Looking for some differing opinions on my next mod

unicef

Member
:
2008.5 Mazdaspeed3
Hey guys, as the title says, I am planning out some different options for my next mod, and I'm looking for any/all opinions and advice. Telling me I'm an idiot is acceptable, just want to know what everyone is thinking.

I have a 2008.5 Speed3 with H&R Springs, Tenzo-R's, CP-E Xcel, Forge BPV and CS MM Inserts. I'm not interested in suspension until next summer, so that's out of the question. Car has 40,000 KM's on it. Here are my options:

  1. Corksport DP/RP with upgraded fuel pump (or internals) | Reason: Killer sound, nice bit of extra power
  2. CP-E Standback with PNP adapter | Reason: Speaks for itself, will be able to tune my car safely no matter what future mods I add
  3. ATP FMIC Kit & Synaptic BOV | Reason: Heatsoak sucks, FMIC looks badass and will add a bit of power
  4. Upgraded stereo with two amps, 12" sub, etc. | Reason: 2008.5 Bose BLOWS. And I drive a lot, new stereo would be awesome

As for warranty, I realize pretty much all of those COULD void it, but I'm not overly concerned.

What do you think?

Colin
 
Last edited:
It really depends on what your goal is, as far as the power goes.

More? ;)

I guess more/safe power is what I am looking for. I don't have a specific goal at the moment, but be the end of next year I'm going to be looking for at least 300whp. I am fully planning on doing all of these mods within a year or two, just looking for a logical starting point I suppose.
 
I think if you just took your car to a stereo shop/best buy or the such and have them put in bass eliminators in your speakers that woudl help tremendously with the stock bose system. Theres a write-up somewhere on this site on how to do it. The speakers are good, they're just trying to cover all the spectrums of low/mid/high so they get muddy. Put in some subs and take the bass out of the stock speakers and I bet you'll be happy.
 
The options you listed include brand names. This will affect the responses people give based on their experiences with that company. For example, I have heard that ATP makes a crappy product for the MS3 but a local STI is running all that ATP has to offer and puts down nearly 450 at the wheels. If I hadn't heard about the STI I would say stay way from ATP and vice versa had I only heard the other story.
 

Useful.

I think if you just took your car to a stereo shop/best buy or the such and have them put in bass eliminators in your speakers that woudl help tremendously with the stock bose system. Theres a write-up somewhere on this site on how to do it. The speakers are good, they're just trying to cover all the spectrums of low/mid/high so they get muddy. Put in some subs and take the bass out of the stock speakers and I bet you'll be happy.

Yeah I read that post the other day, I will definitely consider looking into that as an option. If my stereo even sounded as good as the 2007/2008 models I would be very happy, but the 2008.5 just isn't doing it for me.

The options you listed include brand names. This will affect the responses people give based on their experiences with that company. For example, I have heard that ATP makes a crappy product for the MS3 but a local STI is running all that ATP has to offer and puts down nearly 450 at the wheels. If I hadn't heard about the STI I would say stay way from ATP and vice versa had I only heard the other story.

Fair enough. Probably should have made that list unbranded... I guess I just pulled the ATP example because a bit cheaper than some other brands. But I guess you get what you pay for eh? The system I really want is the CP-E, but it's around $1200 USD, gonna be too expensive I think by the time I pay currency conversion and shipping.
 
IMO, go 4, 1, 3, 2.
DP/RP will give you nice gans + sound you're looking for, rather than just dump a shitload of money into a FM to get similar gains then you'll be modless for a little bit trying to save up the money, well, that's unless money isn't an issue.

Also you should look into upgraded mounts, step colder plugs, and maybe an inlet. Note that I'm not trying to start a FMIC vs TMIC again, so read with caution... I would go wtih an upgraded TMIC maybe with your option of spray, just because I prefer to retain that sleeper look and I would hate to have a decent sized rock (butthump) my front mount, just my .02
 
I would say get a DP and make sure you get one that doesn't result in fitment issues (leaking) in future upgrades to your exhaust system.
 
You should have a tune with your dp or IC upgrade just to be on the safe side. Get a TP and an AP if you can afford it then get the dp.
 
Thanks for all the opinions guys. I know it wasn't on my list, but I was able to pick up a used AP with ATR last night for a decent price, so that's my first step. That way no matter what mods I add down the road I'll be able to keep the car running safe.

I'm going to send my head unit back (the one that had the TSB out on it) and hopefully that will give me at least a decent sounding stereo again...

As for next mods, I'm liking the price of the Corksport DP/RP, but I'm worried about getting fuel cut. Does everyone who does that mod need a new pump, or is just an unlucky few who had a bad fuel pump to start with?

Thanks!
Colin
 
You should have a tune with your dp or IC upgrade just to be on the safe side. Get a TP and an AP if you can afford it then get the dp.
 
Once you get your ap just do a data log on your fuel pressure. Most likely you will be making 1000-1700 psi. 1400-1700 is good for the stock internals but you will need more volume and pressure once you get the dp. The kmd internals are the new internals on the market for us. They are used in the vw community and has less than a 2% failure rate which is really good. A lot of the cuirrent internals for us have been failing so go with the kmd's. My buiddy just installed his. With the stock FP he was only pushing 1000psi now with the new kmd internals he's pushing alittle over 2000psi

Contact palerider on m a z d a s p e e d f o r u m s for the internals
 
Last edited:
Thanks 240ka, I'll keep that all in mind. PG has the internals for sale, so I'm gonna get them from there (if needed). As soon as I get the AP I'm gonna do a bunch of logging and decide where to go from there (most likely DP/RP/FP).

I see you're awaiting the AP, let me know how you like it!
 
I'd go with the ETS TMIC and a test pipe. If you can buy used that'd be around $600ish.

Don't want a top mount, I've done a lot of research and talked to a lot of people and have decided to go the front mount route. But a test pipe is looking like it's going to be a winner here soon :)
 
Back