Really, what can we do for 2012 performancewise?
- Thread starter aha
- Start date
Lowering springs...?
K&N air filter.
There is always the engine transplant from the Mazda Speed 3/MPS
http://www.caranddriver.com/features/return-of-the-boss-wagon-mazdaspeed-5
K&N air filter.
There is always the engine transplant from the Mazda Speed 3/MPS
http://www.caranddriver.com/features/return-of-the-boss-wagon-mazdaspeed-5
I've installed the JBR adjustable rear sway bar with polyurethane bushings. Coupled with 225/45/17 Yokohama Avid Envigor this has really improved the handling, even with completely stock springs, shocks, and struts. I also installed the AEM dryflow drop-in air filter (but I don't really think this made much difference performance-wise).
I'd really like to spend the money on a 2.5" custom mandrel-bent stainless cat-back exhaust with Flowmaster muffler, but I have to save my pennies for this one. Others on this forum have installed the Corksport short-ram intake for the 2.5 engine in the Mazda3 but some have experienced check-engine lights as a result. You'd really have to install this intake, or one like it, to get the most out of a performance exhaust though.
I'd really like to spend the money on a 2.5" custom mandrel-bent stainless cat-back exhaust with Flowmaster muffler, but I have to save my pennies for this one. Others on this forum have installed the Corksport short-ram intake for the 2.5 engine in the Mazda3 but some have experienced check-engine lights as a result. You'd really have to install this intake, or one like it, to get the most out of a performance exhaust though.
Yeah, the mazdaspeed5 is cool but it's not an easy swap at all. I have installed K&N, didn't know about AEM dry-flow, that would be easier to maintain without re-oiling. I always feel better throttle response with K&N drop in (used them in about close to 10 cars) but I really dislike the cleaning/re-oiling process. Anyway, intake won't pass smog here in cali and I don't want the hassle reinstallation process. JBR adjustable sway bar sounds interesting - I hope we can fit the mazdaspeed3 exhaust into our 5 with little mods. I also think struts/shocks are not that great in this car, it seems that the only replacement available is KYB at the moment.
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- 2008 Mazda5 GT
There are 1-2 1st gen members who've done the 1st gen MS3 exhaust. It does require a little fab work to mount. However, it is a turbo exhaust so it will not provide any gains. You will loose power due to the loss of backpressure for a naturally aspired engine but it will look and sound good'er
The best power option is a turbo kit. DIY or any Mz3 kit but with a little mod on the DP. The next best option is to get a tune. There's a thread below on this. The factory tune is meant to accommodate everyone and manufacturers have to play it very safe. Tuning is not just about netting power but rather about optimizing the engine as a whole. What is considered optimal differs for everyone. I personally value drivability more than power. Add I/H/E and then retune would be also next some nice gains. Is any of this cost effective it is another debate
All of the suspension parts from the 1st gen cars fit the 2nd gen so the aftermarket Mz5 coil-overs like BC and YellowSpeed will work.
Koni makes their FSB shocks and struts that will fit the 2012 Mazda5. This setup won't include the adjustability aspect that the Koni yellows give but it's a progressive damping technology that would work very well with the rest of the stock setup (ie. no lowering springs) and won't cost as much as the yellows.
I will definitely look for 1st gen MS3 exhaust, Koni FSB or possibly the yellow one (might as well) when money allows, thanks! but I really doubt about ECU tuning though...not enough interests, I guess.
