Come in PEACE

[shift_SR20DET]

I recently came across a Mazdaspeed3 and was really impressed with the power the turbo car makes. I have seen several dyno sheets and looks like the engine makes more torque than horsepower. I have modded 240 with an s14 sr20det motor in it running a GT2871r -- make mid 300s for power. How good is the Mazda3 for making power? Never really been a fan of fwd cars but is torque steer bad? I am looking at another car since living with the 240sx every day is a chore. I have drove the mazdaspeed6 but it did not feel that fast.

I have read through some of the forums -- what kinda power with little mods can this engine take and what time of quarters can they run?

 

[Circle9]

We have one guy running a 12.8 with just an intake and slicks. The MS3 has good power potential, but we have seem to hit a wall just shy of 400 horsepower. It usually makes a good 20 + more lb-ft's than horsepower. Torque steer isn't really bad once you get used to it, I hardly even notice anymore.

It isn't going to be as fast as your car. It will take a full TBE, intake, FMIC or TMIC upgrade, Cobb AP, and a reworked turbo to make it close to the mid 300's in this car.

 

[Wurf]

You should go drive one and return with new questions. Honestly, it's a lot of car for the money and stock, or even mildly modded it's great to "live with" as a daily driver. Start making lots of mods to get much over the 300 mark, upgrade the turbo and you could be right back with driving a car that's a chore. Big numbers require upgrading the rotating assembly and slugs by the way, not to mention the turbo itself, and the engine management system, and the intercooler, motor mounts, etc.

Torque steer hasn't been an issue for me either. Course my other car is a 2002 Maxima so it's all relative I guess. The ECU in this car monitors steering angle and won't give you full power when you shouldn't have it, but there are times when you can make it happen.

Like I said, if you have some interest, I suggest you go drive one and see what you think.

I think it's an awesome car and I love mine.

 

[shift_SR20DET]

Start making lots of mods to get much over the 300 mark, upgrade the turbo and you could be right back with driving a car that's a chore. Big numbers require upgrading the rotating assembly and slugs by the way, not to mention the turbo itself, and the engine management system, and the intercooler, motor mounts, etc.

I think it's an awesome car and I love mine.

I do not know much about the disi but what is the rotating assembly and slugs? sounds like you are talking about an FD rotary? The 240sx is a little rough over road imperfections and while it is reliable to drive everyday, I just am looking for a newer car to cruise in and one that will get good mileage and have decent power.

 

[Wurf]

Rotating assembly in this case, I meant specifically the connecting rods. The crank is already a forged piece. When somebody says rotating assembly they usually mean both the rods and the crank. Slugs is a slang term for pistons. If you push the stock speed3 motor past a certain power level without upgrading these components, they can fail, and you can grenade the little MZR 2.3. How much past the stock level is debatable.

Sounds to me like the speed3 might fit the bill for you.

 

[shift_SR20DET]

Rotating assembly in this case, I meant specifically the connecting rods. The crank is already a forged piece. When somebody says rotating assembly they usually mean both the rods and the crank. Slugs is a slang term for pistons. If you push the stock speed3 motor past a certain power level without upgrading these components, they can fail, and you can grenade the little MZR 2.3. How much past the stock level is debatable.

Sounds to me like the speed3 might fit the bill for you.

what is that power number? does the speed have oil squiters for the pistons?

 

[MS3 GT]

263 hp, 280 ft torque

 

[shift_SR20DET]

263 hp, 280 ft torque

your kidding right?(boom06)

 

[spoolin_05]

your kidding right?(boom06)

why you think hes kidding?

 

[bluelion]

i think the question shift_sr20det was asking is, what is the power number for the engine to go boom.... not what are the stock power numbers... at least that's how i understood it...

 

[shift_SR20DET]

i think the question shift_sr20det was asking is, what is the power number for the engine to go boom.... not what are the stock power numbers... at least that's how i understood it...

exactly a stock sr20det block will hold around 400 whp before it goes BOOM..

what does a disi 2.3 liter handle before BOOM? it is a stock turbo car so I assume it has oil squirters and low comp pistons?

