About modding
- Thread starter shingojr
- Start date
Check out the Stickies in the "3/MS3 Engine, Transmission & Drivetrain" forum. They are different 'stages' of mods that you could consider... but be aware that these were more targeted to regular Mazda3 owners. Some of them still apply to the MS3.
To specifically answer your question, basic performance mods that are normally at the top of everyone's list are cold air intakes and exhaust systems. If those were the only two things you do to your car, you'll still be a very happy camper.
Other basic mods which don't affect power, but will impact driver experience are engine mounts and shifter bushings.
I'd say look into the above first.
To specifically answer your question, basic performance mods that are normally at the top of everyone's list are cold air intakes and exhaust systems. If those were the only two things you do to your car, you'll still be a very happy camper.
Other basic mods which don't affect power, but will impact driver experience are engine mounts and shifter bushings.
I'd say look into the above first.
A boost guage simply monitors the amount of pressure your turbucharger is cranking out at a given rpm (aka turbo boost).
I'll probably get flamed for saying this, but its not really necessary unless you race your car and need to know when your boost kicks in. Under normal driving, you can estimate your boost just by looking at the tach or by listening to your engine with a cold air intake installed.
On the other hand, you'll definitely need it if you start getting into hardcore tuning to make sure you don't crank out too much power and blow your engine.
I'll probably get flamed for saying this, but its not really necessary unless you race your car and need to know when your boost kicks in. Under normal driving, you can estimate your boost just by looking at the tach or by listening to your engine with a cold air intake installed.
On the other hand, you'll definitely need it if you start getting into hardcore tuning to make sure you don't crank out too much power and blow your engine.
Depends what gauge you get but from what I understand it's plug-n-play. I've heard of some requiring calibration, but seriously... figuring out the wiring and dash location will be your biggest challenge above anything else.
A BOV could lead to greater fuel consumption depending on how you decide to manage the back pressure. You can either re-circulate it back or ventilate it out. Without getting into too much detail, ventilating the air tricks the ECU into thinking there is more air than there is... and adjusts fuel accordingly. This results in greater fuel-air ratio... hence inefficient fuel consumption. You could also 'potentially' damage your catalytic converter over time.
So why would anyone not re-circulate the air... because the main reason you'd get a BOV is for the sound... which is more pronounced when the air is ventilated directly out.
A BOV could lead to greater fuel consumption depending on how you decide to manage the back pressure. You can either re-circulate it back or ventilate it out. Without getting into too much detail, ventilating the air tricks the ECU into thinking there is more air than there is... and adjusts fuel accordingly. This results in greater fuel-air ratio... hence inefficient fuel consumption. You could also 'potentially' damage your catalytic converter over time.
So why would anyone not re-circulate the air... because the main reason you'd get a BOV is for the sound... which is more pronounced when the air is ventilated directly out.
