Brand new car...waiting to be modded

[Kaidao]

Hey, I have a stock 08.5 white GT a couple months ago, it has about 4200~ miles on it and I want to start with the modding. What should I begin with?

Also, this usually only happens on 2nd to 3rd gear, but sometimes also with 3rd to 4th gear. When I shift it sounds as if my clutch is not fully engaged, like that "clunk" sound. Is this normal? Because I'm positive I have the clutch fully engaged; I did some testing. Any advice?

Thanks,

Kai

 

[CWPspeed3]

Well its been said a hundred times on here so I might as well say it again. These are the basic essentials.
1) upgraded motor mount
2) shifter bushings
3) short shifter
4) intake, either CAI or SRI
5) remove side moldings

 

[Kaidao]

Are there any recommended motor mounts, shifter bushing kits, etc.?

 

[trdsw]

Before spending any money on any mods spend some time reading about different mods and there benefits. Read the how to forums and see which mods you are actually capable of doing if any at all. BTW this forum has tons of different reviews and opinions on MM, Shifter bushing kits and everything else. Just an FYI before I bought the car I was reading at least 1 hour a day on this forum. I now know which mods i want and which ones to do first.

 

[phillyb]

everything cwpspeed3 said.

motor mount is the first thing to do

 

[Bonafide_Spd3]

All depends on what you wanna do with the car. I still haven't did the motor mount upgrade because I'm not sure if it is a good buy. I didn't really have any problems with the shifter other than missing 3rd a couple times, but Haven't had that problem since I got my short shifter and bushings. I think intake is a great mod and I'm looking into the rpmc turbo inlet right now. My final goal of the car is 300whp. That is all I wanna do with it

 

[CWPspeed3]

Are there any recommended motor mounts, shifter bushing kits, etc.?

Everyone has their different opinions as to what brand is better so that you will just have to search the forum and decide for yourself. There are currently only 2 short shifters, twm and cobb, and the shifter bushings are all the same so whoever you can get them from cheapest.

I think those are necessary mods regardless of what you want to do with the car, it should have come like that from mazda, especially for a speed model.

 

[AutoXRacer]

Skip the shifter bushings and short shifter; if you have a quality tranny mount, you won't need either.

Start with the basics; intake and tranny mount (if you don't mind a little vibration). That will keep you smiling for a while...

Then do something with the exhaust full TBE...

Followed by intercooler and BPV...

 

[Silver Ecstasy]

I wouldn't say skip the shifter bushings...they made a nice improvement for me.

 

[AutoXRacer]

I wouldn't say skip the shifter bushings...they made a nice improvement for me.

Do you only have the bushings or a mount also...?
I got my mount first and then was about to install bushings...but most people who had a mount already said it didn't make a difference.

I am very happy with my shifting quality with just the TRZ Poly mount.

 

[Silver Ecstasy]

I'm completely bone stock except for shifter bushings. I just ordered my CS inserts though.

 

[CWPspeed3]

I did the TRZ poly mount first and then got the short shifter and bushings, it did help with the shifts but the motor mount by far does make the biggest difference.

 

[coyfish]

Ive got a speed 6 and all I know is there is a HUGE bang when shifting aggresively from 1st to 2nd. Nothing you could do to avoid it unless you wait for rpms to drop which wastes time if your racing. Rear Motor mount made a huge difference unless you are okay with your engine smashing around. For 70 bucks I would say its a no brainer. As for the short shifter. The throw isnt bad for the speed so its not really necessary unless you plan on racing at the track frequently. Shifter bushings alone are cheap / easy to install and fix the mushy feel of the gearbox. Shifter bushings, rear motor mount, test pipe, cold air intake, intercooler are all pretty good mods that aren't hard to install and will yield a noticable difference.

 

[Captain KRM P5]

check out my site and let me know if there is anything i can help you out with. welcome to the community!

 

[numbnuts22715]

Do you only have the bushings or a mount also...?
I got my mount first and then was about to install bushings...but most people who had a mount already said it didn't make a difference.

I am very happy with my shifting quality with just the TRZ Poly mount.

same here.
Had the motor mount first and then got the bushings and didnt really notice anything.

I say
motor mount and intake. TRZ makes agreat one, cp-e supposedly does too, but it's on backorder and has been for a while.

then onto anything else you want, whether it be some sort of EMS, or a downpipe or something of that nature.

 

[Moultese]

I've always found cars that handle great are more fun than cars that go fast. The MS3 is pretty quick from the get go. I'd upgrade the suspension. Give it a nice ride hight and also make it handle like it's on rails. Then move onto more "performance" inspired mods.

 

[phillyb]

check out my site and let me know if there is anything i can help you out with. welcome to the community!

hahah...
buy parts from ken. he's awesome, i don't care what other people say.

i did my trz mount, then grinded my shifter bushings, then went to the twm sts, then went to machined bushings. there has been an increase in the feel of the shifter with every advancement