Mods for my Mazdaspeed 3

[boardjnky4]

Getting around to doing some mods finally.

First up was a simple boost gauge install.

something like this, just with a different gauge

Also put in a short shift plate. Looks like this, except no dumb engraving.

replaced the weak rubber bushings on the shifter assembly to crisp up the feel of the shifter. Those 2 mods were less than $60 bucks and make a world of difference.

This weekend, it was time to step it up a notch. Went ahead and installed this guy (stock image):

Result:

I’ll have to get some better pictures of the car soon. I have been slacking on keeping it clean, and taking pictures.

My plan right now is:

Strip side molding
Smoked side markers
Wheels (not sure what route, but I think I am going to step down to 17s)
Black Vinyl roof
Hawk Pads

[Sansone]

Wow that’s low for springs. :tup: looks good

[Geehee]

hows the ride with it that low?

[boardjnky4]

The springs are actually made for a standard Mazda3, and Koni says they will lower a mazda3 by 1.5". I think the ride height on the mazda3 is ~.5" higher than the Mazdaspeed 3. So this should be 1" lower than stock. I forgot to measure before though.

@Geehee

hows the ride with it that low?

awesome

Speed bumps haven’t been an issue at all. My driveway has a steep end though, and I almost tore the bumper off pulling out the first time. It’s actually pretty comfy for a lowered car. The GF didn’t mind riding it at all. She said it didn’t feel a whole lot different.

[Clean_Baldy]

The MS3 always looks better dropped on coilovers than the MS6. :tup:

Are there many MS3 and MS6 there?

[boardjnky4]

@Clean Baldy

The MS3 always looks better dropped on coilovers than the MS6. :tup:

Are there many MS3 and MS6 there?

I see a pretty good amount of mazdaspeed3s. One guy that I see a bunch always gets really excited and waves like crazy lol.

[OfficerK]

I like my altezza side markers!

I stripped my side moldings as well, it was pretty easy. I didn’t even use a heat gun as suggested.

How do you like the shifter plate? I was considering getting it but have read some mixed reviews.

I did the shifter bushing mod and that gave such a great feel. Also switch over to synthetic gear oil, it is a night and day difference.

You will also want to get a rear motor mount asap, another cheap and very effective mod

[boardjnky4]

yeah I know that I need the rear motor mount. I’ve just been being cheap since I bought these.

The shift plate is awesome. Sure beats paying the premium prices for shirt shifters too. I’ll have to look into the gear oil. Is it a PITA to swap it out?

I need to get some goo-gone to do the side moldings.

[OfficerK]

Nah, changing to syn is no harder than an oil chage…maybe easier. There is a really good write-up somewhere on the interwebz with pics and everything.

[glitch]

Looking good, I love Mazda3 wagons! And that boost gauge is sweet, better than the ricer pillar ones.

[91MR2]

Looks great, Tom.

[Willybeen]

looks gooooood :tup:

[upstateclipse]

Great looking car, I’ve always liked these

[boardjnky4]

YAY for some decent pics, all washed up and settling in nicely

[deebo]

looks good :tup: what wheels were you thinking of getting?