Journey into modding my 2010 MS3

[boostedmsp]

I've wanted a mazdaspeed 3 since they came out and I came across a pretty good deal on a 2nd gen from Ohio. I know I didn't really like the 2nd gen looks at first but it kinda grew on me and I was really wanting a new car that still had a warranty. LMK what you think! Currently ordered mods are in my sig but I plan on getting HPFP internals and a Cobb AP soon.

New ride
2010 Mazdaspeed 3
27,000 miles

I plan on doing the small things but really want to keep the warranty. (Not sure if I can resist modding it or not)

Bone Stock

Rear

Interior

Did a couple of small things to the MS3 today....

Got the oil changed for the first time since ownership - Full synthetic and new filter

Sure Street RMM vs factory - I really thought this would add vibration to the cabin but I really cant feel any. Definitely more solid though when accelerating and shifting.

Sure Shortcut - reduces throw up to 33% over stock. This is seriously how it should have been factory
Sure Countershift - reduced weight for shifter bracket. Provides a lighter more responsive shift

Street unit Turbosmart BPV - Cool factor included + its not plastic.

Headlight armor yellow fog overlay - because its JDM.

 

[boostedmsp]

Damn, seems like noone is active here with a Genpu :/

 

[mr083]

very nice man. good progress

 

[WillD]

Looks good!

 

[summersweets108]

I'm new to the forum, and i loveeeee that car. I got a 3i sedan and i want to trade for a 2012 speed3. Scared on my payments going up too much.

 

[mr083]

you should plasti dip your rear diffuser.. it would look killer.

 

[El Speed3]

you should plasti dip your rear diffuser.. it would look killer.

Do it... or paint it as I did... Definitely looks much better IMO. Also consider tinting the windows. A bit darker makes the car stand out a lot...

Like so: here and here.

Mod list looks promising... keep posting pics and updates!

 

[boostedmsp]

I made a radar detector hard wire kit out of an old phone cord and an add-a-fuse kit from autozone. Excuse my chubby fingers in the picture

I installed my 5k ddm tuning HID kit today. Easy as pie and doesn't require any additional wires/plugs/harnesses or whatver. Haven't seen them at nighttime but I am sure it will be an upgrade to the factory bulbs. I tried to tuck all of the wiring away so nothing is visible.

Finally had some help from a friend and installed my autotech internals and ETS TMIC. It wasn't as bad I thought it was. It took us about 3 hours to get everything wrapped up and almost an hour of it was getting a stupid worm clamp off of the TMIC outlet where it was angled funny. Also got corksport boost tubes installed.

I am still breaking in the internals for 100 miles but without a tune it seems a little peppier. I can't wait to install the HTP intake and CNT downpipe when it starts getting warmer.

I know we are supposed to be performance orientated but I finally got a little bit of bump in the car without taking up too much space and weight. When I get more time I will build a custom amp rack to make the amp more organized and look better.

JTMS3 Custom fiberglass enclosure
JL w3 v2 10"
JL 250 Slash v2 amp
PAC AOEM-MAZ2 Mazda Add An Amplifier Adapter

Sounds pretty damn good off of the factory headunit. I really don't want to swap it out because I would loose the factory bluetooth buttons but I might just replace everything later on down the road.

PS. Don't use an impact driver on wood screws because the heads popped off 2 screws....fml.

Removed my SURE RMM and installed a JBR Chrome molly 88 duro RMM yesturday and it feels like a completely different machine!

Traded out my passport 8500 for a Valentine one....I loved the escort but even with the valentines software being outdated it still gets warnings twice as fast.

Plasti dipped the rear valence and I think it looks much better. Now it just needs a new exhaust or the current tips cleaned up.

Installed the HTP 3" intake I have had in the closet for a while and you can finally hear the intake/turbo/bpv! I am currently trying to dial in the maf cal so I can hopefully get tuned here soon.

I plan on buying the JBR battery box and trying to clean up some of those wires also.

Installed the CNT Catless DP a couple days back. I have to agree with everyone else...the bottom 2 bolts were a b****! Thankfully we used my buddies lift so it was a fairly easy install.

I have to say that I am very impressed with the CNT catless DP and the welds were very good for the price. I would recommend it to everyone. The drone isn't too bad but you can definitely tell a difference in sound and the butt dyno.

Soaked the hell out of the bolts and o2 sensors:bigok:

Sorry for the bad video but it was the first time I ever used my gopro :/ I don't know why there is static noises in the background of the OEM comparison. I really wanted to let the car warm up a little bit before revving the piss out of it so I guess it made for a boring video.

2010 Mazdaspeed 3 CNT Catless Downpipe - YouTube

 

[Redline_Tuner]

Damn, seems like noone is active here with a Genpu :/

I love my Pu!

Um, wait a sec... that didn't come out right...
Um, "come out right," gosh, I think that didn't come out right either, as I'm talking about my Pu...

Anyways, two words to the OP regarding keeping your warranty: "stock out"

 

[zoomzoomMSP]

Nice work all the way around! NOW TUNE IT!! good progression of parts, smart moves!! what do you have plans for next?

 

[boostedmsp]

Nice work all the way around! NOW TUNE IT!! good progression of parts, smart moves!! what do you have plans for next?

I am working with Rfinkle on a Hypnotic tune. His 2nd revision has me at 265hp/306tq. I am hoping to squeeze alot more out though. I plan on adding meth injection and eventually going BT.

 

[shuura]

very nice!!
Gen 2 has definitely grown on me!