Just got my 08 Black MICA MS3

coteyma

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08 Black MICA Mazdaspeed 3
Hello all! first time posting here as I've just picked up my 08 Black MICA speed3 this week. No pictars yet as I'm at work but soon to come!

As I'm fighting the urge to mod (and losing horribly) how about some opinions? I don't want to get into it too heavily but I know once I start I won't stop, funds willing..

I'm thinking first off:
1. Window tint.. this is a necessity.. going 35 all around (legal in TN, school, not quite legal in VA, home..)
2. Cobb SRI (once available)
3. Short shifter + Bushings (Cobb vs. TWM?)
4. RSB, More than likely will go with Cobb as I don't plan on doing the rest of the kit
5. I'm not usually one for pure aesthetics but some gunmetal MS6 wheels would be sexy

I'm currently finishing up college so having to haul my stuff back and forth from home to school is a plus, hence no springs as I'm worried about scraping in the rear tires...

Any thoughts, opinions, or suggestions would be appreciated!
Thanks guys.
 
congrats, and welcome.

i've modded all my cars in the past, but thus far i've avoided the urge to mod this one, due to warranty and cost issues.

as far as your list, looks pretty reasonable and standard practice. everyone will tell you to get a rear motor mount insert as well. in addition, if you're looking to save a few bucks, there's a thread in the how-to section about an easy way to stiffen your shifter without needing the bushings.

good luck with it.
 
Hmm I'll have to check that out.. thanks for the tip... I must say I don't like the mushiness of the stock shifter
 
Hahaha damn, your mod approach is exactly the same as mine. I'm not too sure on whether or not I'll tint this car (hearing a lot of bad stories about people getting their ms3's scratched because of the tint jobs) but yeah pretty much for me its SRI (when in stock), sts (twm or cobb [waiting for reviews on the cobb still]) bushings (which I already installed) and both front and rear sways from Cobb (maybe the entire stage2 if I do get the money for ... (coddamn we're going to have identical cars) some gunmetal MS6 rims.
 
Yeah I'd like to keep it pretty standard upgrades.. i'm gonna hold off on the short throw for now.. I did the "stiffen your shifter for free" mod last night and couldn't be happier right now so unless I find a problem I'm gonna keep it the way it is and save some cash..

Quick question on the cobb stage 2, or any springs honestly.. Does anyone experience rubbing of the rear tires under heavy load? I've got to transport all of my stuff back to school and I'm pretty worried I wouldn't be able to once it's an inch or so lower.. (100ish lb tv, 45 lb dog, clothes, xbox, whatever else..)
 
I'm not too sure on whether or not I'll tint this car (hearing a lot of bad stories about people getting their ms3's scratched because of the tint jobs)

Well, just gotta do your research and make sure you've got a reputable shop doing the tint.. I'm getting my 35% all around done tomorrow i'll let you know how it goes
 
Congrats on getting the fastest MS3....Black Mica.

Hope to see you on the roads. I'm around Sterling, Herndon, Chantilly and Fairfax.
 
Same here, have you been to the Sterling chic-fil-a meet? I saw another Black MICA there last week.. blacked out.. painted emblems..
 
Grats, you may see me around in my 8.5 MGM GT in Springfield. Just picked it up on 2 July. Edit: what dealer did you pick it up from?
 
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I got it with 7500 miles on it from Carmax in Laurel, they messed up on the price and listed it 2,000$ less than they were supposed to so i picked it up for 21.5.. decent deal + ease of carmax made it a simple decision for only 500 over invoice (I think I've read on here 21,000 or so is invoice).. Will definitely look for you around!
 
Same here, have you been to the Sterling chic-fil-a meet? I saw another Black MICA there last week.. blacked out.. painted emblems..

No. Although I live in front of the mall, I rarely go to the VAdriven Friday meets.
 
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