I've never had an auto before but with kids...its seemed a bit easier for me... anyone run with the 5 speed and have any problems, or things I should look out for ? I'm a newbie at this so bear with me... do the mods listed work as well on an auto trans ? Thanks !
Anyone run with a the 5 speed auto ?
- Thread starter hednik4am
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tschatzinger
Member
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- VW Golf TDI
I haven't had any problems with mine yet. I've got almost 26k miles on it. What mods are you talking about, btw?
joshritger
Member
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- 2007 Galaxy Grey Mazda 3 S Hatchback (a.k.a. DILLA)
I also have a mazda 3 hatch with the 5 speed automatic and had to have it replaced at about 15,000 miles. It s**** ok now, but it could be better. I plan on putting either redline or amsoil synthetic ATF fluid in soon to see if it smooths the shifting out a bit.
tschatzinger
Member
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- VW Golf TDI
hey josh, why'd you have to get yours replaced? for smoother shifting, i was just reading up on the SprintBooster. Sounds like it actually works pretty well for quicker and smoother shifts. A little costly, but definitely something to look at if you're really into mods.
I was talking about the basic ones that were listed in the level 1 and 2 mods on the stickies. I know an exhaust mod really help but I am personally not a fan of the sound it makes once modded unless there is a very subtle kind ? Do these exist ? Also looking into a sri or cai... but unsure from all the right ups here which would really benefit me.
I wonder about the tranny because it seems to downshift very odd... like it stays in 4 until under 10 mph. is this normal ?
tschatzinger
Member
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- VW Golf TDI
ahh, gotcha. well from personal experience, a used MS3 exhaust is the best bang for your buck. yes it is loud (when comparing to the stock exhaust), but only when really giving it some gas. at cruising speeds, i can hardly tell it's there. borla makes an exhaust that has a low deep tone too it (compared to other high dollar exhausts), but it is expensive. worth it from what i've heard though.
for a cai, it all depends on what power gains you are looking for. the most popular ones people seem to go with are AEM (low end torque) or Fujita F5's (high end torque). my best bet for you is to figure out how much you're willing to spend and what gains you are looking for.
as for the downshifting...haven't noticed mine staying in 4th under 10 mph. is your 3 new or used?
for a cai, it all depends on what power gains you are looking for. the most popular ones people seem to go with are AEM (low end torque) or Fujita F5's (high end torque). my best bet for you is to figure out how much you're willing to spend and what gains you are looking for.
as for the downshifting...haven't noticed mine staying in 4th under 10 mph. is your 3 new or used?
joshritger
Member
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- 2007 Galaxy Grey Mazda 3 S Hatchback (a.k.a. DILLA)
In response about why my transmission was replace, it wasn't very smooth and it lurched when shifting at certain times, like when costing to a stop light and the light turns green while I was still rolling slowly, it wouldn't down shift decent, and when it down shifted it kinda lurched. I don't know what the exact problem was, but mazda tried the tcm and ecu reflashes first and then replaced the transmission, they said it was something to do with not getting the proper pressure.
I do also currently notice the issue with staying in a higher gear while coasting or dropping speed until about 10 mph. That is currently my biggest complaint since it is hard to get it to down shift without stomping on it. In my experience if you ride the throttle a little it seems to downshift quicker. By riding the throttle I mean have your foot on the gas lightly even when you would normally coast, then the throttle tip in seems quicker and the transmission seems to down shift smoother. I have also done the throttle body ground mod recently, and it seems to help a little, but I dunno.
Once I get the new tranny fluid put in I will let you guys know how it feels.
Thanks,
Josh
I do also currently notice the issue with staying in a higher gear while coasting or dropping speed until about 10 mph. That is currently my biggest complaint since it is hard to get it to down shift without stomping on it. In my experience if you ride the throttle a little it seems to downshift quicker. By riding the throttle I mean have your foot on the gas lightly even when you would normally coast, then the throttle tip in seems quicker and the transmission seems to down shift smoother. I have also done the throttle body ground mod recently, and it seems to help a little, but I dunno.
Once I get the new tranny fluid put in I will let you guys know how it feels.
Thanks,
Josh
I guess im looking for slight perfomance upgrades that are subtle.... just looking into tinkering a bit... I had a 99 altima for 10 years and this is my first fun car haha....but wife made me pass on the speed3 and its insurance rates haha...
Its used but had 16k on it in 2 years so basically wasn'r drove much. I just dont think it feels right but I'm not sure what to tell the tech... i worked on every aspect of my odl car but damn cars have changed since I last bought one...
Its used but had 16k on it in 2 years so basically wasn'r drove much. I just dont think it feels right but I'm not sure what to tell the tech... i worked on every aspect of my odl car but damn cars have changed since I last bought one...
