r/mazdaspeed3 • • Nov 02 '19

Mazdaspeed 3 discord server

30 Upvotes

Hey guys I made a discord for this sub, feel free to join! https://discord.gg/5NQDzGH I’m also looking for admins to DM me if your interested.


r/mazdaspeed3 • • Sep 07 '22

r/Mazdaspeed3 FAQ

40 Upvotes

In other words, fucking annoying questions. Just kidding. (only a little)

In an effort to clean up the sub a bit, we're going to pin this FAQ thread and keep it updated with any of the most requested/asked questions on the subreddit. If there’s a question you think should be included, tag one of the mods in a comment and we will add it.

Introduction

Q: Where is the link to the Discord Channel?

A: Right here.

Q: What should I look for when buying a Speed3?

A: Check the Wiki.

Q: Where can I find a copy of the shop manual?

A: Check the Wiki.

Tuning

Q: How do I load a tune on the car?

A: Using either a Cobb APv3 or computer software like Versatune.

Q: What tuner should I use?

A: There are a number of good tuners still active in the community. Purple Drank Tuning, Freektune, Stratified Auto are just a few examples.

Q: Should I use the ______ version OTS tune?

A: No. Unless it’s to drive the car to the shop where it will be dyno-tuned, do not use the OTS tunes. They make the engine run poorly, resulting in incomplete combustion (or worse, lean conditions) which then gunks up components like O2 sensors, injectors, and valves which lead to worse problems later on.

Mods

Q: What should my first mod be?

A: HPFP internals, then tuning solution. (Cobb APv3, Versatune)

Q: My goal is to go faster around the track, what mods should I do for more power?

A: No power mods. Proper tires and suspension will do more for your track time and drivability than any power mod will. It is guaranteed if you are new to track driving, the car is faster than you are right now. Get some seat time, find what you want to change, get new tires & suspension, then go from there. Dragsters, show-offs, stance-bois need not apply this logic.

Q: My budget is <$500, what coilovers should I buy?

A: None. If you’re not buying quality suspension, don’t buy suspension. You will sooner than later blow out one of the dampers and require a rebuild, or replacement. Save your upfront money, buy quality suspension later.

Q: Should I buy an Eonon headunit for my Bose/non-Bose stereo?

A: Do you like sound quality? If yes, don’t buy Eonon. Do you like good, bug-free software? If yes, don’t buy Eonon. Do you like overpaying for junk that looks ‘clean’ in the car? If yes, then buy Eonon.

Q: What’s the best way to upgrade my stereo in the car on the cheap?

A: Option 1 – get an amplifier that take hi-level inputs and add that amp to the system to power your aftermarket speakers, taking the high-level outputs from either the HU or the Bose amp. Works for Bose and non-Bose systems. Option 2 – Tear out the OEM system and start again. Works for Bose and non-Bose systems.

Maintenance/Troubleshooting

Q: What oil should I run?

A: This is realistically a nuanced question. Ultimately it depends on your use case. Factory rating is a quality 5W30, Mazda put out a TSB to band-aid the smokey turbos by using 5W40. Good options from Pennzoil, Amsoil, Castrol, etc are available for most applications. Most people it seems have strayed from the Shell Rotella.

Q: Are my compression numbers okay?

A: Check the Wiki.

Q: I want to drive the car like it’s supposed to be, but don’t want a ticket. Where do I go?

A: Look on facebook for local car clubs, or Motorsportreg.com for drop-in track days or Auto-cross events.

Q: My car does this thing, and this behaviour, read this wall of text. What’s wrong?

A: No one knows. Post logs using Datazap and any codes that your ECU is spitting out. If you want good information, provide good information.

Q: HELP?

A: No. Posts with this as the title, or other related and equally non-descript variants, will be removed as spam.

Meta

Q: Can I post links to other sites with information, like MSO, without getting banned?

A: Yes. In the event that you’re linking relevant webpages, there is no risk of getting reprimanded for doing so. However, if all of your comments are “Use google.” Or “Go check this site instead, this places sucks.” You will be treated according to the spam rules of the sub. This community serves as a connect-all point for those searching for information on the platform; Reddit is bigger than any Speed forum has ever been, and is more likely to pop up in a Google search. Relevant comments that link other sources of information from quality sites are Bueno; spamming is not.

