Hello, I'm new!

[Neilathak]

I've had my 2008 speed3 for about a month now, and I can honestly say it's (by far) the most exciting car I've ever owned. I live in north Texas, so if anyone in the Dallas area sees a black 07-09 speed3 flying down Dallas North Tollway gimme a wave.

Car specifics:

Black 2008 Mazdaspeed3 Grand Touring
25k miles
I'm the second owner, previous owner traded it for a WRX (boooooo)
No nav, no satellite radio
Stock except for a dealer installed MS CAI

Plans for the car include Accessport tune, and that's about it, as it's my daily driver.

I'm looking forward to posting on what seems to be a fairly friendly message board and getting some useful advice, as I come from a pretty rowdy north Texas Mustang board where they like to eat their young.

 

[WillD]

Welcome! Now you gotta post some pictures

Sounds like you want to leave it stock, but you should at the very least consider replacing the rear engine mount and the shifter bushings. Both would run you a little over $100 and it will greatly improve the driving experience!

 

[Neilathak]

Thanks, man. I will look into those. Any preferred brands out there? And you mean a little over $100 total? Stuff was expensive for my previous sporty car (Focus SVT).

 

[WillD]

Street Unit sells both items together for $159. Their are other brands for the rear engine mount such as TRZ, CP-E, SURE, etc. I went with the SU version because they give 20% off on SU products to SCCA members

 

[Outkast]

On the Street Unit site consider a by-pass value (BPV) by Turbosport as it is much better then the factory. I believe this runs around $150. If you want a want to spend around $300 consider a blow off valve. I personally got a BPV and love it. It's an easy install and the dealer will do it. It also doesn't impact warranty. Also, consider Street Unit Boost tubes. This is another $150 or less upgrade. No gains in HP, but better efficiency. Welcome to the club! Enjoy your Speed!

 

[boosted1]

Welcome aboard!

 

[spdjnke]

I would recommend going with a Hypertech sport tuner if your using it for everyday and don't plan to add anything else to the car. I would stay away from cobb...just my .02

 

[Neilathak]

Well, the mod bug got into me, just as it has in the past with all my other sport compact cars. Not that it's a bad thing, I just wanted to see how much I would enjoy it stock. On the list to buy:

Rear Engine Mount
Shifter Bushings
FMIC Kit
Turbo Inlet Hose
BPV or BOV (haven't decided which one yet)
Tune of some sort.

spdjnke, I'm curious as to why you would say to stay away from the Cobb tuner. Everyone seems to think that Cobb is the final word on MS3 tuning around here.

 

[boosted1]

Well, the mod bug got into me, just as it has in the past with all my other sport compact cars. Not that it's a bad thing, I just wanted to see how much I would enjoy it stock. On the list to buy:

Rear Engine Mount
Shifter Bushings
FMIC Kit
Turbo Inlet Hose
BPV or BOV (haven't decided which one yet)
Tune of some sort.

spdjnke, I'm curious as to why you would say to stay away from the Cobb tuner. Everyone seems to think that Cobb is the final word on MS3 tuning around here.

If you just doing 'bolt-ons' , the HyperTech would be your best bet for a tune. If you plan on going with a bigger turbo, then the Cobb AP with a custom tune is the way to go.

 

[cosic]

I don't know about Texas, but in Toronto, we say howdy!

 

[Neilathak]

If you just doing 'bolt-ons' , the HyperTech would be your best bet for a tune. If you plan on going with a bigger turbo, then the Cobb AP with a custom tune is the way to go.

I see. I'd eventually probably like to upgrade the turbo, so I think I'll stick with an AP.

I don't know about Texas, but in Toronto, we say howdy!

Pffft. We invented that