jri4's 2008 Black Mica Mazdaspeed3 Sport Build Thread

[PrinceValorum]

Unless the E30 has a vast aftermarket because of its Spec status, I'd be turned off just by the prices of parts. I didn't really believe any of that until two of my friends got E28's, and it's no joke, haha, that stuff ain't cheap.

 

[WillD]

I'm pretty sure that the aftermarket is vast due to the Spec class very similar to the Spec Miata.

 

[jri4]

How To: SURE Shortcut and Counterweight Install

I wrote up a little how-to for my latest goodies! Click above!


ShortInstalled by James Iorfida, on Flickr

Awsome quality parts, shifting finally feels as it should. Shifts are smooth, short, and crisp, yet it takes quite a bit of effort to throw it in gear, which allows the driver to be confident in his shifts and know that you are locked firmly in gear!

 

[jri4]

Quick photoshoot. Thanks Will for doing everything this past weekend. I cannot express my gratitude enough man! This spring we will have a fender roll party and a case of your favorite beverage on me!


Front by James Iorfida, on Flickr

SlammedLOL by James Iorfida, on Flickr

Flushness by James Iorfida, on Flickr

SU props by James Iorfida, on Flickr

SU window vinyl by James Iorfida, on Flickr

HP Stickas by James Iorfida, on Flickr

 

[WillD]

Looks awesome man! I'm glad I could help you out and more importantly I'm glad everything worked out so well.

 

[Lewis7789]

+1 Looks sweet, Chippy! Ryan's car looked awesome too (RIP) but I really like the black on black. It always looks so mean. And I'm glad Will was able to help out. Good job, mate. (pat on the back)

 

[Evan9999]

Looks damn good....especially with that drop!!!

 

[ajkulish]

looks awesome man, just how an ms3 should. keep up the good work

 

[PrinceValorum]

Zomg, love it. So sweet to see Team Ohio come together and help each other out. That's really what this is all about, it's just so cool to see it in action.

 

[Josue6WGN]

Looks great! Glad that all worked out for you.

 

[CTt3P5]

The car is looking good James!

I don't think 16's clear MS3 calipers, but I'd imagine 17's would still be cheaper than 18's. My 185/70-14's were pretty darn cheap.

I know first hand that 16x7 with a +45 offset will fit the 1g MS3. Sold my 05 Tribute wheels to a local MS3 owner and we test fit them in my driveway. And 16's will be cheaper than 17's. lol And ya gotta love a 185/70/14, I just paid $64 a tire for my new set, out-the-door.

Just throwing that info out there James in case you hadn't bought a set of snows yet.

 

[PrinceValorum]

I know first hand that 16x7 with a +45 offset will fit the 1g MS3.

You're right. I got mixed up, and forgot that it was 2" bigger than my stocks, which are 14". 16's will work fine. And I don't think anyone will complain about cheaper tires!

This is the breakdown (from ProbeTalk):
03-05 Mazda 6 => 11.1" => Fits no problem with a 16" wheel
06-07 Mazda 6 => 11.8" => Fits no problem with a 16" wheel
06-07 MazdaSpeed 6 => 12.6" => Must have a 17" wheel minimum

 

[eprx799]

16"s will fit on a speed3 I test fit a set of wheels that I used on my '02 Millenia they are really close to the caliper, but will fit.

 

[Evan9999]

I know 16" FD RX7 wheels fit...here's some pics on the MS3

 

[asherstan]

looks great!

 

[jri4]

Thanks everyone for the kind comments. Evan #1 and #2, AJ, Wes, Josh, Asherstan--it is much appreciated!

Jeff, thanks for the heads up on wheels. I figure 16x7 and around +40 would fit. Time to head to tirerack and look up wheels for a mitsubishi eclipse or base lancer, I think (same hub and bolt). At this point, I plan on either buying Ryan's winter setup (actually, Justine wants it for her car) or buying 16 inch alloys and thus cheaper tires.

 

[CTt3P5]

NP and +40 should work out very well. We test fit the +45 up front due to the larger calipers and they rolled just fine but were very close. You can always check out discounttiredirect.com too....they offer free shipping and will price match too.

 

[PrinceValorum]

FD's are +50 for some reason.. Straight retarded for rwd. Mazda and their stupid offsets...

 

[jri4]

I picked up winter wheels today! 16 inch steelies with hubcaps. General Arctic Altimax tires. at least 3 seasons left of tread. Even had the OEM mazda center caps, so they look basically like a legitimate wheel off a base 3 or something. I'll roll with them as is; no painting or anything. I dont want to put the time, money, and effort into that s***. I am waiting until the last possible moment to put them on though.

Guy I bought all the wheels from is also selling a hypertech. So today for giggles we put it on my car and went for a spin. I fell in love. I honestly did not feel much more power, but the car felt stronger and smoother. It felt like it was running healthier. I want one really bad now, but I should probably wait until I have an engine monitoring device first....gah! I hate the mod bug...

 

[Josue6WGN]

I thought about painting my steelies too, but I wouldn't be able to decide on a color, and I wouldn't want to put the time and money into it either. Plus, I like the steelie look. lol

What all does the Hypertech do? I've heard of them for years, but can't say that I've ever seen/played with one.