So as of now, my MS3 has an SRI, Cobb AP, Full corksport catless exhaust, and a rear engine mount. Im wondering where I should go from here. The mod ideas im throwing up in the air are bov, fmic, inlet, fuel pump, and turbo manifold. What order should i get these parts in? Which ones would i notice the biggest increase in performance with?
need help choosing my mod path
- Thread starter NYXphil13
- Start date
coololddude
Member
Each Mod will not necessarily increase performance. The only way you know is with a dyno test after each mod. Sometimes a mod will decrease performance. My only rule of thumb is; The more money I put in my vehicle, the less its worth!!
SallySpeed3
Member
- :
- GT Mazdaspeed3, Cosmic Blue
Upgraded Intercooler seems the logical choice, but then once you've done that you might need an upgraded fuel pump.
you need to monitor your fuel rail psi asap since you have a turbo back exhaust. if you are not maintaining above 1400psi than you are in trouble and need to refrain from WOT till you upgrade the pump (or internals).
I recommend doing the pump internals! cheaper ftw!
Dyno time is expensive and frequently hard to schedule. It's not the ONLY way to accurately see what a mod does. How about a simple $30 or less stopwatch and measure 60-100 mph times? That way you are out of the hold back in 1st and 2nd gear and it is highly accurate, highly repeatable and dirt cheap.
Or you can invest in an accelerometer. G-Tech makes a good one. Might spend $250-300 for one, but you can eat up that much money in just a few dyno pulls and have nothing for your next mod except another bill from your local dyno operator.
I have nothing against dynos. But just like every other power measuring tool, they are not absolute. The results vary widely from machine to machine, from operator to operator and even from day to day on the same machine with the same operator. Ultimately they can only be used to compare a before and after mod on the same day on the same machine by the same operator using the identical setup. They are just about useless as an absolute measure of power or for "bragging rights." Just another tool to be used for their intended purpose.
I've found use of a simple stopwatch on the same road surface in the same direction on 60-100 mph pulls to be just as sensitive and effective as dyno pulls in determining if a mod is increasing power and if I'm headed in the right direction with my mods.
Try it. You can do it any time you have the urge and don't have to schedule time and spend big bucks. With just a little practice you will find your results to be highly reliable and highly repeatable.
Next step up would be an accelerometer. Both also have another advantage over a dyno in that they measure performance changes out there in the real world, on a road with the vehicle being subjected to real world operating conditions such as the effect of aerodynamic drag as speed increases and the flow of air into the front of the car just as will take place under real world conditions rather than all this hood up, hood down, size and location and speed of fans, and correction factors.
It's on the road where the power gains or losses matter, not in a shop with the car strapped down, spinning a drum, out of the effect of wind and aerodynamics and being exposed to electric fans.
Just a thought.
08SPEED3Veteran
Member
- :
- 08 Mazdaspeed 3 GT
fuel pump internals first, then fmic. with your exhaust im thinking you may be looking at boost creep issues so i would advise getting a reworked k04 from PG or get an external wastegate. I have the same setup so i know its an issue. all the mods are useless if your hitting dangerous boost levels anyway. but thats just an opinion.
lakedude90
Member
im suprised u guys arent saying turbo inlet. he said he has a SRI but not the turbo inlet. from what i have seen that seems to be a major mod that helps out. thats wat i would do
Saskatchewan17
Member
- :
- 2008 TR Mazdaspeed 3
Start with:
Mild - BPV, TIP
then
'Wild' - Pump internals, tune
Also, I hope you have a motor mount. If not, put that under the mild list.
Mild - BPV, TIP
then
'Wild' - Pump internals, tune
Also, I hope you have a motor mount. If not, put that under the mild list.
Saskatchewan17
Member
- :
- 2008 TR Mazdaspeed 3
Yes, TIP stands for Turbo Inlet Pipe. Makes a great addition to the intake. If you are willing to take your modding slow and not get crazy power quickly... I'd go with the tranny mount, BPV, TIP, and other little things that you might want. Maybe some visual or personalization mods.
HondaEat-R
Member
Go ahead and realize this: The more you mod, the less your car is worth. The more you mod, the less reliable your car will become. You have a 270hp FWD car, why not leave it that way, for multiple reasons ? I would really only do subtle things, like the above mentioned: BPV, trans mount, intake pipe.
A BPV, and IC would be good upgrades, and definitely get the TIP. A Dashhawk would be a very good way to keep an eye on your fuel pressure, AFRs, etc.
I would start looking at wheels+tires or suspension. You've gotta get all that power to the ground! Lighter wheels+tires = more available power, without sacrificing reliability.
I would start looking at wheels+tires or suspension. You've gotta get all that power to the ground! Lighter wheels+tires = more available power, without sacrificing reliability.
HondaEat-R
Member
Oh you would, would you? Mr. Arias 9:1 Pistons & Pauter Rods
Haha, I didn't build this car, I bought it. That's why I can sell it for so cheap, because I didn't invest $10,000 in it, somebody else did.
