Hello Everybody!

Been a HUGE fan of this site for a few weeks now and finally decided to join! You've all been so helpful and i want ya'll to know that even though i don't have much experience with Mazdas or tuning in general i am open to a lot of suggestion and i do find the whole deal VERY interesting!

SO first things first, I live in Norfolk VA in the US Navy, working on E2-C Hawkeye Aircraft. (Love my job, proud to do it) But my home is Vestavia Hills, Alabama. Anyone ever want to get in touch and get together to race or do some maintenance or just sit around talking about how we own the greatest sports-compact car in production, just let me know!

Here's a bit of a predick i'm in right now, I bought a brand new 07 Mazda 3 HB Grand Touring Ed. for about 24k a month ago. Got the moonroof/bose system package and love driving this thing. Lately i've been looking to upgrade a lot, CAI, new Exhaust, Sports springs/struts, performance tires and wheels, (new horn, lol) etc. etc. Mostly Mazdaspeed products for simple's sake. BUT it occured to me i really am just trying to get the most out of a car that will never BE a Mazdaspeed 3. (Even if i turbo it when i refinance it in a year)
SO i spoke to my dealer, who's done me very good so far, and he said he's getting a cosmic blue 08 Mazdaspeed 3 in the lot in 2 weeks. Needless to say i'm gonna be the first to test it.

Now, if you've read up to here then i really appreciate it because i really value just about everyone's opinions on just about any matter, and i'd really like to know if ya'll think i'd be better keeping my GT 3 and just adding CAI, EX, Sway Bars, Lowering springs + sports struts (wanna drop about 1.2-1.3 inches), new wheels and tires (thinking stock speed 18s with some low-profile tires) dark tint, bodykit and kick-*** horn.

OR possibly trading in a 24k car for 20k and leaving the lot with a new 08 Speed 3...

Decisions Decisions.
Also be good to note i'm 20 with a great driving record (turbo/insurance purposes) and wanna use the same car i drive to work in the mornings (50 mile round trip) as the car i burn audis and acuras in at the weekends.

I really hope to hear from feedback and i look forward to adding what i can to ya'lls discussions! Thanks!

 

Welcome to the forum. You made a good choice in cars. A few things first.

I'm in Alabaster myself so when you are in town make sure to hit me up so I can meet up with you and buy you lunch.

As for your car questions I'll keep it real simple... If you can afford to buy the MS3 comfortably...key word....then do it. there is NO comparison to an NA 3S GT...

Which dealer are you refering to? Med Center or Trussville? I used to work for Med Center.

 

Oh, i bought it out here at my duty port. I won't be back home for a few more weeks, but yeah, you've been a great source of info and i wouldn't mind pickin your brain in person!

Comfortably, eh? Er....what with having to use premium gas and the way my insurance agent has kids to feed that might change the long-term picture...
I guess i'll sleep on it for a while.

And it may just be a mild stroke but i'm a little unfamiliar with your acronyms.
NA 3S GT
(Non-Alcoholic?) Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring is all i can come up with...sorry?

 

NA = non Turbo

 

NA = naturally aspirated (breathes on it's own...no turbo, super or n20).

A MS3 might rape you on cost-to-own but you won't be able to build your 3S to the same level as the MS3 for anything short of $8k. In the long run it may be cheaper to bite the bullet on a MS3 now rather than be disappointed with the performance of your current car after you're done tinkering with it.

MS3's rule. I was very close to buying myself but stuck with the MS6 because of the AWD and larger interior size. I loved our 3S also though. I can see the attraction to the 3S...they are nice cars.

 

I belive we all understand that it is a hard choice you have to make, but if you are looking for a performance boost, getting the MS3 is really the only reasonable approach. Upgrading the standard M3 will not get you to the same end point.

I went for the NA 3S GT, not because of economics, but because I simply do not trust myself with the level of performance the MS3 has. The standard M3 is much more spirited than anything I have driven before (two civics) so I need to improve my skils before jumping into the turbo world. The difference between 160 hp and 200+ hp (and the associated torque), in a car of this size, is not small potatoes. In terms closer to your heart, it would be like flying an E2 fitted with a pair of Trent 1000 engines... The MS3 is a veritable pocket rocket, and it needs a trully skilled driver before it shines.

 

The name of your tread is "I wanna go Fast" = there is only one way "MazdaSpeed 3" period. Or spend 8 grand and be a poser.

Premium gas - any performance car requires it - mute point.
Adding an after market turbo - about 4 grand plus install and it you might get 225 HP but torque is a paltry 200 - then you have to upgrade your clutch and and you still wont have the limited slip. Oh I forgot - don't forget to add another grand for an intercooler.

Now that you have a 32,000 mazda 3 and still can't beat the speed 3 - Stop wasting time and bite the bullet - MazdaSpeed 3

Cheers

Peter

 

pmeilakjr, you have no idea what you're talking about.

A 2.3L Duratec 3S with forged rods and a $4k turbo kit will make 508whp. I've seen it done on a BOLT ON setup. There is a performance cap on the MS3's right now in the 340whp range... I'd consider an extra 160whp not being a "poseur". So for right about $5k you're engine is DONE and SMOKING a MS3 and you still have $3k left to buy all of the upgraded suspension and brakes. Very easy to do if you shop well.

Before you start bagging on a member in good standing you need to get your facts in check.

 

I'm not bagging on any member! Read my post again. You're talking about upgrading to a forged internal engine and then adding a 4K turbo - what's the total cost of that and don't forget labor? Then upgrading everything else to put that power down on the pavement. Or just buy speed 3 and kick butt over anything under 30 grand (moded or not).

This member is conteplating on trading in a regualr 3 for 20 grand and getting a speed 3 for 24 grand - I see the clear answer.

AS for the speed 3 being limited - sure - for now. But the engine has great potential - 340 whp with 1-2 grand in upgrades and that being limited by the fuel pump.

Relax man and take a drive.

 

Forged rods are $700 for the set. That's all you need. Figure in a few hundred in labor and you're done.

I agree that an MS3 is a better STARTING CHOICE but that's not where he's at now. Also, the fuel system limitations are a big hurdle. I's not as simple as just adding a bigger fuel pump. It'll most likely require extra injector controllers and on a dual pump system that can get complicated controlling them in sequence.

I'm relaxed and I'm about to take a drive.

 

My FD didn't cost 30 grand (I have about half that into it) and it eats MS3s for lunch at the track.

Also, IMO, 340whp is more than enough torque steer.

 

 

*starts making the popcorn*

 

haaha, yeah FD's are the Hyundais of the sports car market

 

You are 'bagging' on a member because you are basically saying it's a waste of money to turbo their 3 which is NOT true at all. 6k into a 3 and it will kill a MS3 with 2 grand into it.

+1 on both points

are.you.serious? I'm sorry, I guess the MS3 with it's FWD powa just eats porsches and other REAL sports cars (as opposed to a 'sporty' car like the MS3) for lunch, eh?

don't underestimate an FD.