Better to mod a regular 3 than buy an MS3?

[Mid_Life_Crisis]

I can't be the first person to consider this, but considering what a pain in the neck the ECU is in the MS3, if you really like the 3 Hatch, instead of building an MS3 engine (going forged), would it have made more sense to just start with a regular 3 and build the hell out of that with a proper add-on turbo system and forged engine? Even when you add the cost of frame bracing, it couldn't be too bad a cost comparitively. As for suspension differences, most of us don't keep the factory suspension anyway, so that really shouldn't matter. Would the tranny hold up?

 

[sephiroth]

It's not *just* the engine though, it's the LSD in the MS3, the larger brake diameter sizes, the improved suspension and sway bars, the 6speed trans instead of the 5, the equal length drive shafts (and I believe they're larger as well). It's very cliche to say, but with these cars, it's better to sell and upgrade than to keep and replace parts.

 

[Mid_Life_Crisis]

I'm thinking that a significant number of MS3 owners almost immediately upgrade the suspension anyway, so that is a non-issue.
Rims/tires, non-issue for the same reason.
The cost of a big brake kit for a regular 3 has to be less than the difference in cost between the two cars.
The major difference is the transmission/drivetrain and whether or not it will handle the power.
Unequal length halfshafts would probably result in serious torque steer, true.
If you are going to build the engine anyway, why not start with one that doesn't have the inherent headaches of the ecu?
...and talk about a sleeper.

 

[Sport6]

Yeah most of the bigger turbo regular 3s are putting down more power than any ms3. But also with that comes with the headaches of a really modded car. Those who turbo the 3s are running a standalone ecu so that could be a headache to deal with everyday too.

If you are going for bigger power from the aftermarket at the moment then I guess the regular 3 is where its at. But time will tell.

 

[destrux]

Supposedly, the unibody itself has structural differences that make the MS3 more rigid than the normal 3. Not sure exactly what they are, but if it's like the differences honda used to make the ITR more rigid than an normal integra, there's probably more welds, thicker steel in certain areas, and additional bracing. I know there's additional bracing, you can see it just looking at underhood pictures. This makes the suspension work better and so improves the handling potential of the car.

Not to say you can't brace a normal 3.

I'd rather have the MS3... I don't like the look of the normal 3 front end. That's not so cheap to swap over.

Plus having the mazdaspeed version is kind of elite... Just like having a skyline GTR V-spec is cooler than having a normal skyline GTR (although I'd take either one of those without a second thought).

Also... why is this in the ecu tuning section?!

 

[coyfish]

Well there was a mazda 3 4 door on here for sale a while back. It had some cosworth goodies and a big turbo. Was over 500whp on race tune if im not mistaken.

 

[solidtrance]

That one is still for sale (ebay). Looked at it the listing other day.
2004 Mazda Mazda3 Turbo S

 

[coyfish]

Yeah thats it. Wonder whats up because thats a sick price. Would have thought it had sold by now . . .

Amazing how that block can take 500whp and the mzr2.3 is so sensitive.

 

[coololddude]

Modding a 3 instead of buying the MS3 is a practice you will at some point regret!

 

[ryanmsp]

that mazda 3 is nice!

 

[destrux]

I haven't heard of anyone busting a block unless it was busted by an errant connecting rod. AFAIK the block is pretty much the same as a NA 2.3 as far as basic design goes. Should be exactly as strong.

That guy has pauter rods and low comp weiscos in his motor, that's why it can take all that stress without breaking. Plus he's running C16 for the higher numbers. Still impressive though.

 

[eg6motion]

I'd say it all depends on your intentions with the car. If you want a drag car, it doesn't really matter. Spending the money to make 400-600hp will mean you have built either engine, regardless of it's original state of being a ms3 or mazda 3. Most people that achieve these levels aren't driving it as a daily vehicle anyway. Overall, the MS3 is still a far better car than the standard 3.