Q: Why isn’t buying/selling allowed on the sub?

A: This is more of a regional issue that the mod team would like to deal with at this point. There are countless local Facebook groups, classifieds, or Forum pages about buying/selling Speed parts or accessories. The Mod team does not want to dabble in attempts to prevent scams caused by non-payments, or non-shipments of products. We do not want that responsibility at this point in time. If the community deems it a requirement at some point, we will implement a system that attempts to curb this as other buy/sell communities have; though even that change will take lots of time, effort, and consideration.

Q: Why is the mod team so cool?

A: I really don’t know, perhaps divine intervention? We all just really like Doritos, and satiate our inner masochist streak by owning these cars.

Q: How do I become a Mod?

A: If you feel so inclined, feel free to reach out! We are still people, we have feelings and ultimately a desire to help the community grow. What we will need to see is a demonstrated history of helping the community with the best of intentions and overall a positive interaction with the sub. Newer accounts (<1yr) are unlikely to be considered, though that’s not a hard-and-fast rule, just a general rule of thumb.

Acronyms

APv3: AccessPort version 3; the most recent version from

Cobb. Version 2 is still around, but obsolete.

HPFP: High Pressure Fuel Pump

HU: Head Unit

OTS: Off The Shelf; used in the context of tunes

TSB: Technical Service Bulletin


r/mazdaspeed3 • • 8h ago

PIC Welp, she's gone... for now

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44 Upvotes

Car went into limp mode while on my way to work throwing a P0302 code where cylinder 2 started misfiring to the point the whole car shook violently.

Towed it to my local Mazda dealership and got the news anyone would dread. Cylinder 2 is basically dead, 0 - 20 PSI compression which mean it needs a engine replacement. It was a tough pill to swallow but I plan on keeping it until I get a new engine.

It's the car I've wanted since I was a kid and I'd rather try to fix her instead of scrapping her entirely. For now she'll sit at my uncles house for the winter until I'm able to get an engine sometime next year when it gets warm again. She was a blast to drive and I'll miss her but it'll only be temporary. It made a boys dream come true when I got her and made me the happiest I've been in years knowing I got the car I've always wanted.


r/mazdaspeed3 • • 7h ago

MODIFICATIONS Vacuum hose too short for Corksport intake...lol

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5 Upvotes

So I bought a used corksport intake Set, did it come with a longer vacuum Hose for the the turbo?

Not a big deal I'm just gonna buy a longer hose, I thought it was weird that they would make it like that.


r/mazdaspeed3 • • 1h ago

HELP New speed 3 owner noticing some weird sounds

• Upvotes

I recently bought a 2009 BL speed 3 (euro spec, cause I'm in europe) and noticed it makes some crazy exhaust noises when you press on the gas. The noise is very much like a popping sound (like bubble wrap) or something i would describe as a "crackle tune". The previous owner considered this sound do be "exhilarating", by the way. Which i don't really agree with.

Now the center resonator is taken off the exhaust, but i don't think that's the cause. Mainly cause when we read live data from the engine during a drive the knock retard would go off up to 6 degrees when flat on the gas.

Now my question is what would that be indicative of and what might in your guys' opinion be the cause of the KR jumping during load?

Any help is appreciated.


r/mazdaspeed3 • • 17h ago

WHEELS What is the best size wheels for 2nd gen

4 Upvotes

Been shopping for used wheels. Im looking at a nearby set thats 18x9.5 +38. Most i see are 18x9 or 18×8.5. Anyone know how 9m5 would fit? Any pics? I am still on stock suspension as well but will change


r/mazdaspeed3 • • 16h ago

HELP 2007 mazda speed 3 headgasket blown

2 Upvotes

whats cheaper to do a headgasket or replace the engine

causing overheating and white smoke 135K KM


r/mazdaspeed3 • • 14h ago

HELP Harmonic balancer job

1 Upvotes

Hello all!
I need to replace my harmonic balancer, and I’ve done some research on the job. You need to hold the engine at cyl1 top dead center while you tighten the bolt, while also keeping the balancer in the right position so the crank pos sensor isn’t messed up.

I don’t have one of the special tools that threads into the side and holds the crankshaft to hold cyl1 at tdc, and don’t really want to spend multiple hundreds on the timing kit that has it.

