Simplest Performance Upgrade?

[white cheddar]

I have a 2005 Mazda3 s 4-door (manual), and I'm interested in getting a bit more power and punch, but I have no need or desire to turn this into a "project vehicle".

Cold Air Intake? Performance exhaust system? I'd like to stay away from upgrades that will trigger other upgrades, void my warrantee, etc. Basically, I'd love any suggestions about how to get the best bang-for-the-buck and any specific recommended products.

Many Thanks,
Adam

 

[keleko]

all mods will "void" your warranty

cai - easiest to install and remove if for some reason you have to go back to the dealer

exhaust is next, but it req. cutting out the stock - no going back too easily

there's really not much else to do performance-wise
might get a header (there's a GB being worked on now), that should be a quick swap
intake header as well, if one is made

big brake kit, but that might not work if you have abs

everything else is looks or req. cracking open the engine

 

[white cheddar]

thanks for the tips.

so if I were to pull out the CAI before I went in for any servicing (while I'm still under warantee), would there be any way the dealership would be able to tell I ever had one installed? Also, how easy do these come in & out? Would I be able to do it myself if I'm reasonably handy?

 

[Captain KRM P5]

all mods will "void" your warranty

not entirely true. the law states that the modification done would have to cause the failure in question. so if you add bigger brakes and then your engine blows, your dealer cannot say that the warranty is void based on that modification.

welcome to the forums. be sure to check my site for a wide variety of mazda3 performance parts and shoot me a message with any questions you might have.

 

[keleko]

thanks for the tips.

so if I were to pull out the CAI before I went in for any servicing (while I'm still under warantee), would there be any way the dealership would be able to tell I ever had one installed?

probably

Also, how easy do these come in & out? Would I be able to do it myself if I'm reasonably handy?

MASSIVE pain in the ass to remove the stock box, very easy to install/remove cai afterwards though
i've since cut the plastic around where the top bolt holds the stock box to the body so if i want to put the stock back in i don't have to go under the car and fark around with the mud guards and splash shields


pics to come

 

[keleko]

pics of the stock box, out of the car

i hacked off the black plastic to be able to get to that top bolt so i can replace it later if i wanna go autox and stay in stock class

 

[keleko]

not entirely true. the law states that the modification done would have to cause the failure in question. so if you add bigger brakes and then your engine blows, your dealer cannot say that the warranty is void based on that modification. ....

which is why i used the quote marks

went to the dealer (gunther) to get a cel checked out and he said right upfront it's gonna cost $95 cuz i had a cai installed
i told him to fark off and drove away
fortunatley, the cel had cleared and all i wanted to know was what caused it
so i ignored it

 

[POSEIDON]

pikachu has turbos 4 joo!