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

38 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 2h ago

INFO What more do I need to know and do with msp3

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5 Upvotes

I have a 2013 mazdaspeed 3, am just looking to see the best things I can do for the this car and keep it running and strong. I did a compression cyl 1: 150, cyl 2: 140, cyl 3: 145, and cyl 4: 145. The timing chain, flushes and preventive maintenance was done according to the previous owner. I run 5w-40 since this car has 189k miles and because I live in Florida. Just looking for some genuine information and advice. Thanks


r/mazdaspeed3 7h ago

HELP Real Bad squeaking rear axle

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6 Upvotes

Hey everyone, im in need for some advice.

I have an issue with my rear brakes, mainly the passenger side is squealing like crazy. The Video is before i cleaned everything and lubricated the slide bolts and guides for the pads. Now i have the same Issue while driving at low speeds, 10-30 km/h. Its really loud but goes away if i brake or accelerate. Pads and rotors are 2 years old and are in good condition. Brembo pads, not sure about the rotors right now.

Anyone had that issue before?

Maybe the e-brake?

Thanks in advance


r/mazdaspeed3 1h ago

HELP I got error code P2187. I took the car to a shop and they said the O2 sensor needed replacing, so I did that, but the problem persists. The car also stutters under heavy load; does anyone know what the problem might be?

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Upvotes

r/mazdaspeed3 8h ago

HELP Sorry to bother you guys again, the last Mazda I found, appointment was bailed on and sold. I found another one, what do you guys think of this one?

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5 Upvotes

Seems stock, a bit more mileage than last one, doesn't seem as run down even with 15,000 more miles, body lines looks more even, paint looks same color everywhere. But I need your guys keen eyes 👀


r/mazdaspeed3 3h ago

INFO Custom Front Mount Intercooler Help

2 Upvotes

Has anybody done a custom fmic? If so any tips and help would be appreciated. Looking at cutting the front bash bar to fit a bigger intercooler.


r/mazdaspeed3 1d ago

PIC Engine Pull Album - Clutch, Turbo, Timing Chain, etc.

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43 Upvotes

My 2007 MS3 hit 200k miles recently absolutely eating oil and starting to have the clutch slip. I bought the car at 160K miles, second owner, everything stock. I knew I needed to replace the turbo, the clutch and flywheel and timing chain at a minimum so I pulled the engine and trans instead of trying to do it with everything in the engine bay. Ended up dropping and resealing the oil pan, replaced and resealed the valve cover gasket, replaced the spark plugs, and the oil feed line as well, it had a crack that I found out about afterwards. Cleaned the engine like crazy due to all the oil that leaked and gunked up everywhere. Got a turbo from CWT and did the Action Clutch single mass steel flywheel and LUK clutch kit. Learned a TON about my car and had a blast doing it.

Also ignore the crappy paint, and headlamps, I plan to get the car wrapped/fix the headlights later this year....


r/mazdaspeed3 1d ago

PIC What color sticks out and gets peoples attention?

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32 Upvotes

So just for context my car sadly was keyed all across the entire driver side of my car 😔. And I mean ENTIRE driver side the person started at the rear bumper:quarter panel and ended in the middle of the front fender.

Really sad day for me as the celestial blue on my car was original and never repainted and had close to no damages/chips in the paint.

Sadly now I am waiting for police to get back to me as they luckily caught who did it on camera and am waiting to take them to court.

Now here’s some colors i’m thinking of possibly wrapping my car but honestly leaning more towards just getting the entire car redone in the Celestial blue as i really do love the tone of blue.

In all honesty the color of the car was one of the reasons i ended up buying it as before i owned this speed i absolutely despised any hatchback, but after test driving it hearing how it sounds seeing how it drives and the color of it sold me on buying it (4 years ago) and ever since then i have now grown to love almost all hatchbacks.


r/mazdaspeed3 1d ago

HELP Big problem What might be the source of these noises?

