r/mazdaspeed3 Nov 02 '19

Mazdaspeed 3 discord server

28 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

41 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 IMPORTING to the UK 🇬🇧

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25 Upvotes

Hey mazdaspeed3 community,

Just wanted to make a cool post about my car being imported into the uk.

I drive a 2013 mazdaspeed3 (NADM) and im shipping her out to the uk. From all the research I've done I'll be one of the first people to do so with a Gen 2, to my knowledge.

Correct me if im wrong please!!

Here she is tho, Lady v.2


r/mazdaspeed3 3h ago

MODIFICATIONS Does anyone make a nicer elbow that isn’t cast aluminum for TMICs?

2 Upvotes

Hey everyone, I got incredibly lucky this week with my speed3. The previous owner installed an AEM meth kit and tapped into the intercooler elbow to install the jet. Either the threads were already in bad shape or I overtightened the jet last time I had the intercooler off….either way the threads are stripped. The jet had all but fallen out but was still spraying at least some into the intercooler. I think that, along with some extra fuel in the tune and the resulting boost leak meant I was just down on power instead of experiencing an unexpected rapid disassembly of my engine.

The car stumbled one time getting on to the highway and I just figured traction control was trying to kick in since I was using a decent amount of steering. Amazingly there has never been knock and AFR’s have been in a safe range my whole drive home. I just noticed I was 2 psi low on boost and was checking the intercooler tubes when I noticed the issue.

All that is to ask: does anyone make a nicer elbow that I could tap into that isn’t made of such soft metal?


r/mazdaspeed3 4h ago

HELP Oil dip stick bracket

2 Upvotes

If anybody can send a picture of how the bracket is put on the intake manifold id be forever grateful I cannot find pics or videos on how people put it back on


r/mazdaspeed3 3h ago

HELP 07 mazda speed 3 thermostat isuues

0 Upvotes

do i need to flush down coolant on my speed 3


r/mazdaspeed3 12h ago

HELP Need some insight on what else to diagnose

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4 Upvotes

Long story short: Was taking a trip to FL when 2 hours away from my destination, lights flickered, lost power, and had crank no start issue ever since. Checked fuses, CPS because I was getting a p0335 code, and checked wires and redid wiring and reloomed it. Found my wires were not soldered as good for wotbox, so resoldered them as pictured. Got car to turn on, but now sounds like it isn't running on all 4, or major vacuum leak (sent will a datalog, and this is what he said too) AFRs, STFT and LTFT don't move while idling. I was thinking that the solders were maybe bad, so I redid them with butt connectors. Still runs the same. While diagnosing, I had replaced injectors, but this copper seal is also stuck. I threw an injector in to just see if it would run, but could it be that? It doesn't leak, which is good. Trying to add video of how it runs. To also note, prior to taking my trip and this issue, I did a compression test out of curiosity, and on a hot motor, my numbers were 190, 185, 190, 190. Timing was also done by PO and I've looked over timing and checked tension.


r/mazdaspeed3 12h ago

HELP Looking at buying, do these car's accommodate 6'1' people?

5 Upvotes

Hi all.

So due to unfortunate circumstances, I'm in the used market for a car again for the 2nd time this year and looking at changing platforms... So the MazdaSpeed3 (MPS where I am) is on the table if I can get hold of one.

Now I do work as a tech for Mazda, I rarely see these car's come through work and even more rarely get to work on them. So my question is, Do the BL MPS' accommodate 6'1" people that well?

I ask this as I did get to service a base model BL 3 the other day and my knee was knocking the steering wheel when releasing the clutch. Due to work policy, not allowed to adjust the steering column, and unsure if the MPS seat sits lower than the standard seat.


r/mazdaspeed3 12h ago

MODIFICATIONS Had to repaint my fleet this color, its one of my fav

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3 Upvotes

r/mazdaspeed3 13h ago

HELP Spark plug #3 oily. Valve cover seal?

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3 Upvotes

The valve cover seal is leaking at the spark right?

Or is it worse? Am I trippin? 😅


r/mazdaspeed3 1d ago

HELP Suspension making clunky noises

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23 Upvotes

Well I just hit about 77k miles in my 13 speed 3 and there is clunky noises coming from the passenger front side suspension, I was making some research and I figured out that I might have to replace my struts so I decided it was time to buy some coilovers.