This sounds exactly like what mine does... Think I might call the service guy and talk to him about this. like a slow stop makes it stay in a high gear too long and seems to lurch sometimes, but not always when it shifts. Ill keep you guys posted... just doesnt seem normal.
joshritger
Member
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- 2007 Galaxy Grey Mazda 3 S Hatchback (a.k.a. DILLA)
If you go in make sure that they do the updated firmware to the TCM and the ECU that may help with the performance and gas mileage. Also try disconnecting your battery and pressing the brake for a min or two until the brake lights go out. Then reconnect the battery, that will reset what the tcm and ecu have learned about your driving habits. Then you can teach the car again how you like to drive. When doing this I noticed the car performed better for about a week and a half to two weeks. It may learn your style better and perform better. I will let you know how the synthetic fluids affect the performance. Also what does the buddy club condenser that you mentioned in another thread do?
tschatzinger
Member
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- VW Golf TDI
haven't heard of too many people putting a mazdaspeed CAI intake in their regular 3, but unless the dealer can pinpoint a problem to an aftermarket part that you put on, you shouldn't have any worries. i actually had to get a new MAF sensor cause some water got in my CAI, but the dealership replaced it for free even though it was technically my fault.
josh, not sure if you were directing the question about the BCC to me, but i do have one on my car. basically it stabilizes the volts you car outputs, and actually gives you a slight power gain and slightly better MPG.
"Buddy Club Racing Spec Condenser utilizing the latest racing technology. The Buddy Club Racing Spec Condenser combined an electrical grounding system with a battery current and voltage stabilization control unit. The unit is designed to stabilize electrical "noise" and voltage spikes and offer additional grounding for any vehicles.
Buddy Club Racing Spec Condenser maximizes the efficiency of all factory and aftermarket vehicle electrical systems and as the result you will get smoother engine operation, more efficient electrical component operation, improved electrical current and better fuel economy.
Buddy Club Racing Spec Condenser will work with most other aftermarket ground system and it is a great addition to any high HP force induction vehicles."
that's from a website that sells it. i think it works pretty well. you can't notice it a WHOLE lot, but i like it.
I'd like to purchase a Sprint Booster, because for us ATX guys, I hear it does wonders when it comes to shifting. Practically no lag anymore between shifts, and a much quicker throttle response. I don't have any personal experience from driving with it, but everyone else who has a ATX MZ3 says it is an amazing product.
josh, not sure if you were directing the question about the BCC to me, but i do have one on my car. basically it stabilizes the volts you car outputs, and actually gives you a slight power gain and slightly better MPG.
"Buddy Club Racing Spec Condenser utilizing the latest racing technology. The Buddy Club Racing Spec Condenser combined an electrical grounding system with a battery current and voltage stabilization control unit. The unit is designed to stabilize electrical "noise" and voltage spikes and offer additional grounding for any vehicles.
Buddy Club Racing Spec Condenser maximizes the efficiency of all factory and aftermarket vehicle electrical systems and as the result you will get smoother engine operation, more efficient electrical component operation, improved electrical current and better fuel economy.
Buddy Club Racing Spec Condenser will work with most other aftermarket ground system and it is a great addition to any high HP force induction vehicles."
that's from a website that sells it. i think it works pretty well. you can't notice it a WHOLE lot, but i like it.
I'd like to purchase a Sprint Booster, because for us ATX guys, I hear it does wonders when it comes to shifting. Practically no lag anymore between shifts, and a much quicker throttle response. I don't have any personal experience from driving with it, but everyone else who has a ATX MZ3 says it is an amazing product.
I think that will be my next course of action. Do they charge for this or can i work this into a warranty visit you think ?
I've noticed that as well but the $329.00 makes me a bit hesitant but the delay in the DBW is a little annoying but then again I got stuck in a Kia spectra while my car was in the shop. Driving that makes you appreciate the 3 even more... Now the 150 or so for the BCC seems like a great idea. Something that will help down the road I assume.
joshritger
Member
- :
- 2007 Galaxy Grey Mazda 3 S Hatchback (a.k.a. DILLA)
The TCM and ECU upgraded re-flash were done as part of the transmission warranty and trouble shooting process. I didn't pay a dime for it. It should be the same for you since I gather you are still under warranty yet. I know for a fact that there was an update to both units and it smoothed out the engine a little bit.
tschatzinger
Member
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- VW Golf TDI
$329 is a little steep. But the people who have installed it on their car has said it's worth every penny. I plan on getting it either this winter when I make money, or next summer when I'm working again. The BCC is a good deal. Not as noticeable as a CAI persay, but I think it's worth the money. Some people say it doesn't do a lot, but when you start adding mod ontop of mod, even if they are small, you're going to get results. 