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16 Upvotes

What might be the source of these noises?


r/mazdaspeed3 21h ago

HELP Clutch shot after 5000km

3 Upvotes

Hey guys,

So im still working with one of my builds a gen2. Ive got now an issue. The first clutch was shot after 15k km. Xclutch sprung rated at 1200hp. I have a dogbox so i blamed it on my dogbox and replaced it. Now when i replaced my clutch i also had to replace my dogbox for an oem gearbox cause Im having aome issues with it. 5000km later and my clutch is again shot.
What should I look for ? I understand rhat there can be tens of issues and hard to narrow this down but what would you guys be looking at here ?

Ps: Im still being tuned and have not exceeded 1bar of boost on this build yet


r/mazdaspeed3 1d ago

SUSPENSION MazdaSpeed 3 Coilover Adjustment

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6 Upvotes

I had my Coilovers installed by someone but I need to adjust the ride height. For the rears Do I need to Unbolt the Lower Shock Bolt the Perch bolt that connects the LCA to the Knuckle to release the spring down to adjust?


r/mazdaspeed3 1d ago

HELP Need some help with finding out whats the issue with the car speed3bk

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3 Upvotes

so ive got some issues with evap (codes P2187, P2188), i ordered a purge valve already and i will replace it on friday. but 2 days ago after i fill up my car I noticed it is running around 100rpm faster than usual and while driving when I step on my clutch the rpms stops at 1500-1200 and the car just drive by itself. I connected OBD on my car and there was new code P0300 (random missfire on cylinder 1). I ordered new spark plugs (NGK LTR7IX-11) and also replacing them on friday. Do you think these errors can be related or just unfortunate timing for me.

sorry for any possible mistakes in my language.


r/mazdaspeed3 1d ago

INFO Odd noise that other speeds don’t have?

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3 Upvotes

It’s the sort of three part railing noise? Pulleys? I just had vvt done so no more of that.


r/mazdaspeed3 2d ago

HELP Clutch Job Questions

6 Upvotes

My throwout bearing is ticking and I was recommended to replace my clutch, slave, trans mount, and rear main. Apparently the OEM flywheel is $1700 and the job is $3600 not even including that singular part. I saw someone recommended the Fidanza flywheel with rest stock because aftermarket clutch kits blow the slave cylinder next to immediately. Whats my best course of action or is there a good aftermarket clutch kit? what else should I be replacing?


r/mazdaspeed3 2d ago

HELP Random misfire detected

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1 Upvotes

Car had a bad misfire going a couple days ago so I changed out the plugs. Cleared the codes and ran fine yesterday and this morning, but now code is back and it’s misfiring again, but not nearly as bad.
Boost on idle usually sits at -65 to -67 kpa but now it’s having these weird jumps to -62 all the way to -58 or so.
All of the plugs were gapped properly, and clean brand new ngk iridium, and coils all looked okay with no tears or carbon build up.
Anyone have any idea why it could still be misfiring?


r/mazdaspeed3 2d ago

PIC Wheels for my 2nd gen

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20 Upvotes

Got wheels for my speed3 I know not everybody will like them but I do, what else should I add to it to complement it or do yall think it's fine? I recently got it and am thinking of doing more mods just don't know where to start and don't wanna over do it.


r/mazdaspeed3 3d ago

HELP Most retarded owner is me

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16 Upvotes

I’m doing the VVT job on genpu, unbolt all the pulley then I forgot i need to set the timing to tdc before I take off the crank bolts but no I FUCKING DID and started spinning the crank then realized ohh shit the chain aint moving💀. So i spinned the crank backward to the point where all the cylinder line up and spinning the top cams for the timing tool, I hope i don’t bend no valve lmao, glad I caught it on time😭😭


r/mazdaspeed3 3d ago

HELP Passenger Side Vibration Issue

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2 Upvotes

Currently have a vibration issue that seems to be coming from Passenger's side. Its not cv axle, not wheel bearings or hubs, not end links, not tie rods, and have had wheels/tires balanced twice, rotated tires, still there. So struts are quiet literally the only thing left suspension wise....

