I`ve been researching options on mounting gauges and have read several threads saying that on our SPD 3's its not a good idea to have pillar mount gauge pods. So I decided to research if indeed the side curtin air bags deploy from the piller it's self or from the top of the window, here is what I found:
(from mazda's website)
Front and Rear Side Air Curtains
Any of the models listed above that are equipped with side air bags will also be equipped with front and rear side air curtains. In the event of a side impact, the side curtains from the impacted side deploy from the upper door frames after receiving an operating signal from the SAS control module. The curtain spreads clear across the side door windows offering head protection for both the front and rear passengers. Tribute Side air curtains are designed to deploy in the event of accidental roll-over.
You guys can draw your own conclusions but I think we are ok mounting pillar pods
(from mazda's website)
Front and Rear Side Air Curtains
Any of the models listed above that are equipped with side air bags will also be equipped with front and rear side air curtains. In the event of a side impact, the side curtains from the impacted side deploy from the upper door frames after receiving an operating signal from the SAS control module. The curtain spreads clear across the side door windows offering head protection for both the front and rear passengers. Tribute Side air curtains are designed to deploy in the event of accidental roll-over.
You guys can draw your own conclusions but I think we are ok mounting pillar pods