Speed6 Newbie.

[MarkyDizzle]

I just picked up an '06 Speed6 Sport in black cherry with 20k miles from the local dealer. I'm a Subaru person, but this car was too nice to pass up.
I went from a Subaru Forester XT with full STi drivetrain to a Scion xA to save on fuel costs about a year ago. Screw that. I just couldn't take it. My wife loves the Scion, and she milks 35+ mpg out of it, so she can continue to drive it. I needed something with a little more soul, though. I test drove a few Legacy GTs, and loved them. That being said, the brakes suffered from horrible fade on all the LGTs I drove, and the handling was not quite up to par with the Speed6. Also, the fit and finish just felt a bit better on the Mazda. Was I surprised? Yes. I told myself I'd never buy anything that Ford had a hand in...this car was just too great to pass up.

Now, a few questions:
-Where can I find the maintenance schedule for this car?
-I'm accustomed to Amsoil synthetic fluids in my cars. Anyone have experience with Amsoil fluids in a Speed6?
-The exhaust note is non-existent. I'd like a little more grunt. If I go with a 3" turbo-back exhaust, I'll need to re-tune as well, right? What is the tuning method of choice should I decide to deviate from stock? I'm not looking for huge HP/TQ gains, as the car is plenty powerful for me...But I would not shake a stick at an extra 20hp or so.
-What is the exhaust of choice for those upgrading?

Can't wait to have a look around this place.

Now, the pics.

 

[freekwonder]

Looks good man. Haven't heard about anybody running amsoil, but I don't hear anything. There are a few exhaust choices out there, you won't necessarily have to re-tune with just an exhaust. I think the big tuning choices I can think of off the top of my head are the unichip and CPE standback, I know of atleast one more but can't remember it's name. Check out the tuning section for those questions. Welcome aboard and welcome to the family.

 

[Shagate]

Sign up on the Mazda Owner's section of their web site. They'll provide all the manuals and maintenance scheduled in PDF format for your vehicle, as well as any outstanding recall information.