Upon inspection. Pic 1&2 are my driver's side strut. Pic 3&4 are Passenger's side. Could this be the culprit? Just need to rotate the spring back into place?


r/mazdaspeed3 3d ago

HELP What to watch out for when buying?

3 Upvotes

I'm considering buying a Mazdaspeed 3 as my next car. Currently I have a 2012 civic si coupe, it's at 230k miles with mostly no issues. Mainly looking for something with the functionality of a hatchback while still being fun and sporty.

Since I'm used to the reliability of a Honda K-series, what should I watch out for when looking at these cars?

Ideally I'm looking for a completely stock 2nd gen.

Is 100k miles too many? At what mileages do issues usually pop up?


r/mazdaspeed3 3d ago

HELP After serpentine belt change does a pulley sound bad?

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6 Upvotes

I replaced the alternator and tensioner since my serpentine belt recently popped. I'm guessing something hit it because the old belt, tensioner, and alternator are less than 20k old. Does another pulley sound bad? I don't have a plastic cover under the engine.


r/mazdaspeed3 3d ago

HELP 2008 with a 2010 engine serpentine belt question

2 Upvotes

Hi all,

I have a 2008 Mazdaspeed 3 with a 2010 motor. I'm doing a serpentine belt change with an oem belt for a 2010.i got the belt on using the trick to zip tie the belt to the crank pulley. My question is should the tensioner be maxed out? I was trying to relieve some tension on the belt or take it off but the tensioner doesn't move. This is a brand new oem tensioner. Did I do something wrong? I'm concerned the belt is too tight and will pop over time?


r/mazdaspeed3 3d ago

HELP What downpipe is this?

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3 Upvotes

Hey guys,

Does anyone know what downpipe this is?

The Corksport or Damond cat less downpipes look kinda similar, but still look different.


r/mazdaspeed3 3d ago

HELP What do you guys think?

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3 Upvotes

Body has 254k km and motor only 60k km. What do you guys think? $7000CAD. Not sure what the COBB Stage 2 tune is, guy said it came with the COBB Accessport. Never had a Speed before so figured I’d ask here, thanks!


r/mazdaspeed3 5d ago

HELP Trouble hitting boost

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23 Upvotes

Good afternoon everyone. I am reaching out here in the hope someone can lead me in the right direction as to why my car is constantly underboosting.

First things first i would like to point out all the i have done to try and figure out what may be causing this issue.
Few things i have done so far to diagnose this issue is Boost Pressure test aswell as smoke test it while under pressure. I have also replaced my boost controller aswell as replaced all the lines even added a vacuum distribution block (ik that won’t fix anything more for cosmetic looks). I have aswell tested a different O2 sensor and replaced the MAF sensor with a new OEM one. I have pressurized the wastegate to make sure it is still working which it is i tested the car with my old bar map sensor aswell that didn’t change anything.

Now for my symptoms and problem.
First of all i will mention that i am currently tuned by Will at PD Tuning and he has been pronominal help with trying to diagnose this issue with me. I am currently tuned for 22.5 psi. Currently my main issue is when going full throttle by boost seems to fade off around 17-19psi havnt seen it go past 19.5 psi in about a month or so. Everything seems to be reading properly. LTFT constantly between 0 and -7 and stft constant between 0 and -8 the STFT occasionally will hit close to -20 or +20 but never for longer then 1-2 seconds. When at WOT my afr is at 11.3-11.6 at idle it’s always at 13.38-14.7. Car goes into boost just fine and doesn’t feel limp or slow in any sense other then when i shift up it tends to like bog for a second before grabbing the gear.

Currently believe that my 2nd CST4 finally starting to give out or at least the seal. Reason that i believe this is i tend to have to clean out my FMIC every 4-6 weeks due to a pool of oil building up in the intercooler. Note i do drive the car about every day and yes i do beat the fuck outa this thing.

Looking for any input and i am open to sending logs to anyone who is willing to try and help diagnose this as i have gotten to the point where i might just send it to a shop to fix it.