Can I get some advice on Mod's

[TA2DMAC]

Ok I've been doing some searching and came up with some mods I want to do. Any advice or tips would help. Ok here goes.

CAI - Injen RD Series
Custom CAI Splash Shield (Thanks Matt for the pics)
Grounding Kit - In process of making (Again thanks Matt)
Headers - Either OBX or Vibrant ( leaning towards Vibrant w/catback)
Exhaust - Magnaflow, Vibrant or Corksport
Engine and Trans Mounts - Not sure what type yet



I'm making a Radiator Cooling Panel out of Diamond Plate or Polished Aluminum. Also removing the 2.3 and side trim. Blacking out Logos. Also looking at a Mazdaspeed rear wing, Tie in components for frame and Strut Tower.

I figure that will keep me busy until spring.

 

[slow 3]

You seem to be going in the right direction with mods.. I have a F5 CAI (not a fan of it) Injen I hear is a better intake for the Mazda 3 since its a smaller pipe.

Grounding Kit- You can make your own by just using some wire. I bought the BuddyClub voltage condensor because it looks better than homemade.

Header- I don't have these (yet), but I would say go with Vibrant. They are a little more expensive, but you get what you pay for (remember that
when modding you'r car).

Exhaust- I have the corksport catback exhaust and love it. Great tone to it and it has a good price tag to it.

Engine and Trans Mount- I haven't looked into these yet as well. But I think CP-e makes them? Also, you can check on protagegarage.com to see what they have.

Radiator spliter- I bought the GTspec one and it looks pretty good (color is black). Good luck making one, just make sure you cut a big enough hole for the hood latch so that the hood closes and also so you can stick your finger in there to un-latch it.

Other- I have the GTspec front strut bar and it looks pretty good there lol. I will be buying other suspenstion parts like under braces and shocks and springs.

Just keep doing research and save that money! Modding cars is addictive and expensive

 

[TA2DMAC]

I've seen the grounding kit and came across a big3 kit. Whats a big 3 kit, site had no details.
I've also come across the solid rubber motor mounts for #3motor mount and trans mount.
I've heard #3 is famous for going out. Personally not to fond of Hydrolic Motor mounts after having one go on my Taurus.
Final question, looking into suspension after these mods...any suggestions. Basically use will be street and daily driver.

 

[slow 3]

I googled big3 kit.. looks like a standard grounding kit, but I woulden't go for it.
Motor mount- http://cp-e.com/content/mazda3-mazdaspeed3-engine-mount or http://protegegarage.com/category.php?id_category=70

Now for suspenstion.. http://www.gtspec.com/catalog/products-car/mazda/2004-mazda-3 Check that stuff out and see what you like. You need to decide if you want coilovers or do a spring and strut setup. I think I am going to go with springs (lower it about a inch and a half). I am going with springs because there not that expensive compared to coilovers and I am building the car for more of a nice daily driver with some weekend auto-x.

 

[Tungsten6]

The big 3= http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Big-3-Car-Audio-Wiring-Upgrade&id=1411196

basically if you don't have a system in your car, you don't need it.

as for your choices:
CAI- Good choice on the Ingen, same one im getting when i get my 3.

Grounding kit- you can get them from flex innovations. http://www.flex-innovations.com/mz3gk.htm
yes, you can make your own but its only $40-$45.

Header- Id avoid OBX.There are much better choices out there (Vibrant, Thunder) OBX has a cheap price tag because its cheaply made.

Exhaust- I personally am i fan of the vibrant because of the sound and ill probably get the vibrant header when i get my car so id like to keep with the same manufacture for both.

Engine/Tranny mounts- AWR and TRZ makes good mounts and are a pretty good price. id suggest getting the dog bone.
http://www.protegegarage.com/1260-trz-dog-bone-rear-motor-mount-mazda3-and-mazdaspeed3.html

 

[TA2DMAC]

Thanks for the advice. I've looked at a lot of the things you linked, some of it just got me lost.

I knew the OBX had issues after further reasearch.

The stock motor mount is the one on the left side, its a hanging style. I found a HardRace one with a Rubber bushing instead of Hydralic.

Heres my build list, let me know what you think.

• CAI - Injen RD Series
• Custom CAI Splash Shield
• Grounding Kit
• Mazdaspeed rear wing
• Headers - Vibrant w/catback
• Exhaust - Magnaflow, Vibrant or Corksport
• Radiator Cooling Panel - Polished Aluminum.
• Hard Race Engine and Trans Mounts
• B&M Transmission Coolers


Tie in components for frame and Strut Tower:

• GTSPEC Type-D Front Strut Brace
• GTSPEC Front 4 Point Brace
• GT SPEC Front Lower Tie Brace
• GTSPEC Link Reinforcement Panel
• GTSPEC Rear V Brace
• GTSPEC 4 Point Ladder Bar
• GTSPEC 4 Point Mid Chassis Reinforcement Brace
• Eibach Pro-Kit Springs 2004-2009 Mazda 3 (Incl. 5-Door) - P/N: 5545.140
• Koni FSD Damper Shock Set: Mazda 3
• SPC Camber Adjustable Rear Arm

Extra's and Freebies:

Remove the 2.3 and side trim.
• Blacking out Logos.

Body:
• BRS auto design - Wide Body kit, Adrenaline or KS body kit
• Front Lip if no body kit
• Angel Eyes

 

[slow 3]

Your build sounds good bro. Personally, I would just look for a lip kit instead of a widebody (not my car tho lol), just because I personally don't really like the bodykits they make for the 3. They do have nice sutle lip kits for it tho, which is what I will be doing as soon as I get some more spare $$$$.

But good luck on it all, and if you have any questions feel free to ask.

 

[Tungsten6]

x2, all the body kits for the 3 look like ass.

They have some cool lips for both the 04-06 and the 07-09 though.