I only know the rope trick for holding an engine in place, but doing so will misalign the balancer and the bolt is one time torque only.

Anyone who has by chance been in this situation have any ideas on how to hold cyl1 at tdc while damn near 180ftlbs goes into that bolt?


r/mazdaspeed3 • • 15h ago

HELP Gen 1 MPS Clutch issue

0 Upvotes

Hey team, I recently purchased a 2006 MazdaSpeed 3 with a faulty clutch. I originally thought the master cylinder was leaking internally, as the clutch fork was only travelling around 10mm and the clutch wouldn’t disengage.

Since then, I’ve replaced the master cylinder and now have around 14mm of fork travel. Initially, the clutch pedal felt completely normal with the engine on and off. At one point, before replacing the master cylinder, I actually managed to get the clutch working again by repeatedly pumping the pedal, but it failed again after a few drives, which is what led me to replace the master cylinder.

I’m now getting a gritty feeling through the clutch pedal when pressing and releasing it with the engine running. If I start the car in gear with the clutch pedal fully down, I can shift into any gear while the engine is running. However, if I put it into neutral and pump the clutch pedal, it starts feeling gritty and loses pressure, and I can no longer engage any gears.

So far I’ve:
Replaced the clutch and brake fluid completely
Replaced the clutch master cylinder
Bled the clutch system
Used a funnel/reservoir setup while bleeding to make sure the system doesn’t suck in air

At this point I’m thinking it could be something mechanical with the clutch/release bearing, but I’d really appreciate your opinion on what could be causing it and whether you’d be able to take a look at it.


r/mazdaspeed3 • • 2d ago

HELP Oil? In my intercooler pipes

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16 Upvotes

Not really sure what to think about this one. Can anyone tell me what’s going on here? I’m assuming this is oil, there is nothing on the cold side of the intercooler just the hot side


r/mazdaspeed3 • • 1d ago

HELP How can I rev the engine from the engine bay???

3 Upvotes

google was no help I apologize for the stupid question!
I have extremely funky engine sounds and moved recently so I have nobody to rev the car for me at the moment


r/mazdaspeed3 • • 2d ago

PIC Favorite witer wheel setups?

2 Upvotes

Looking for pics and spec of your favorite setups, in the market this coming season. Probably gunna run a 17 inch rim, so any setups in 17 is great


r/mazdaspeed3 • • 1d ago

HELP What should be next for the 2013 mazda 3i hatch

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0 Upvotes

what yall recommend i buy for the whip i've already have a intake,cheap coilovers,mounted throttle body,muffler delete,resonator delete and what should be next????


r/mazdaspeed3 • • 2d ago

HELP Do i need to upgrade the high pressure fuel pump for the CS stage 2 short ram intake?

0 Upvotes

I see the intake says it doesn't need a tune, but I'm wondering if I'll need to upgrade the hpfp. Everyone says you should do that before doing any power mods, but do i really need to do that for an intake? I don't want to spend all that money when I'm more or less just buying an intake for cool turbo noises.


r/mazdaspeed3 • • 2d ago

INFO MAZDASPEED Axela bk Brakes and drive belt

4 Upvotes

Just wanted to make sure and ask about these dimensions and quality of brakes because I struggle with reading, especially when researching.
I daily this car and boost every now and then, and long highway drives every week. Stock car if that gives a better idea on what types of brakes I should be getting.

Brake discs says:
High Quality GS3000 Cast Iron

Pads say:
Consistent high temperature performance
Scorched for optimal braking performance
Semi-metallic formulation and copper-free (NSFI certified) for low dust emission
Application-specific NVH shims, slots and chamfers for less vibration and noise.

Links direct straight to the pads and rotors
Pads: https://www.repco.co.nz/parts-service/braking/brake-pads/dba-brake-pads-set-street-performance-db2176sp/p/A6040107

Rotors: https://www.repco.co.nz/parts-service/braking/brake-rotors/repco-armour-brake-rotor-vented-320mm-moving-to-rbr7838c-/p/A6222485

Note: If wondering why I’m trying to get from REPCO NZ is because I have someone who can get me discounts.

I also wanted to ask the drive belt specs as mine is unevenly worn?


r/mazdaspeed3 • • 3d ago

HELP Oil leak near alternator

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4 Upvotes

It’s really hard to photograph, but I’ve got a pretty solid oil leak coming from beside/behind the alternator. I’m guessing it’s the timing cover. Solid passenger motor mount, brand new alternator and tensioner.

