No decent mods..

[mogul_pro]

Does it bother anyone that the Mazda3 has been out for a good while now with great sales over north america, yet the aftermarket is so sparse. Yes you can get 5,000 brands of intakes, headers and CBE units... but what else?

I switched from Honda to Mazda, and you could do just about anything to any honda motor with LOTS of companies offering all kinds of parts regardless of the project. Pulleys, cam gears and shafts, intake manifolds, throttle bodies.. the list goes on and on.

I just would have thought that since the mazda3 is so popular... and especially on the 2.3L being in other mazda models.. SOME aftermarket company would make a few other parts... especially sine they have been around long enough for them not to be under warranty...

Just a though that is all... its a shame it seems like alot of people would be into mod'n there 3 further.. without having to fork out a ton of money for a turbo setup...

Thoughts?

[huyzel]

I think it has something to do with the fact that the Civic has been around in some form or other for the past 30years. People are familiar and have made products for it before. So companies have already invested time & effort in to R&D, Manufacturing, etc, etc for these honda parts and can quickly & easily bring more and new items to market for the civic and other hondas.

Still not an excuse for not enough Mazda3 parts!!!

Just my thoughts on this.
H.

[mogul_pro]

yea but every gen civic has a diff engine .. not even the same series most of the time


d-series
b-series
h-series
f-series
k-series

and many models within those... all with nice mods... from civic, accords, s2000, preludes, integras.. so on..

ah well..wont have this for long enough to be to worried about it just thought by now a company would get on the ball.

[tweak_s]

But i guess people have been modding the civics for example forever..whereas on mazdas, I don't think the mod history is as big, even on the protege.

[mogul_pro]

I guess but look at it this way... you have a company that has ALL the tools to fabricate say... cam shafts and cam gears... all you need to do is take a look at the specs for the engine you want, with minimal research you could produce a higher performance part, already having the tools to fabricate the part just make a new one to the new engine's specs... its easy once you have the facility already there... especially for a car that has sold as many units as the mazda3..

[Blue_Jinnee]

You're right, it shouldn't be a big deal for a factory to build say "cam shafts" for mazda if they are already building it for Honda, but come to the marketing side, and see how many people will be asking for mazda cam shafts and compare these numbers with how many people are asking for honda cam shafts.
I think that if you have 10 ppl owning hondas, 7 of them might look for mods while 10 ppl owning Mazdas, 2 to 3 of them will be looking for mods.

However as a personal opinion I think that's why factories don't build new stuff for mazda, cuz there isn't enough demand.

[mogul_pro]

I dono about the demand... alot of people have intake/header/CBE.. and stop... simply because there isnt really an available "next step".

[Gizzmo_jr]

Depends, WeaponR has a intake mani comming, I believe there is another company putting out another version. Then if you wanna go balls out, open up the Ford Cosworth Catologe. Take a gander, and start shopping. You could drop 8K on a Cosworth built 2.3L long block and walk away with 250HP (ref here (http://www.cosworth.com/uploads/1164727856.pdf))
I think the problem is being apart of Ford leaves the after market manufactures in limbo, trying to satisfy everyone using a particular motor/chassis/part could be daunting. The demand is there, and the parts are slowly trickling in for our 3/Focus.

[WhiteSpeed3]

im pretty sure there is a lot of things out there ur just not searching in the right spot

example serg on TM6 has a 2.3L mazda6 with all forged internals. now im not sure if that a direction u wanna go but its a start

[mogul_pro]

I know you can get forged internals.. and I have DEF looked hard...

I guess your right Gizzmo they are SLOOOOOWWWWLLLLY trickeling out with the mods...


EXACTLY the same engines as the 2.0 and 2.3 focus????? :( u SURE?

[WhiteSpeed3]

yup they are the same engines but for some strange reason only the sedans got the 2.3L

[b]

However as a personal opinion I think that's why factories don't build new stuff for mazda, cuz there isn't enough demand.

+ 1

[3GFX]

One thing that bothers me is we can't get cams for the 2.3.

BUT THE MAIN THING THAT BOTHERS ME

...is the fact that you have to either piggyback or standalone tune the engine. Why can't we get a dang chip going?

There's a lack of aftermarket support for the Mazda3. I don't know why, but I guess its just something that will slowly change. Car's a re just coming of lease and warantee meaning tuners can start picking them up easier. Just talk to the protege guys. At first there was nothing, now the market is finally getting there for them.