 

[bluelion]

i personally don't know specific numbers, i'll leave that for the technical guru's....but i don't think it's anything close to that 400whp. if my reading and memory serves me right, i think it's low-mid 300's (Whp).

 

[shift_SR20DET]

i personally don't know specific numbers, i'll leave that for the technical guru's....but i don't think it's anything close to that 400whp. if my reading and memory serves me right, i think it's low-mid 300's (Whp).

yeah thanks I will take a look at them. I wish they still made mazdaspeed miatas.

 

[evilmonkey]

shift_SR20DET as of right now these cars have hit a limit as to how far they could be pushed Hp/Tq.400 hp maybe?. All we need are upgraded injectors,fuel rails and an extreme 1500psi fuel pump, well that's what i want at least lol
Haven't heard anything about people blowing a motor...yet lol

 

[shift_SR20DET]

shift_SR20DET as of right now these cars have hit a limit as to how far they could be pushed Hp/Tq.400 hp maybe?. All we need are upgraded injectors,fuel rails and an extreme 1500psi fuel pump, well that's what i want at least lol
Haven't heard anything about people blowing a motor...yet lol

1500 psi? wow man. I run a walbro 255, with 740cc injectors and at 17 lbs of boost it never gets over 83 percent duty cycle. I assume cobb makes custom ecus for this car? apexi power fc standalone is what i run and it is pretty awesome....

 

[Wurf]

The high PSI is because of the direct injection system used in this car. It also negates the need for oil squirters on the pistons. To keep combustion temperatures down, it just shoots more fuel! This thing runs pig rich on boost, which is safe but does not maximize power.

The Zoom Zoom BOOM is real and I "think" the magic number where you need to upgrade the stock rods and pistons is around 350hp.

Keep in mind it's front wheel drive. 400hp front wheel drive street car is silly smoke machine. You would be hard pressed to use it even if you could hook it up.

 

[mr_mazda329]

shift_SR20DET as of right now these cars have hit a limit as to how far they could be pushed Hp/Tq.400 hp maybe?. All we need are upgraded injectors,fuel rails and an extreme 1500psi fuel pump, well that's what i want at least lol
Haven't heard anything about people blowing a motor...yet lol

Ok you must be new or something. Becuase theres over 20 instances where these motors have popped with full bolt-ons and Cobb AP on another forum. They actually have a few threads dedicated to it. And at 350hp on a non-built motor (atleast rods) is asking for trouble.

 

[Wurf]

Ok you must be new or something. Becuase theres over 20 instances where these motors have popped with full bolt-ons and Cobb AP on another forum. They actually have a few threads dedicated to it. And at 350hp on a non-built motor (atleast rods) is asking for trouble.

And there you go. A fully bolted car with an AP is risking Zoom Zoom Boom.
Some basic bolt-ons with a stock ECU should get you to 300hp though, and that's plenty of fun IMO for DD car.

 

[Kain]

All I have for power mods is a CAI, and that's as fast as I need to carry groceries in a FWD car.

What you need to consider is that the MS3 isn't lacking in horsepower; it needs suspension upgrades like sway bars and proper damping. Then it'd be truly competitent in all phases of performance.

 

[johnnyB5646]

First of all I'd like to thank you for your approach in trying to find out about this car while retaining your love for your current car. People rarely have any edicate online anymore. This is a great DD with some balls and a great balance of performance, handling, and comfort. You can bolt on a few goodies to satisfy the modding bug but it is pretty nice right out the box. I'd keep modding the 240 to be your bad boy and let the MS3 be your daily toy. Hardly anyone can distiguish the MS3 from a regular 3 till you get on it and pull away. Its not the fastest on the street but it is pretty fast and I get 25-28 mpgs (70/30 highway/city). Be carefull though it is easy to fall in love with a Mazda! I does great at the road course and won't shame you at the drags. It is also a GREAT highway passing car.