2011 Mazda 3. Not a MS3. What would be an easier/more efficient upgrade? help :/

[MikeMiranda1990]

Should i just supercharge this motor and call it a day... or hunt for the MS3 turbo charged motor.

I started the visual conversion already... but i dont know what to do performance wise. Anyone have any advice??

 

[Tyrdstorm]

You're going to end up spending more than you would have if you just bought an MS3 to begin with... but maybe you have your reasons. I won't judge.

 

[WillD]

Yeah Tyrdstorm has got it right

But of the two options you listed supercharging your current motor is probably going to be more cost effective/easier than swapping in an MS3 motor.

 

[MikeMiranda1990]

Well heres my reasoning... im only 21 yrs old and i live in NJ with an accident my full coverage for the M3 spoort is only 282 a month my full coverage for the MS3 427 a month. it was a huge difference for me AND my budget for a car was 18 and i got lucky to find the one i did, the MS3s were also out of my budget.

 

[MikeMiranda1990]

thanks for repeating what was already said lol. Again i did not have the finances to buy one. PLus even if i got the MS3 i would have fully upgraded the turbo eventually so the money was being spent regardless. Im just having trouble deciding whats better turbo or super.

 

[_Chris]

Not based on money. It would be easier to turbocharge the car. a supercharger is not "harder" to install just not a lot of them out there that work on the engine and would take a lot more parts to get one to work.

 

[MikeMiranda1990]

Thanks man. Appreciated.

 

[corytomo]

Kind of like the old DSM days where folks would buy the non turbo then slap on a turbo kit and spent more than a whole car.

That being said, a "bolt-on" kit that addresses the main items, like fuel, fuel control, downpipe, etc would be the best way.
Swapping the entire MS3 motor isn't that big a deal, but its the electronics that's a pain... you would probably want to swap the entire engine wiring harness at the same time. A bit expensive, very involved, but you'll have a MS3 on a Mazda3 insurance.

I did the Miata swapped with a Mazdaspeed Miata route - it was a challenge, but rewarding. But be prepared to not use that car for a few months.

 

[MikeMiranda1990]

I dont think itll take that long. My dadas garage has a lift and im cool with two mazda mechanics that said theyre willing to help me on the side. so shouldnt take longer than a weekend. once evrythings bought.

 

[Mangosmoothie16]

You cant tune the ecu on 2010+ for s***. I would go turbo over super though.

 

[MikeMiranda1990]

Thanks man. I just want alittle more power. I know the speed is fast, but mine is lacking that "umph" you know? Its a quick little car, i just need/want alittle more.

 

[phoenixosu]

You can do a lot with even the 2.0L motor, if you have the 2.5L it has some potential as well. There are a lot of build threads detailing 2.5L turbo builds and some 2.0L turbo builds, go over to M3F and look at the FI section for the gen2 cars.

 

[MikeMiranda1990]

You can do a lot with even the 2.0L motor, if you have the 2.5L it has some potential as well. There are a lot of build threads detailing 2.5L turbo builds and some 2.0L turbo builds, go over to M3F and look at the FI section for the gen2 cars.

Thanks man. Appreciate the info. I have the 2.5L in mine. Im just trying to find out the best way to get the most power. Im going to look further into those threads then. See what i can dig up.

 

[MidnightAxela]

This build has already been done by a forum member on Mazda3Revolution and myself. Though his set up is different than mine and mine his.

 

[MikeMiranda1990]

This build has already been done by a forum member on Mazda3Revolution and myself. Though his set up is different than mine and mine his.

Thanks. Can you send me a link to your build? Because im trying to get it done by next summer and i want to see what im looking at time was and $$ wise.

 

[MidnightAxela]

It takes a while. took me about a two months to finish and look for parts. Its a lot of trial and error on most parts but you'll learn along the way
~ Stock '08 MS3 Turbo Manifold w/ K04 Turbo ~ Lower Temp Spark Plugs
~ Cobb DP ~ '10 MS3 FP
~ GodSpeed FMIC ~ Weapon R OCC
~ Custom Oil lines
~ AEM Stand Alone ECU (Tuned by RRR)

 

[MikeMiranda1990]

Appreciated man. DO you have any pics of your engine bay? and how much are you getting to the wheels? Cause basically my goal is 250-300. I had a Golf R32 that i had putting out 265 and it was perfect. ENough power to move around quick and beat some ass... but also kept me out of trouble lol. So my goal would really be 300hp.

 

[MidnightAxela]

there is one catch. if your looking for high boost, not gonna happen unless your forged. max boost i believe is about 4~5 lbs

 

[MikeMiranda1990]

Well here the thing to be honest... Ive always been more of a "show off" more than a racer. When i go to car shows and meets i like the whole being judged over the qtr mile. Ill do it here and there as i do upgrades to see where the car stands but really high boost and high hp isnt my thing. i just want the engine bay to look clean, and get alittle more power than what i have but nothing crazy you know?

 

[NOTSPCY]

car is looking good man. loving the look of the hood.. you should black out your badges it will look better then the chromed ones just my opinion tho.