Since they don't check emissions in your state it should be fine to get a header. You'll probably get a check engine light but there's probably some way to work around it like there is for Proteges. The header will be louder than the stock exhaust manifold, though. That's the downside. The upside is you'll get a bit more power and loose about 50 pounds (stock stuff is heavy).

If 3whp and that mean sound is worth a couple Franklins to you then get an intake. As to which one, they're all about the same.

Anti-roll bars are a more subtle suspension upgrade than springs and shocks--which one you do first is really up to you.

Don't know much about pads--I'm having a dust war with my EBC Ultimax pads so they're not recommended. I'll probably just go OEM next time. OEM pads are fine for a street car and don't dust too badly.

 

Thanx for the advice. The problem that I have with the header is that I currently live in a county that doesn't require admissions testing. But, there is possibility that I would in the future. But from my understanding the header would only fail the visual inspection if they looked since it is in the back?

But with an exhaust and CAI I would be fine emissions wise correct?

Yea I might put antiroll bars before suspension just because it is cheaper then a whole new suspension system...and the mazda 3 already has a really good suspension from stock ...but the anti-roll bars would take out some of the body lean during hard cornering if I'm understanding it right...

Yea I will probably get a CAI ... just cuz that mean sound is really cool.

Yea I hate brake dust. I love my rims looking shiny. So I want to get some brake pads that don't exhibit very much brake dust. Maybe some of other members will have some suggestions for me.

But yea the hood struts ... anyone know where I can get a pair of those. If you don't know what I mean ... where you replace your hood prop with hydraulic hood props...

 

Depending on how you drive you car, you would most likely have more fun with good wheels and tires matched up with some crazy suspension mods.

The feeling of driving a car with neutral suspension, and heavily reduced body roll is alot more fun than the ~5hp from an exhaust.

Except for the look and sound, you might not even notice the exhaust is there.

 

I can't think of any reason to buy a brake pad other than Hawk HPS. They have great performance (if you plan on doing a lot of track days you may want to go for something that can withstand the higher temps associated with frequest high speed braking), and I don't notice any more dust than with stock pads. Seems like a little bit less than with the KVR carbon fiber pads I had on before.

 

^^ Chris, besides the dust-lessness, what do the Hawks do that OEM doesn't? Do they actually brake better/harder/faster?

I know better rotors (slotted/drilled) can help, but I don't know much about pads.

 

OEM rotors are better than slotted or drilled for our cars.

And yes, they brake better harder faster

Brake pads can make a pretty big difference. You'd be surprised what new pads, oem rotors (well I use brembo only because they were cheaper), and fresh brake fluid can do.

As an example of how much different brake pads vary.. here's some info from a vdub forum:

Also check this thread/post on here: https://www.mazda3club.com/showthrea...892#post385892