New to the forum and new to my car...

[Rossputin]

Hey guys,
Just got an '04 Mazda6 Wagon. It's a sweet car and I'm really happy with the V6 performance, however...

I was wondering what others on this forum typically start with as far as upgrades? I'm thinking mostly cosmetic/performance like wheels, etc.
Any advice is appreciated, thanks!

ps-I'll be asking a few questions on this forum but please feel free to ask me anything about the wagon.

 

[lowandslow]

Hey,

The easiest way to start modding is to set goals of what you want to achieve. Do you want a nice looking car, or a fast and noisy car.

Most people would start with a Cold Air Intake (CAI) then move on to an upgraded exhaust system.

A nice set of lightweight wheels and good performance tires will make a significant difference in how the car handles. If you are wanting to lower it, a good set of springs or a full set of coilovers. It will all depend on how crazy you want to go

Welcome

Matt

 

[Rossputin]

Thanks Matt,
I don't want to go too crazy...just the basics. I think the cold air intake and exhaust upgrade is a good start. IMO the stock exhaust sounds pretty deep and throaty already, but I understand that a CAI usually requires a bigger exhaust system (more air in = more air out).

I don't feel the need to lower it at all but some new summer wheels would be nice. I was thinking of keeping the steel wheels for winter driving and getting some 17" wheels for summer. What does an average set of 4 lightweight wheels cost and where is a good place to start looking for some?

Thanks again!

 

[lowandslow]

You don't need bigger exhaust to benfit from a CAI. Most stock intake systems are quite restrictive so opening them up will give you a few more horsepower and better fuel economy. It changes the intake sound quite a bit as well, in a good way.

You can get some cheap packages that would run you under $1000 but they are usually heavy wheels and cheaper tires.

My 17's Cost me $340 per wheel, but they only weigh 16 lbs. Which is very light for 17". A multi spoke wheel will look best on your car in my opinion. Something with a touring look.

I'm actually trying to sell my whole wheel package right now for $1200 CAD OBO

Enkei RP03 17x7 5x114.3 45m offset
Falken ZE512 215/40R17 tires
McGard Spline Drive nuts and locks

So if you know anyone, feel free to pass them my way.

Your best bet is to look at sites like tirerack.com, 1010tires.com and see what you like. And obviously browse the forums here and see what other people have done.

Matt

 

[90210brandon]

Welcome Ross,

I am so jealous, you have the 6 wagon. I drool at them when ever they drive by. Don't get me wrong though, I love my P5.

Anyway, welcome to the forum. If you have any people to ask questions of from all over North America and some from else where. Have fun. You can ask questions and if you haven't asked it, some one else probably already has.

 

[Rossputin]

Thanks guys,
I have a connection at lordco so I think I can get some sweet deals on performance parts. This is the CAI I was thinking of (or something along these lines):

http://www.knfilters.com/search/product.aspx?Prod=69-6026TS

or one of these:

http://www.knfilters.com/aircharger/aircharger.htm

As far as wheels go, I think I'll wait until next spring summer to invest that much $. Matt, when you say 'multi-spoke' how many spokes do you mean? 5 or more?

 

[lowandslow]

Hey,

Go with the K&N Typhoon kit 69-6026TS and you will not be dissapointed. I have the Typhoon kit made for my car and I love it.

For the wheels. I'm thinking something like a 16 spoke or something like that.

Or even a nice split 5 spoke or something

http://www.1010tires.com//images/wheels/large/msr_044s_lg_enlarge.jpg