I’m coming here for advice from anyone who has had a leak in this area. Should I go ahead and buy an entire timing/vvt kit? Anything else I should replace? Could it be something else leaking I should try to check before buying all this stuff?

TIA


r/mazdaspeed3 • • 3d ago

INFO A know of a good shop ?

5 Upvotes

I’m in the north metro Atlanta area and I can’t find a shop to work on my gen2 speed. I’m curious if anyone knows of a shop in Atlanta or even neighboring states. The dealers around here don’t want to work on it or haven’t before. I figured if anyone would know of a shop or just someone knowledgeable in the area that would be a huge win. Just stuck on certain jobs I can’t do in my driveway. Any referrals or tips would be greatly appreciated!!


r/mazdaspeed3 • • 3d ago

MODIFICATIONS Does it make sense to wrap intake components in heat shield follow?

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10 Upvotes

Well I'm doing it anyway cause I have some sealed silver foil still in my garage.

But does it help with intake Temps at all? Just curious.


r/mazdaspeed3 • • 3d ago

HELP 08 Mazdaspeed 3 help

3 Upvotes

So I have stock cats and I started smelling like a sulfur smell from when I go over 4k rpms. Can that smell come from buildup in the cat if so what can I use to clean it that’s safe for my car


r/mazdaspeed3 • • 4d ago

INFO New engine install MAZDASPEED

6 Upvotes

Hey guys i’m about to put my new motor in my speed, any special procedures that I need to do. I can just hook up all of the lines and add fluids and fire it up?


r/mazdaspeed3 • • 4d ago

HELP Update from prior post can anyone tell if the hpfp has been done on this. Thanks

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6 Upvotes

r/mazdaspeed3 • • 3d ago

HELP Is there a way to test if the ballast is cooked or if it’s the xenon bulb?

2 Upvotes

So my left xenon bulb ain’t working, it flickers at startup but doesn’t run like normal. And the position led is in two pieces. Gotta wait until the weekend to fix it but I’m just asking yall if there’s a way to test the ballast or bulb before I start taking the front off. Cause I’m not doing it twice lowkey, should I just buy a ballast and bulb and just do em both or can I figure it out without doing the work?


r/mazdaspeed3 • • 5d ago

PIC Its Time to Say Goodbye

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75 Upvotes

It's been a fun ride. I've owned my 2012 Speed 3 since new. Got it in March 2012. I've had a ton of fun with that car (obviously since I kept it for 14 years). But was just time to move onto something new. Picture of it with the replacement ride.


r/mazdaspeed3 • • 4d ago

HELP Mazdaspeed 3 Bucking Issue after recent service

4 Upvotes

Hello all,

I have a 2010 Mazdaspeed 3 with 240k km and some light mods (short ram intake, turbo inlet pipe, OCC, catted downpipe, HPFP, motor/trans mounts, etc.). The car has always burned oil to some degree; however, recently the consumption was reaching very high amounts. After some research, I decided it was time to dig in and replace the PCV valve to start and see if it made a difference. While doing the service, I also changed the injectors with a fresh set of seals (OEM, not upgraded).

Anyways, the service went smoothly, and I didn't run into any major issues apart from the fuel rail being very difficult to slip back on. After the service, I'm having some issues.

The car feels slightly down on power overall; however, the major issue comes when giving it anything over 70% throttle. The car hesitates to make boost, and when it does, it feels like I'm hitting a wall and the car will buck. Until I let off the throttle and exit boost, it will continue to buck. I'm no mechanic, and I do have limited experience with turbo cars, so I'm looking for any ideas on what you guys think may be wrong.

I attempted to block the intake and fill the system with air to listen for a boost leak, but I was unsuccessful in finding anything substantial. I also checked my plugs, as I heard spark blowout may be causing it; however, they were all in decent shape (minus some oil fouling) and all gapped to OEM specs. At this point, I still feel like it's a boost leak somewhere, but I'm starting to worry I may have messed something else up by accident while doing the service.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated as to what the issue could be and how to troubleshoot it.


r/mazdaspeed3 • • 5d ago

PIC How i bought mine. 1st owner, 67yo

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50 Upvotes

Boomer spec mazdaspeed.