MotorGraphic's Mazda 3 Build

[thejeans]

Well said.

Where did you get your rain guards thejeans? Do they work pretty well and not cause wind buffeting? I know that NextMod has a set for $50 but not sure if those are the true JDM versions which cost a bit more.

Got my Vibrant header and Sure Torq R3 mount installed this weekend. That header is a PITA to remove and I didn't even deal with seized bolts or O2 sensors. But wow! It was totally worth it.

Will be posting more picks here soon. Been crazy busy with work.

wish i could help you, mine were on the car when i bought it... they work pretty well, and dont create too much wind buffeting

 

[Motor-Graphic]

Thanks. Just knowing they work well is enough. I've found them at several online stores so I may just have to buy a set.

 

[Motor-Graphic]

Got my Vibrant exhaust manifold installed this weekend. It is no joke. Getting the factory header out is a PITA! It's also a 2 man job but I managed to get it out on my own.




Fortunately, I have no seized bolts or O2's. Everything come off without any major force. This is helped by the fact that I'm the original owner and the car only recently broke 40k.



It's hard to tell in this picture, but the Vibrant runners are bigger than the stock header.


I bought the Vibrant header used. It's in great shape but wasn't handled properly. The discoloration is fine and expected, but there are quite a few stains on the pipes. I will have to polish the headers soon.



I don't have pics but I also installed a Sure Motorsports Torq R3 rem. After installing both, I can't believe how much they have changed my car. It drives different. The header isn't as loud as I was expecting, keeping in mind that I'm still running the factory CBE. Corksport is out of stock until late August, so I am waiting till then.

 

[Motor-Graphic]

I really need to do some stuff to spruce up the engine bay. But it's looking much better. For those wondering, the battery cover is off in preparation for the AutoX event this weekend.

 

[Motor-Graphic]

Went to install the Partsplaza eyelids this weekend and after looking at my headlights, I decided I need to fix them first:




I am pretty sure I know how this happened. My headlights have only recently started to show this wear and the only thing that I have done differently in the past 6 years I've owned the car is last year, because of my busy work schedule, I started taking my Mazda to what I thought was a quality touchless car wash.

Touchless is the first clue. So I did some research and I will not take my car to a touchless or automated carwash again. In the case of the touchless car wash, the use even higher pressures on the nozzles and the soap is more acidic. This helps to remove more dirt and grim when not touching the car. However, the combination of higher pressure and acid levels will damage your paint and some plastics, like the Mazda 3's headlights.

So I highly recommend to those of you that use touchless car washes to stop if you care about your car. I am not sure if it's still bad but my only option is the manual car washes with the sprayers. Living in an apartment has many limitations and washing your car is one of them.

On a brighter side, I am currently working with a 3M headlight restore kit and can post pics and a review when I'm done.

 

[Motor-Graphic]

Got my AutoX numbers in the mail yesterday. (cabpatch)




Now it's time to get real!