Hey guys Im thinking of selling my msp and getting a ms3, Only one problem is that Im not familiar with the speed3 so is there anything I should know as to common issues? what goes bad as far as factory issues? how much boost can a stock engine hold. Im looking into a 2008-2009 ms3 and also whats the difference between a ms3gt and ms3 sport?...Thanks for help and remember im comming from a msp so sorry for all the questions lol
Looking Into Speed
- Thread starter fsd_619
- Start date
7
79535
Common issues... Smoking turbo, bad pcv setup, throwing engine rods through the block... the list goes on.
Look for a car that doesn't appear to have been modified before. Check things like the intake hoses and clamps to see if they have been tampered with. It's always better to start on an unmodified car.
Start the car, drive the hell out of it and then let it idle for 15 minutes to see if it starts smoking out of the tail pipe to check for smoking turbo (bad seals and PCV setup).
Check the exhaust to see if it is running the stock downpipe or not. Stocker should have heat shields on it and be bolted to a hanger/mount on the passenger side of the car.
If you buy one, check for boost leaks immediately and tune according to your mods (if you have any). Generally, you can get away with an intake without a tune but not much more. If you get a downpipe, it's time for a tune.
On the stock turbo, you shouldn't push more than 18psi. Above this pressure, the turbo runs out of it's efficiency curve and turns in to a blow dryer. Even at 18psi, boost should start to fall off in the high RPM's again because the turbo is out of it's efficiency range.
I can't tell you much about the difference between models because in Canada, there was only one model available.
Good luck. It's a fun car but extremely finicky. I have had nothing but issues with mine. Others have had great luck.
Look for a car that doesn't appear to have been modified before. Check things like the intake hoses and clamps to see if they have been tampered with. It's always better to start on an unmodified car.
Start the car, drive the hell out of it and then let it idle for 15 minutes to see if it starts smoking out of the tail pipe to check for smoking turbo (bad seals and PCV setup).
Check the exhaust to see if it is running the stock downpipe or not. Stocker should have heat shields on it and be bolted to a hanger/mount on the passenger side of the car.
If you buy one, check for boost leaks immediately and tune according to your mods (if you have any). Generally, you can get away with an intake without a tune but not much more. If you get a downpipe, it's time for a tune.
On the stock turbo, you shouldn't push more than 18psi. Above this pressure, the turbo runs out of it's efficiency curve and turns in to a blow dryer. Even at 18psi, boost should start to fall off in the high RPM's again because the turbo is out of it's efficiency range.
I can't tell you much about the difference between models because in Canada, there was only one model available.
Good luck. It's a fun car but extremely finicky. I have had nothing but issues with mine. Others have had great luck.
speed3 britz
Member
- :
- 07 Mazdaspeed3, 93 B2600i 4x4
Ive had mine going on a year in july, I got 57xxx on mine and I still love the car, no major issues. Minor mods and everything still feels great. Little minor issues, but mainly normal wear and tear. Sway bar endlinks and bushings wear out and tend to rattle a bit.
Say Chi Sin Lo
Member
- :
- 2009 CWP Mazdaspeed GT
I think the bad turbo seal only applies to the earlier models (2007-2008.5). I think they corrected it after that.
7
79535
I bought the first model year (and extended warranty thankfully).
My car launched a rod threw the block on flat highway at 120km/h with cruise control set. Two weeks after Mazda replaced my motor, the turbo seals went. This was all around the 65,000km point on the odometer.
08.5 models and newer (noted by the piano black trim inside and black mesh seats) seem to have less fatal issues.
As long as you are buying an unmolested car that has had religious maintenance conducted, you should be fine.
My car launched a rod threw the block on flat highway at 120km/h with cruise control set. Two weeks after Mazda replaced my motor, the turbo seals went. This was all around the 65,000km point on the odometer.
08.5 models and newer (noted by the piano black trim inside and black mesh seats) seem to have less fatal issues.
As long as you are buying an unmolested car that has had religious maintenance conducted, you should be fine.
no problems what so ever,
had a power window master switch go bad in the fall, and a coolant overflow bottle hose crack and leak. but the last one was my fault hahaha
but other than that no issues at all
I bought mine in Sept '08 and I'm so pissed that I didn't get the piano black and alcantara seats. The dealership had it brought int from somewhere else and the first time I saw it was when I went to pick it up and I really wanted it
But I have 75k on my Speed3 with no issues at all and have been really happy with it otherwise. Mazdaspeed intake/cat-back and Forge BPV are my only engine related mods.
Congrats!!
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