Just got my PG Manifold today! I'm going to install it after work and would like some input on what map you all think I should run first and what kind of values I should look out for through the cobb AP. I was thinking I should go ahead and go with the Stage 2+ tune (a tune for MS3's with a MSCAI and Turbo back exhaust with CAT) to make sure the boost doesn't spike too high. I was going to check the knock retard and the calculated A/F ratio. Any other values anyone thinks I should keep in mind?
PG Manifold Questions
- Thread starter gbalanced
- Start date
AllLostThings
Member
- :
- 2007 Mazdaspeed 3
I actually read from some people that it was an AWFUL install. Not trying to be an ass but it's what I read when it first came out. It's a lot easier with the DP/Rp already done I guess. Good luck and please let us know how it goes.
Well its a pain in the ass to install for sure but its worth it. I really like mine and it made a good difference with the performance of the car. I have the version 1 of the manifold so it was not fun but they fixed some issues with version 2 which is nice.
Make sure to follow the instructions carefully and it will take a weekend to do. It took me 2 days from start to test running it. I could have done it in a day but I took my time to get it done.
Have fun.
enjoy!
Make sure to follow the instructions carefully and it will take a weekend to do. It took me 2 days from start to test running it. I could have done it in a day but I took my time to get it done.
Have fun.
enjoy!
Oh it is a royal PITA, don't let anyone tell you any different. I am a professional tech so, even with a lift and professional tools, it took me about 4 hours to install. The hardest part, I would have to say, would be removing some of the hard to get to lower bolts on the bottom of the stock manifold. They are a little easier when you put the new manifold in (hell you can even flat out see one you couldn't hope to see on the stock mani) and I would say it was definitely worth it.
I have the Cobb AP, so originally I was scared by the Cobb "softies" (it's probably just liability reasons but, for Christ's sake, they don't have a pair between the whole group that works there) about whether either one of two tunes would work on the car when I installed it. Originally, to be on the safe side, I started with the Stage 2+ MSCAI tune (intended for a car equipped with a turbo-back exhaust with CATs). I found it ran really rich (about 10.4-10.6 at initial spool), boost spiked to about 21psi in 5th (20psi before) and really did not feel that much faster. I decided to run the original tune I was already on (Stage 1+ MSCAI). It hits a little over 12 A/F on initial spool (might be due to the super slow refresh rate of the Cobb AP) but then meters out to 10.6 near the end of the power band (comfortably rich), spikes to 20.6 psi in 5th, and never even flinches on the Knock Retard. The car feels a lot faster on this tune. So for those out there with a Cobb AP, don't be afraid to go against what Cobb suggests, because I'm sure I'm not the only one who thinks they are very, very conservative. Of course, I can't blame them with all the lawyers and liability in America.
I have the Cobb AP, so originally I was scared by the Cobb "softies" (it's probably just liability reasons but, for Christ's sake, they don't have a pair between the whole group that works there) about whether either one of two tunes would work on the car when I installed it. Originally, to be on the safe side, I started with the Stage 2+ MSCAI tune (intended for a car equipped with a turbo-back exhaust with CATs). I found it ran really rich (about 10.4-10.6 at initial spool), boost spiked to about 21psi in 5th (20psi before) and really did not feel that much faster. I decided to run the original tune I was already on (Stage 1+ MSCAI). It hits a little over 12 A/F on initial spool (might be due to the super slow refresh rate of the Cobb AP) but then meters out to 10.6 near the end of the power band (comfortably rich), spikes to 20.6 psi in 5th, and never even flinches on the Knock Retard. The car feels a lot faster on this tune. So for those out there with a Cobb AP, don't be afraid to go against what Cobb suggests, because I'm sure I'm not the only one who thinks they are very, very conservative. Of course, I can't blame them with all the lawyers and liability in America.
MS3 Ventura
Member
gbalanced - What mods do you have? Did you install the PG manifold V2 and did you still have fitment issues? Just wondering because I'm going to do the install within the next 2 weeks. Any tips? Right now I'm dealing with KR, and I wonder if the manifold will make it worse, better or not affect it.
If you look at my signature at the top of the page you'll see what I have. I have the v2, I just didn't like how close the farthest left manifold pipe was to the intercooler hose. Ken said it was fine and nothing to worry about. I trust his judgement, I would just rather be safe than sorry. As far as tips for the installation goes, I suggest having a jack handy with jack stands so you can gain access to the support bolt underneath the turbo. Also a 14mm flex-head ratcheting wrench is really nice to have. The heat shields can be a bit of a pain-in-the-ass. I used an 8mm flex-head ratcheting wrench and a 1/4 inch ratchet with an extension and a universal wobble to gain access to one or two of the heat shield bolts.
As far as whether it will make it better/worse/not affect it, I'd like to know what mods you have first. Even though mine isn't properly tuned on the car, it definitely made quite a bit of difference and is running well within safe limits. 2nd gear has a harder problem keeping traction when you nail it and the rest of the gears do feel like they pull better. Throttle response is improved (you'll find it harder to keep from boosting when driving) and spool time is reduced. Don't get me wrong, this isn't going to make your car a total beast and drop your quarter mile by 1/2 a second, but it does make quite a bit of difference.
As far as whether it will make it better/worse/not affect it, I'd like to know what mods you have first. Even though mine isn't properly tuned on the car, it definitely made quite a bit of difference and is running well within safe limits. 2nd gear has a harder problem keeping traction when you nail it and the rest of the gears do feel like they pull better. Throttle response is improved (you'll find it harder to keep from boosting when driving) and spool time is reduced. Don't get me wrong, this isn't going to make your car a total beast and drop your quarter mile by 1/2 a second, but it does make quite a bit of difference.
MS3 Ventura
Member
Thanks gbalanced for the info.
Okay... Here's what I have:
MS CAI modified to a SRI, ATP turbo inlet, 3.25" ETS TMIC, Forge BPV, PG test pipe, MS CBE, Mrlilguys fuel pump, AP, TRZ rear engine mount, TWM SS, Cobb shifter weight, DashHawk.
Okay... Here's what I have:
MS CAI modified to a SRI, ATP turbo inlet, 3.25" ETS TMIC, Forge BPV, PG test pipe, MS CBE, Mrlilguys fuel pump, AP, TRZ rear engine mount, TWM SS, Cobb shifter weight, DashHawk.
