New MS3 owner with a couple of questions

[OKCMS3]

I just picked up a sunlight silver MS3 Sport last week and haven't stopped smiling since. I swapped an S2000 on this thing and was initially concerned about whether this would satisfy my performance expectations (I bought the MS3 sight unseen). Surprisingly, I think this crazy hatchback is more fun than the S2000 in almost every way... without the third degree Oklahoma sunburn.

I have a few simple questions that I'm sure have been answered in a dozen other threads, but I figure that other owners can answer them based on their experiences with the MS3.

1. Has anyone else noticed that the fuel tank size is either greatly exaggerated or the low fuel light comes on very prematurely? All 3 of my fillups have been for exactly 12 gallons and the light was on. That's a big difference from the 14.5 gallon spec. I've always read that fuel tank capacities were boosted by 10% but this seems more like a gauge thing.

2. Can I get the cool switchblade key from the Speed6 to work on the MS3? I read another thread that seemed to indicate it might be possible, but has anyone actually done this?

3. I plan on purchasing the Mazdaspeed exhaust upgrade in the near future but would like to hear some before and after audio clips before I do so. Does anyone here have this?

Thank you

 

[mountjonas]

low fuel light comes on with about 2 gal left to warn you that you're almost out of gas. it would really suck for the light to go on then BAM, car dies.

 

[TorqSpeed5252]

Called the my dealer the other day and asked the same thing about the key fob. Parts guy said it wasn't compatible at this time.

 

[Akaveli]

Welcome to the boards

 

[RODSCALIP5]

I just picked up a sunlight silver MS3 Sport last week and haven't stopped smiling since. I swapped an S2000 on this thing and was initially concerned about whether this would satisfy my performance expectations (I bought the MS3 sight unseen). Surprisingly, I think this crazy hatchback is more fun than the S2000 in almost every way... without the third degree Oklahoma sunburn.

I have a few simple questions that I'm sure have been answered in a dozen other threads, but I figure that other owners can answer them based on their experiences with the MS3.

1. Has anyone else noticed that the fuel tank size is either greatly exaggerated or the low fuel light comes on very prematurely? All 3 of my fillups have been for exactly 12 gallons and the light was on. That's a big difference from the 14.5 gallon spec. I've always read that fuel tank capacities were boosted by 10% but this seems more like a gauge thing.

2. Can I get the cool switchblade key from the Speed6 to work on the MS3? I read another thread that seemed to indicate it might be possible, but has anyone actually done this?

3. I plan on purchasing the Mazdaspeed exhaust upgrade in the near future but would like to hear some before and after audio clips before I do so. Does anyone here have this?

Thank you

Welcome to the boards and congrats on your MS3. SS FTW! Here is a mod that I did today that is free and very useful. This is probably one of the greatest mods ever. It should help you figure our your Fuel questions:

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123660911

 

[Mocoso]

Welcome aboard.... you got the fastest color...prob better off getting the CAI before the exhaust... somehow I suspect the intake is more restricted then the exhaust and the stock MS3 exhaust is more agressive than you think...

 

[AeroSquid]

Welcome to the boards and congrats on your MS3. SS FTW! Here is a mod that I did today that is free and very useful. This is probably one of the greatest mods ever. It should help you figure our your Fuel questions:

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123660911

omg!

Thank you!

 

[SwampAss]

My "miles left on tank" is also way off. Yesterday I had 21 miles left on my tank, yet only put 12.2 gallons in. Unless that car was anticipating that I was going to drive like an asshole for the next 20 miles, it's not accurate.

 

[CTGrey02]

I was going to drive like an asshole for the next 20 miles,

Fixed.

 

[Equinox]

Yeah welcome to the board man.

Also the light comes on at 2.5g of gas because it's turbo and wants more. FEED ME SEYMOUR!

 

[CTGrey02]

Yeah welcome to the board man.

Also the light comes on at 2.5g of gas because it's turbo and wants more. FEED ME SEYMOUR!

There's also a danger that while your beating on the car at WOT that with less than a 1/4 tank of gas you could possibly not suck in any fuel while it's sloshing around in the tank. This can cause a lean condition which is dangerous. That said, most of the high performance fuel pumps aren't placed in baskets anymore to prevent this from happening and have baffles in the tank to keep the fuel near the pump. I'm curious to see how the MS3's tank and pump look.

 

[OKCMS3]

Thank you for the replies.

I found the trip computer unlock code in this forum before I took delivery of the car and I used it as soon as I pulled into my driveway. Very cool.

I also plan to buy the CAI before the exhaust. I was just curious how loud the upgrade is since the stock exhaust is pretty aggressive (for me at least).

As for the fuel tank, I'm just pleased that something so minor is my biggest complaint.

 

[SAVAGE70]

Hey welcome aboard OKCM. Hey I have to admit...the Speed3 is alot faster than the S2000 will ever be at takeoff and possible top end. I found this out after installing a clutch in one. When I drove the S2000...my first thoughts were this car sucks my Speed3 is quicker. I know when my gas light came on it was like saying 18 miles left onthe trip computer. I got to the gas station it said 12 miles left. My tank topped off at 12.56 gallons, Odometer said 241.4=19.19 mpg

 

[OKCMS3]

The S2000 is notorious for having no torque (my '02 had about 160 lb/ft), but it's a handful about 6500rpm's. The handling is virtually perfect, but you have to know how to work the car to make it fast. I don't have to tell you about torque and effortless power in the Speed3.

A funny thing happened today at lunch. I had a chance meeting at a stoplight with an '05 or '06 S2000. Unfortunately, there were 4 people in my car and I knew I didn't stand much of a chance. To make a long story short, the extra 600 pounds in my car gave the Honda an easy five car lengths.

The thing I love about the Speed3 is how little I gave up (compared to my S2000) and how much I gained with respect to safety, practicality and utility.