Prefered model for performance build??

[43975]

Ok so I've been tossing around the idea of picking up a used CX7 and do Mazdaspeed inspired build. I've heard issues as far as ECU tuning ect. thinking of Split second air/fuel controller with these is is better to get an AWD or FWD model, I also know that the Motor is shared with the MS3 and MS6, are either of the ecu's compatible. I figure drop it a bit run nice wheels, upgrade the intercooler and all exhuast parts. maybe upgrade turbo, and run more boost. Upgrade brakes. Then find some sort of body upgrades and loose some weight. Maybe good for 350 HP-375 HP. Should be a good family hauler....when I decide to start one!! What do you guys think?

 

[SuperStretch18]

Don't worry about trying to work in a mazdaspeed ecu. CPE has a flash and a version of the standback that should cover any tuning needs that an intercooler, intake, exhaust, big turbo, etc. would require.

 

[hectik1]

If I had to take an educated guess.....FWD would be better for a build. Don't know that the AWD system on the CX7 could take the extra stress from more power. Then again, don't know if the FWD could either!(nervous)

 

[Captain KRM P5]

last thing i would buy for an all out performance build is a cx-7, sorry

 

[shane02pro5]

He did mention "family hauler" at the end...but with 350-375hp??

 

[43975]

lol.. I know it sounds strange... here's what led up to this...The other half is looking at either an Audi s5 or BMW 135 next year for her daily driver. We were sitting talking about what to get when we start having a kid, and what I would be confortable driving the kid or kids around in. She liked the look of the Volkswagen toureg R50. I won't have 130K to drop on a car just to tote a kid around in. So we came to conclusion of taking a CX-7 and making it how I would want it. This will be my daily driver. Since I'll be doing most of the child care since I luckly have a job that I only have to work 3 days a week. The MSP will be stored away with the rest of the collection. My race car will end up being the MSP. Once Ken and I chat about Forging....

I kinda didn't expect to much of a response here, since it's full of mazdaspeed drivers, but you can't drive a car that has the same powerplant as a MS3 and MS6 and not expect to want to do something to it.

 

[Captain KRM P5]

there is a reason they detune the cx7 from the factory over the other two DISI cars. same reason automatic rx8s are detuned.

honestly, the cx9 to me is a way better truck for a little more money. usable third row seat, tons more towing capacity, cargo capacity, etc, and i do believe it has marginally more power and fuel economy.

 

[43975]

If I had to take an educated guess.....FWD would be better for a build. Don't know that the AWD system on the CX7 could take the extra stress from more power. Then again, don't know if the FWD could either!(nervous)

I was thinking about that. I read something about the ECU holding boost back during a launch or something to that effect. I can't find it now. I guess I'm not looking for an all out build more of a bolt-on build that is performance inspired. Take 15K ride, toss 15K in it. and it's nicer and quicker then anything in it's market. I know I'm not building a racer car, just a better daily driver SUV for the race car driver.

 

[43975]

isn't the CX9 much heavier. I know it's a bit larger. Your right about towing capacity ect. We have a truck for that, tho.

 

[NCZ13]

i would say go for it.

im trying to get my mom to let me buy the cpe intake for her rdx.
that car would be pretty badass with an intake and exhaust.

 

[43975]

i would say go for it.

im trying to get my mom to let me buy the cpe intake for her rdx.
that car would be pretty badass with an intake and exhaust.

that wad the other option we came up with, that and the nissan murano, although she likes Infinity's version better. with the price of the RDX I think I could have a good amount into the CX-7 though. The other option she brought up was try to hold out for the hummer h2, But we won't get that till after 2010

 

[SuperStretch18]

there is a reason they detune the cx7 from the factory over the other two DISI cars. same reason automatic rx8s are detuned.

honestly, the cx9 to me is a way better truck for a little more money. usable third row seat, tons more towing capacity, cargo capacity, etc, and i do believe it has marginally more power and fuel economy.

Et tu Ken? Et tu?

The CX-9 is nice, but there is no aftermarket. As it is, there is only a little market for CX-7 parts...

 

[Captain KRM P5]

not trying to be mean, sorry.

 

[43975]

We know that, You were just being informitive, and stating a fact that the Cx-7 is not the perfect chassis to do a performance build. I should have rephrased it "sportier" build.

 

[SuperStretch18]

not trying to be mean, sorry.

No worries. Honestly it wasn't my first choice either...

 

[shane02pro5]

The motor is still the same as the ms3 and ms6 right but with a smaller turbo. Possibly see the difference in the ecu's and swap turbo ecu axles suspention parts... and then the CPE or Cobb or whatever to sort out fuel.

If you are already expecting $15k i'd say you could get there more easily than us na protege guys had it!

 

[SuperStretch18]

Can't swap the ecu because of the autotragic. Unless of course, you also swap in a manual...

 

[43975]

I didn't know that they had a smaller turbo then the MS3 and MS6...that right there is a great start. I didn't know that CX-7 didn't come manual. When I went with my friend to buy his MS3 we were looking at the specs sheets for the CX-7 and they have a manual transmission listed?
Is the AWD system really that bad in the CX-7 it would be nice to have AWD. What's the most most power it can handle? Also how much boost can the motor handle? I'm used to MSP and it's inability to take boost.

 

[SuperStretch18]

I know that they have a manual in Europe, but unless they added it the most recent model year, it's not in the US.

Yeah, the CX-7 turbo is a smaller version of the K04. Stock boost is at about 14 psi max (probably closer to 12 psi in most situations). I imagine that running the same boost levels as the MS3's/MS6's would be OK, but I don't think that anyone has really pushed the envelope yet. I don't think I'd go above 16-17 psi on the stocker, personally.

No clue about the AWD situation. Again, don't know that anyone has really pushed the envelope there. May be the same AWD set-up as the MS6? Not 100% sure...

 

[43975]

I don't want to be the one pushing the envelope either.... Just wondering what the best numbers that have been are.