integra guy needs mp3 information!

[tarmac and beer]

hi all, new to the mazda world. i have a integra type r that i've done hpde track events the last 3 years. i love the car, but it's had 2 expensive and mysterious failures on track this year. i've decided it's probably time to split up my car duties: one for daily driving and one for the track. i think having a type R strictly for daily driving isn't worthwhile due to theft and i can sell it for a few bucks (very low depreciation).

i think the mp3 is a worthy street car replacement. i haven't driven one yet, but i expect i'll enjoy the handling and miss the type R power

i have some basic questions before i start looking for one; i tried searching but the results weren't satisfactory. so, riddle me this.......

- does the mp3 come with moonroof? what percentage did not? i prefer one without.
- what is theft like with the mp3? it's a constant fear with the R
- what is the oem wheel size on the mp3? offset? lug type/pattern?
- is there a common part failure or particular maintance on the mp3? maybe just change the oil often and it runs forever?
- for those who have driven in snow with REAL snow tires, how does the mp3 perform?
- what was the mp3 msrp when new?

thanks for the help!

 

[tarmac and beer]

more questions!

- length/mileage of original warranty?
- does the mp3 have an open differential or a limited slip?

 

[akProtege5]

umm well the theft is lower than the type R. man your giving up a classic for a mp3?? well some people like the mp5 instead of the mp3.

 

[2k2silvermp5]

umm well the theft is lower than the type R. man your giving up a classic for a mp3?? well some people like the mp5 instead of the mp3.

Read the whole post carefully he wants to keep the R ANd get a MP3.

No the MP3 does not have an LSD but a LSD form a mazdaspeed will go right in and can be ordered from the mazda dealer directly.

 

[TXMazdaSpeeder]

hi all, new to the mazda world. i have a integra type r that i've done hpde track events the last 3 years. i love the car, but it's had 2 expensive and mysterious failures on track this year. i've decided it's probably time to split up my car duties: one for daily driving and one for the track. i think having a type R strictly for daily driving isn't worthwhile due to theft and i can sell it for a few bucks (very low depreciation).

i think the mp3 is a worthy street car replacement. i haven't driven one yet, but i expect i'll enjoy the handling and miss the type R power

i have some basic questions before i start looking for one; i tried searching but the results weren't satisfactory. so, riddle me this.......

- does the mp3 come with moonroof? what percentage did not? i prefer one without.
- what is theft like with the mp3? it's a constant fear with the R
- what is the oem wheel size on the mp3? offset? lug type/pattern?
- is there a common part failure or particular maintance on the mp3? maybe just change the oil often and it runs forever?
- for those who have driven in snow with REAL snow tires, how does the mp3 perform?
- what was the mp3 msrp when new?

thanks for the help!

-no, mp3's were not available with sunroof, theres probably a couple of dealer installed ones floating around though.
-well as far as insurance ratings the theft rate on a type-r is a 25 and the mp3 is a 15.
-the tranny's are weak
-i live in the south, but i've had it on ice on street tires and it handled fine (as much as to be expected from it).
-i believe the mp3 was about $18,995-$19,995 msrp

 

[TXMazdaSpeeder]

more questions!

- length/mileage of original warranty?
- does the mp3 have an open differential or a limited slip?

-3 years/50,000 miles
-open diff

 

[RyanJayG]

- does the mp3 come with moonroof? what percentage did not? i prefer one without.

NONE

- what is theft like with the mp3? it's a constant fear with the R

I've never heard of a single car theft, but plenty of break ins

- what is the oem wheel size on the mp3? offset? lug type/pattern?

17" +55 offset, 5 x 114.7mm, 205x45x17

- is there a common part failure or particular maintance on the mp3? maybe just change the oil often and it runs forever?

there are a few TSB's, no MAJOR issues... nothing a different tranny fluid wont change

- for those who have driven in snow with REAL snow tires, how does the mp3 perform?

not me

- what was the mp3 msrp when new?

I wanna say it was like $18,500 or so MSRP when I bought mine.. I still have the window tag, but I'm too lazy to find it.

 

[RyanJayG]

- length/mileage of original warranty?

I believe its 50,000 3 year

- does the mp3 have an open differential or a limited slip?

open, but as stated its only like $600 to the MSP lsd, but at current power levels its almost a waste of time, unless you drive in the rain/snow a LOT

 

[tarmac and beer]

Read the whole post carefully he wants to keep the R ANd get a MP3.

he was actually correct, i would sell the type R so could have a daily driver (mp3 or protege5) and a track car (miata, honda crx or civic hatch, subaru impreza L with WRX motor , etc)

i'm attracted to the protege's for their handling which supposedly approaches the type R, reliability, looks, and low price. i do realize i'll give up 50hp, but i can then afford a dedicated track car and not have to worry about theft for either car!

 

[tarmac and beer]

17" +55 offset, 5 x 114.7mm, 205x45x17

cool, thanks. what is the width of the oem wheels?

what is the widest 17" wheel that can be comfortably put on the mp3 without the tire rubbing?

 

[RyanJayG]

MP3 handling is actually BETTER than a stock type R... believe it or not

 

[RyanJayG]

7" width, 7.5 max comfortably

 

[jflo]

gotta watch out for that clunk

 

[tarmac and beer]

- 0-60 time of a stock mp3?
- 1320' time?
- comparing the mp3 for the protege5, i see they are the same weight, but the mp3 has an extra 10hp/7ft*lbs, and has more aggressive suspension, right?

 

[tarmac and beer]

MP3 handling is actually BETTER than a stock type R... believe it or not

i know the mazdaspeed has better handling stats, i'll believe the mp3 is better once i drive it

 

[jflo]

i know the mazdaspeed has better handling stats, i'll believe the mp3 is better once i drive it

the suspensions are identical. the only thing different really is camber/toe alignment specs

 

[tarmac and beer]

the suspensions are identical. the only thing different really is camber/toe alignment specs

same dampers/damping rates, spring rates, and bushings?!

any word from mazda why the mp3 was missing in 02?

 

[uclap5]

mp3 also has the eurospec steering rack with a tighter ratio.

the mp3 was the attempt at a limited production mazdaspeed vehicle, but they felt the car did not have enough done to it to be considered a "mazdaspeed" so hence they just labeled it the mp3, and later would come out with the true mazdaspeed edition.

 

[ELEmental59437]

The MP3 was a one year low number production car.. A "special edition" if you will.... the MSP had more produced and had LSD, different rims, turbo, different interior trim, and a different kenwood system, along with a few other things. They stopped making it too, and are making the miata and RX-8 in regular and mazdaspeed form, along with other models in the future.

 

[akProtege5]

Read the whole post carefully he wants to keep the R ANd get a MP3.
QUOTE]
umm ok?? i was right. (evil) (evil) it all good.

by the way what have you done with your type R?.