Hey everyone, I have an '06 Mazda3 that I want to begin to modify and have a couple questions.. (I don't know anyone personally that mods cars so some of them may be duh questions..bear with me)

1. What are a couple good modifications to the insides and such? I am thinking a cold air intake because looking at specs, its sounds alright. Pretty much I want a stronger acceleration, and better gas mileage along with it. Anything else i can do to improve that?

2. does anyone know a good, reliable place to find red and black seat covers with separate head rests and that DO NOT have a cheesy brand name on the front? I want to find some classy yet affordable seat covers.

3. What is a good idea on wheels? I want to add new wheels but dont want to get super slim tires to go with it, what size is best?

4. any other modifications/picture that you have made to yours to give me some ideas? Im doing this on my own and want some performance perks and interior ideas. Right now I have the basic 2.0L model with tan and black interior and Blue outside.

5. Also, will taillights made for a newer model Mazda3 fit my '06? I want to put the chrome lining around the lights like the newer versions have but cant seem to find a place that has them.
Thanks a lot!

 

I would start with a cold-air intake and cat-back exhaust. That seems to be the best bang for the buck and fairly easy to install.

No idea on the seat covers. Personally, I hate seat covers.

The MS3 comes with 18's. I wouldn't change the size, but I guess you could play around with the offset if you're wanting a deep dish. The RX-8 wheels look pretty good too and they fix really well.

Wait. Your title says MS3, but you say you have a 2.0L? You know that MS3 stands for Mazdaspeed 3, right? Two very different cars you're talking about.

You can get european tail lights for your 3. They are a direct bolt-on and typically run about $400.

 

1. if you want better gas mileage, change your driving style. its the number 1 factor in your mpg. however, you will lose a lot of acceleration in order to gain those extra miles. an intake can help your car breathe, which can help with gas mileage, but again that is relative to your driving style and most people tend to push their cars a little more to get the most of their mods. an intake is one of the first "newbie" mods people do to get under the hood and get crankin away with the wrenches, so consider it a rite of passage.

2. here is a classier alternative to seat covers: http://www.katzkin.com
it is a genuine leather replacement for the OEM upholstery. in other words you'll be removing the cloth upholstery on your car and installing the leather on top of the bare foam molds. they offer embroidery and a ton of colors and patterns. there have been many positive reviews of their products. this is not for the faint of heart. a full interior reskin will take a professional hours to do, and an untrained joe may take several days and cuts and bruises. these will run you $400+ depending on your options.

3. what do you mean "super slim?" are you talking about the low profile sidewall? its actually beneficial for dry summer traction. the lower profile sidewalls are typically stiffer in construction and material which reduce the flex on a tire during hard cornering. stylistically its what all the kids want. unfortunately they are useless in the snow and tend to lead to curb rash like its studio 54 all over again.

wheel diameter (like 16" or 17") is mostly again a subjective call. the idea behind larger wheel sizes leads to a wider tires and those low-profiles that we mentioned above. wider contact patch on the tire will offer better grip. check rishie's fitment recipe, https://www.mazda3club.com/wheel-tires-67/rishies-fitment-recipe-if-you-have-question-about-wheels-read-thread-first-6325/, although i dont know for sure if mazda3s are covered in that thread. if this is purely a cosmetic upgrade, get a new set of wheels the same diameter as your current wheels and mount your old tires on them. i've just saved you 4 new tires . if you decide on larger wheels, make sure you plus-size the tires correctly.

4. suspension/brake upgrades will give you the most bang for your buck. you'll get a noticable difference in the way the car handles. other visual upgrades include swapping lights with LEDs, JDM badges, short shifter/shift ****/shift boot, mazdaspeed oil cap, pedals, etc. these are fairly simple and do not require special tools or too much time to install. they will add a touch of "flare" and if you do it right, will look well placed and tasteful.

5. LED tails:
http://www.protegegarage.com/product...roducts_id=397
or
http://www.corksport.com/mazda-3-e-s...hatchback.html
these are for the 5-door only. i assume you have the mazda3 i sedan. the mazda3 s sedan had the chrome rings around the lamps. a mazda dealer will be able to tell you if the mazda3 s tails will fit your car. the tail light assemblies are about $150-$200 each side or you might find a used set. new 2010 model year chrome tail lights will NOT be compatible.