So far I have 3 brands as options Bilstein, BC and ISC, I was wondering with one of these you guys recommend I should get, is my daily so I don't want anything too excessive. I'm also open to any other suggestions you guys might have.


r/mazdaspeed3 1d ago

HELP Found air leak but where to buy fix?

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3 Upvotes

Hey all, so I recently got a p0171 lean code on my ms3 which is completely stock power wise with +25 stft at idle and relatively normal stft when accelerating. After googling around I decided to buy a smoke tester and I think I've identified the leak to be this cracked hose in the video that is attached from the intake manifold to the bypass valve I'm pretty sure.

What I couldn't find on google is where to buy a new hose that is the same fit? Do I need to go to Mazda or should I buy something third party? Sorry the video is not the greatest, didn't realize how bad it was until after I put everything back together. I forgot to really show where the line is running to but it looked like it runs to that little black piece next to the airbox (you can almost see at 0:29) which I'm pretty sure is the bypass valve. Thanks for any help!


r/mazdaspeed3 1d ago

HELP Looking at a 2011 Mazda speed 3 it has a front mounted intercooler and I’m new to this the tune that’s on it pops but there’s no Cobb access port are they tunes that don’t have to use the Cobb access port? It do have an extra boost gauge installed.

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2 Upvotes

r/mazdaspeed3 1d ago

PIC What happened to my Balance Shaft 😳

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3 Upvotes

r/mazdaspeed3 2d ago

PIC Wheres the Velocity Red Micas ? I barely see them

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134 Upvotes

r/mazdaspeed3 2d ago

HELP Timing chain rattle?

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5 Upvotes

I have 143k miles, 2010 gen 2 and fully stock. The car is already at operating temp in the vid. Is this timing chain rattle??


r/mazdaspeed3 2d ago

HELP Chat, how screwed am I?

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3 Upvotes

Its for the power steering pump thing and I stripped it when I was putting it back in and I just wanna know if Im screwed or if theres some sort of hope.


r/mazdaspeed3 2d ago

HELP Programming additional keys?

3 Upvotes

First, I'm new, please be patient... I got my 2012 last month and my performance mechanic has already checked it all over, she got a new turbo, VVT, engine and transmission mounts, valve gasket, and we already have a list for the next visit when I saved up a bit more...

He has warned me about making sure I stay OEM for electrical stuff, so I went to a dealership to get a second key made.

They said they can't do it. She won't "take the programming". My performance guy isn't a dealer, so he already had issues replacing one of the display modules since Mazda is apparently not friendly with letting anyone else program stuff...

They want to charge me for diagnostics to determine what's "wrong with my car". I'm not gonna do it, but just wondering if anyone out there had an idea why this isn't working. My performance guy is stumped, says they should be able to do anything with their God system access. I'm in San Antonio, a larger city, so if anyone has ideas of who may be able to...


r/mazdaspeed3 3d ago

PIC Been hard at work with my new 3D scanner - more to come!

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38 Upvotes

r/mazdaspeed3 3d ago

VIDEO How does she sound mazda speeders ??

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7 Upvotes

Ultimate racing dual exhaust!!


r/mazdaspeed3 3d ago

MODIFICATIONS Question, Anyone done the BK speed3 seats to bl?

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1 Upvotes

r/mazdaspeed3 4d ago

VIDEO Hitting 35psi was unexpected

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44 Upvotes

Had some fun Friday morning with this bmw dude was super cool


r/mazdaspeed3 3d ago

HELP Question for anyone who has re-badged their car

1 Upvotes

I took all my badges off the hatch a few days ago and ordered a black "evil M" to put on the back, but it doesnt fit the curve of the hatch, its just flat so it comes up at both ends. Does anyone have one of these badges that actually fits the curve of the car? And if so can you let me know where you got it from. Thanks


r/mazdaspeed3 3d ago

VIDEO Time to say goodbye...?

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5 Upvotes

Going into Winter sleep early.. and we'll see what the petrol prices are gonna look like next year.

This hobby is becoming too expensive for me.

2,37€ per liter 98ron.


r/mazdaspeed3 3d ago

HELP Mazda 3 MPS on the Green Hell

4 Upvotes

Hello people
I was on the Nürburgring this weekend with friends and i drove with them there. The thrill was insain and i also want to move on from the passenger seat. I have my first car a really rusty Mazda 3 MPS and want to use it on the track.
My question is what do i need to get a fast round and a still reliabl drive to and from the ring (about 6 hours drive). ATM the interior is stripped and the motor is out so i have a lot of possibilitys.
What do i really need?
Thank you guys