Supporting Mods?

[sick_role]

The irony of this isn't lost on me, but I'm thinking of modding my ms3 for subjective reasons, as opposed to looking for any sort of power gains. Oddly enough, the mods are mostly power related.

1. I want to do a TBE (corksport) simply because I think it sounds divine. The OEM is plenty loud for me, I just want it to sound "better".

2. This is my first turbo car and I would actually like to hear the turbo spool/purge...because it's awesome, frankly. (thinking forge bpv)

3. Aftermarket intake. This is related to #2 and from talking with others who have owned ms3's, it is recommended, regardless. (thinking either MSCAI or more likely Cobb SRI).

4. Aftermarket MM & shifter bushings. From reading, driving, & previously owning a mazda where the MM broke while driving; these are things I feel I "need" to do.


This car is my DD 100+mi/day and needs to last. Like I said, my logic behind wanting the mods seems very riceresque, but I really am not seeking out additional power. Rather, it is a nice side-effect.

I would like to get your oppinion on what, if any, additional things I'll need for a reliable and wonderfully sounding car? I would get a dyno-tune after all parts installed. Or should I just deal with a stock car and be happy it isn't my previous one and enjoy it...which I am also ok with.

Thanks!

 

[ElMariachi]

I'm brand new here, but there seems to be a LOT of support for the MSCAI, especially if you have warranty concerns since it's your DD.

 

[H3br3w_Ham3r]

I'm brand new here, but there seems to be a LOT of support for the MSCAI, especially if you have warranty concerns since it's your DD.

I would watch out going with a catless downpipe. People have boost creep and more issues with turbo seals going that way. Everything else you said was pretty solid.

 

[ElMariachi]

I would watch out going with a catless downpipe. People have boost creep and more issues with turbo seals going that way. Everything else you said was pretty solid.

Somewhat on topic - would you recommend the Cobb SRI as a first or standalone mod, or would it cause any issues without further adjustment?

 

[sick_role]

I would watch out going with a catless downpipe. People have boost creep and more issues with turbo seals going that way. Everything else you said was pretty solid.

I would be getting the TBE w/cat from corksport.

Thanks

 

[ncspeed21]

I would watch out going with a catless downpipe. People have boost creep and more issues with turbo seals going that way. Everything else you said was pretty solid.

i agree but i have a catted downpipe, and still had issues with the turbo seals. who knows?

 

[H3br3w_Ham3r]

i agree but i have a catted downpipe, and still had issues with the turbo seals. who knows?

Yes but I think it can be argued that it can happen to anyone and the cat less down pipes exacerbate the issue. Oil catch can FTW!

 

[H3br3w_Ham3r]

Somewhat on topic - would you recommend the Cobb SRI as a first or standalone mod, or would it cause any issues without further adjustment?

Yes I would recommend it. You can actually hear the turbo spool and it should give you some good power. Plus if you decide to get an access port it will work with that!

 

[ncspeed21]

Yes but I think it can be argued that it can happen to anyone and the cat less down pipes exacerbate the issue. Oil catch can FTW!

haha yeah i was going to add that too!! hahaha FML oh well at least warranty

 

[oaklandopen]

you, OP, are in a relatively minute category. a friend of mine with an FD likes to say "safety mods". if this is, in fact, what you're looking for i would suggest the following:

1. forge bpv (because many say and claim the stock leaks)
2. rear motor mount (because the torque likes to rock this engine back and forth, a lot)
3. some sort of intake (because substantial gains can be made by any replacement of the stock box, regardless of short ram or cold air)
4. oil catch can (because under boost im sure there's a lot of undesireable oil going through the combustion process)

these are pretty much the safest mods you can do, without having to do any additional monitoring or modification. just an intake won't force you to tune or get any gauges, and the others are just sort of piece-of-mind.

personally, i just have a CAI. that took some persuasion (wives can be that way).

other than that, i did a DIY rear mudflaps, got some xenon fog light kits, window tints, and went to full synthetic oil

anything other than those 4 (i may be missing some simple ones) and you're delving into the realm of moderate to major modding, in which case you have some NECCESSARY additions that have to be made in order to make those modifications safe. and by safe i mean making your car last. yea there are some that say their downpipe is working just fine on their stock tune, but it won't. they have boost spikes and are slowly killing their engines, etc

sorry it's long winded, but ive been drinking and opinions are like assholes, and i've got one

 

[LovinMyMS3]

I think a CAI, rear MM and STS are required basics.

 

[sick_role]

you, OP, are in a relatively minute category. a friend of mine with an FD likes to say "safety mods". if this is, in fact, what you're looking for i would suggest the following:

1. forge bpv (because many say and claim the stock leaks)
2. rear motor mount (because the torque likes to rock this engine back and forth, a lot)
3. some sort of intake (because substantial gains can be made by any replacement of the stock box, regardless of short ram or cold air)
4. oil catch can (because under boost im sure there's a lot of undesireable oil going through the combustion process)

these are pretty much the safest mods you can do, without having to do any additional monitoring or modification. just an intake won't force you to tune or get any gauges, and the others are just sort of piece-of-mind.

personally, i just have a CAI. that took some persuasion (wives can be that way).

other than that, i did a DIY rear mudflaps, got some xenon fog light kits, window tints, and went to full synthetic oil

anything other than those 4 (i may be missing some simple ones) and you're delving into the realm of moderate to major modding, in which case you have some NECCESSARY additions that have to be made in order to make those modifications safe. and by safe i mean making your car last. yea there are some that say their downpipe is working just fine on their stock tune, but it won't. they have boost spikes and are slowly killing their engines, etc

sorry it's long winded, but ive been drinking and opinions are like assholes, and i've got one

Thanks for the info. I need to do some more research on the oil catch can, as I have a very minimal understanding of it's upkeep/install etc. There are threads in this forum so I'll start reading up.

Yes, the biggest purchase would be the TBE and my thinking was that now that I've changed (speaking future tense, of course) how the engine breathes in and out, I had better make sure everything is on the up and up. I think the TBE will be the last thing I'll buy. "why yes dear, I DID need to spend 1k on an exhaust for my car. I know it's already loud. what do you mean the baby needs more diapers and you'd like something nice too? what about ME??"(fight)

No worries on a Hemmingway post, drunk or sober.

 

[BigDaddyMS3]

Occ

As recommended by Hank3, Saiku Michi oil catch can. I have one on order. Google the site and e-mail Matt at mdmazdaspeed@gmail.com