential of the speed and acceleration of the MS3,

while racing in a straight line, what RPM do i launch at? (pretty much, how the f*ck do i launch?)
what RPM do i shift at?
when does it spool?

Sorry if these are dumb ass questions, i just wanna learn.. Still a noob at this..

Thanks in advance guys/gals!!!!

Peace,
RJ

 

[SharkDiver]

I would launch at about 3k,Some say higher.You should be shifting at about 5.5 RPM because the power just drops off after that.The turbo spools at about 2.5 RPM.
Enjoy your new ride....

 

[xmysacredoathx]

Another local member has tried this technique and seems to think it worked:

As from Mazda:

Pop the clutch at 2900rpm, upshift at 6000 and flat shift through second and third. Flat shifting is when you dont lift your foot off the gas while depressing the clutch/shifting.

I personally havent tried the flat shifting technique, honestly, I am sort of scared, but filipino kids arent. I have launched perfectly fine with the 2900rpm rev and holding the clutch to avoid excessive wheel spin. Also, it works better with the DSC turned off.

If you have more questions RJ, contact our favorite filipino with the black mica MS3.

 

[SharkDiver]

I flat shift when I race and it works great.Its much better after you get a new rear motor mount.Here is the whole quote from the mazda engineers and C&D.
Here is the original thread that I posted this in.The reason I said to shift at 5.5 is because that is where most of the dynos show a power drop.If you have a CAI it will be a bit higher.

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123664493


"In C&D when they did the road test on the ms3 they contacted mazda engineers about this for some reason.This is what Mazda engineers had to say.

Pop the clutch at 2900 rpm, upshift at 6000 - redline is 6700 - and flat-shift through second and third (which means dont lift at all - the mechanical equivalent of dropping a steinway on the clutch and half-shafts and violating our test procedure).

Dont worry."the engineers said,it wont break,""

 

[rjs_speed3]

I flat shift when I race and it works great.Its much better after you get a new rear motor mount.Here is the whole quote from the mazda engineers and C&D.
Here is the original thread that I posted this in.The reason I said to shift at 5.5 is because that is where most of the dynos show a power drop.If you have a CAI it will be a bit higher.

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123664493


"In C&D when they did the road test on the ms3 they contacted mazda engineers about this for some reason.This is what Mazda engineers had to say.

Pop the clutch at 2900 rpm, upshift at 6000 - redline is 6700 - and flat-shift through second and third (which means dont lift at all - the mechanical equivalent of dropping a steinway on the clutch and half-shafts and violating our test procedure).

Dont worry."the engineers said,it wont break,""

Actually, i do have a CAI, for some cool reason my car came with the MazdaSpeed CAI.. so what does that put me? Do i still shift at 5.5???????? cuz i've been doing some kills on a roll, but when it comes to launching and all... i just flat out suck at it... lol i freaking lost to a 94 Prelude with a CAI... WTF!!! lol that just makes us look bad.... Well, i did race him like a day and a half after i just got the car... (which i know i shouldn't have) so still just getting used to the car, i kinda know how to almost shift nicely now..

Thanks guys!!

 

[rjs_speed3]

Not trying to sound stupid, but what does DSC mean? wtf, i was wondering what the hell that button did... lol sorry! lol (still learning)

 

[knowledge007]

Dynamic Stability Control. You have two different traction control systems. This is the primary.

 

[SharkDiver]

Just start shifting at 6k since you have a cai.You can hold down the dsc button untill the light goes out in the dash,Its about 10 secs.Then your dsc should be off.You cant turn it back on untill you shut off your car and start it again.

 

[SPEED305]

Just start shifting at 6k since you have a cai.You can hold down the dsc button untill the light goes out in the dash,Its about 10 secs.Then your dsc should be off.You cant turn it back on untill you shut off your car and start it again.

explain that again. i didnt understand what you meant? (enguard)

 

[ALIEN3T]

so if mazda engineers sy it wotn break and its okay! then i guess racing around and hard launches cant void warranty! cause well mazda said so!!!!!!

 

[fillyspeed]

hey, just go out one day and drive your car man, dont read specs off a magazine or launch at some RPM someone else says....find out what works for you man, every car is different. just practice launching at lights until you get it down...but i agree with shark driver...dont red line first and flat shift thru the others.

-enjoy the speed kid, they are addicting

 

[dichiee]

But be safe too! Have fun!

 

[rjs_speed3]

Thanks guys! you've all been a lot of help... heheh