The $1,200 Challenge!!

[Ghetto Mods]

Hi all -

new to the forum, done some looking around already - here's the deets:

2008 MS3 Sport - 100% stock at present.

Have a $1,200 budget for mods.

Looking for pure engine performance. I don't care about making more noise unless it makes the car faster. Also, would prefer not to muck about with the turbo or ECU.

So I am considering things like BPV, CAI, FMIC, TMIC, CBE, TBE, downpipe, etc.... Also, mods need to be something I could do myself (shade tree mechanic) or with my mechanic buddy across the street, so nothing too ridiculous.

So with my limited budget, what would you recommend? Please include reasons for your recommendations and whether you have any real world data to back it up such as dyno slips, etc... Finally, how much hp/torq increase could I realistically expect from these mods - I'd like to get to the 300/300 ball park.

Thanks in advance for the responses.

Oh yeah, looking at an engine mount insert and shifter bushings, but those are not part of the $1,200 budget so leave those items out.

Thanks Guys!!


Oh, follow up question, what if I increase the budget to $2,400.

 

[Powerslave]

definatly up ypour boost to 18psi

 

[mckraut]

There are so many threads with dyno information about different mods it's not even funny. Try browsing the forums a bit and take a look around in the different sections.

 

[numbnuts22715]

I would definitely think about getting some sort of ems....
If I were you, I would aim for the cobb accessport when it comes out
cobb intake
and a downpipe+ racepipe

That will be really close to the 300 hp goal, but it may cost a little more.
An intake should add close to 20 hp, then with the accessport flashed with stage 2, it should get you close.
Over if youre thinking crank hp.

 

[AutoXRacer]

I would suggest the following:

(1) Intake; Mazdaspeed Cold Air Intake. (20-25HP)
(2) TBE; Cork Sport Downpipe, Cork Sport Test Pipe, and Cork Sport Cat-back Exhaust or CP-E Downpipe and Cat-back Exhaust. (20-30HP)

And if you have anything else left over:
(3) ETS Top Mount Intercooler

That should put you well over 300HP/300TQ without having to mess with the ECU or Turbo.

Just my .02 cents.

Thats the set-up I have and I am more than happy with it... At this point in time, the car is out of control!!!! 1st and 2nd gear are useless; major wheel spin. 3rd gear, just half of it is usable...(burnout)

And definitely get that motor mount, this car absolutely needs it!!

 

[BLAZEONE]

dstudenick - I would not put my entire budget into speed. Save some duckets for some nice springs, or anything that will improve handling. This car is a beast for FWD keep in mind, so you need some handling to offset that torque steer

My opinion:

Cobb AP ($700) - Plug and play Tuner, Will be golden if it ever comes out. (Search forum for more details)

Cobb SRI ($175) - easy to clean, minimal gains, hear your turbo spool and stock BOV

Cobb Springs ($250) - Easy to install, replace factory. Drops 1" and improves handling and look

Test Pipe ($180 pre order,$200 reg price) - Easy install, no welding required, decent gains

TRZ Dogbone MM ($99.95) - Improves shifting, decreases wheel hop, increases car vibration

Forge Boost Controller and Boost Cut Defender Combo - ($149.99) - Up the boost, and keep it up.

Prosport Amber Boost Gauge ($39.95) - umm.. yea

These mods will also keep you in the clear of any CEL. minus the BC ( I personally dont trust them, but if your looking for 300HP, and know what your doing, then...)

I feel this is a decent way to spend approx. 1600, covering all bases, not just one.

Also note, the Cobb AP is laggin, and is not really a must, so without it you are only spending around a G.. hope this helps


And next tax return, dont forget to throw some D's on that b****

 

[ill_eagle94]

Dogbone, Downpipe, Racepipe, Intake, BPV, CDFP, CobbAP.

It's a bit over 1200, but should put a smile on your face...


































For about a month, when you realize you want more power. And the modding craze continues.

 

[boostdog]

depends on what you want to do..drag race? then copy driver311/laloosh's setup..so far they are making good power for little $.

auto x - that i have not read enough on to see who has what and is successful i'll let them chime in.

 

[enganear]

Save your money on the shifter bushings. Shorten the isolator sleeves per the How To @ http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123692059 .

 

[mrlilguy157]

pump, mbc, map clamb/atp boost cut killer module, motor mount, test pipe, water/meth, intake. roughly $1200 about 350whp

 

[Ghetto Mods]

Cdfp=???

 

[Kosh]

cam driven fuel pump

If I had $1200 to spend on a stock ms3...

AWR Rear Engine Mount - $89.99

Mazdaspeed Cold Air Intake - $309.95

Corksport Downpipe - $349.95

Corksport Stainless Test Pipe - $150.00

High Flow Fuel Pump Upgrade - $399.95

Sub-Total: $1,299.84

All available here http://mazda3online.web.aplus.net/index.php (cabpatch)

Actually I would spend all that money on suspension. Actually Actually I would spend that money on wheels and get off these ridiculous 18x7 stockers.

 

[Sierra117]

Corksport or TurboXS downpipe, 3 inch electric cut out just after the DP, intake, CDFP, Map Clamp, MBC.

 

[Ghetto Mods]

Map clamp?

MBC?

please explain

Also what are advantages of cam driven fuel pump vs. stock?

Thanks again!

 

[Kosh]

MAP (Manifold Atmospheric Pressure) clamp = regulates the voltage the MAP sensor sends to the ecu.

MBC = Manual Boost Control

 

[jp4130]

Actually I would spend all that money on suspension. Actually Actually I would spend that money on wheels and get off these ridiculous 18x7 stockers.

+1 supension/tires
More power is always good; however it feels best while slicing corners. Who really gets their kicks in a straight line?

 

[northmiler89]

cutouts on this car without a tune is a very very bad idea.

 

[clos561]

ms cai, 300
trz delrin motor mount, 100
top mount intercooler upgrade, 500?
Cam driven fuel pump upgrade, 400
gut your own second cat, free

puts you at 1300 which is 100 over but its all very good mods and best for the money imo

 

[numbnuts22715]

Id rather get tuning rather than put a bandaid like the fuel pump on there...
downpipe-300
cobb intake-175
accessport(when it comes out in march)-695

Total: 1170.

Flash with stage 2 and be done for a while

 

[clos561]

Id rather get tuning rather than put a bandaid like the fuel pump on there...
downpipe-300
cobb intake-175
accessport(when it comes out in march)-695

Total: 1170.

Flash with stage 2 and be done for a while

well i meant my setup, untill the ap comes out, which should give him enough time to save up 600 for the ap