[SilentJay]

I guess if you've got money out the wazoo, things can happen. I thought I read about some guy using the Ford Ranger 2.3 Cam in his car, and of course theres the Cosworth (or that generic brand that never came to be) intake manifold, some lightened pullies...

The piggyback would definately be nice, since not everyone can afford a stand-alone, and not everyone is a lucky bastid who drives a speed3 :chuckle

You gotta remember that although the 3 is a popular choice for econo-boxes, the vast majority of them are used for just that - (relatively) economic transportation. Just gotta wait a little longer until the first few years of the 3become as cheap as old civics/j-bodies, and the demand for mods will grow when 16-18 year olds get their hands on 'em...

[Gizzmo_jr]

Our ECU is to adaptive for a chip or piggy back, nobody has gotten around to bypassing o2 and other various parameters without the ECU tuning them back. Hence why right now standalones are the solution.

Cam's you can get from a Ranger, some of the guys on M3F have done it, and crank with BSD. I believe Crower cam's from the Focus will work too.

[3GFX]

Really? From the ranger? Links pls!


EDIT:

After looking around a bit, it looks like you can really interchange parts between the duratec engines. Some people are discussing using the Ranger Crank in the the 2.3L to reduce rotational mass.

http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=47093.0;all


This is from MarcyMotorspot.com, thanks to deezntsz77 at M3F.

2.5 DURATEC 92MM BIG-BORE SHORT BLOCK ASSEMBLIES
With the 2.0L and 2.3L Duratec I-4 engine finally reaching mainstream performance enthusiast acceptance, the demand for serious performance components is finally reaching the potential we have believed it would over 3 years ago when this engine debuted in the Focus. 2006 is the fourth year of Duratec production, and the first year in which every major component needed to build a truly high performance Duratec engine is available.
The short blocks described here offer improved strength out of the box, and an option of increased displacement to 2.0L and 2.3L Duratec owners at a reasonable cost. For our stock displacement engines, standard bore core blocks and crankshafts are disassembled, measured, and re-machined as required to accept new connecting rods and pistons. Our 92mm Big-Bore short blocks begin much the same way, but are sent to the boring machine to have their original 87.5mm sleeves removed and replaced with 92mm sleeves. Before assembly, the crankshafts are balanced internally, and the pistons, rings, rods, and bearings are weight matched. In addition, all measurements are checked on each component and all critical measurements are adjusted through matching the individual components or re-machining. Each engine comes with a complete spec sheet and build certificate.

Remanufactured Focus 2.3L Duratec Cylinder Block w/Stepped Steel Sleeves bored to 92mm
Remanufactured Ranger 2.3L Duratec Crankshaft, De-Burred, Stress Relieved
Balance Shaft Assembly Removed and Balance Shaft Delete Kit Installed
Supertech Forged Pistons w/NPR Piston Rings (92mm specific piston skirt design for reduced ring pack wear)
Eagle Connecting Rods
New Cosworth Heavy Duty Replacement Bearings
90 Day Warranty On Parts
Each engine is built to suit an individual customer's application, and as a result, this part must be ordered by phone. For this reason, please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery.

Note to potential consumers about increasing displacement in the Duratec engine:
Marcy Motorsport has been involved with the Duratec engine for over 3 years now, and during this time we have had the opportunity to fully research and test products for this engine at greater length than most of our competitors. We have found through research and testing that it is possible to exceed 2500cc with the Duratec, but the resulting engine becomes a series of compromises in design and longevity. Increasing the displacement to 2600cc, even 2700cc is possible, but the piston and rod combination becomes unreliable with poor rod angles and extreme angular loads on the piston skirts. As well as excessive piston speeds, excessive wear to the cylinder walls, piston skirts, and ring package will result from large displacement combinations. Combinations exceeding 2500cc should only be considered for track use, and then only by individuals willing to accept the short lifespan and potential for design related failure.

MM-SB25D-HC 2.3 Duratec 2.5L Balanced, Blueprinted, 12.5:1 compression (when used w/stock head) $2599.00 CALL OR EMAIL
MM-SB25D-SC 2.3 Duratec 2.5L Balanced, Blueprinted, 11.0:1 compression (when used w/stock head) $2599.00 CALL OR EMAIL
MM-SB25D-LC 2.3 Duratec 2.5L Balanced, Blueprinted, 9.0:1 compression (when used w/stock head) $2599.00 CALL OR EMAIL
MM-SB25D-CORE 2.3 Duratec Core Charge for 2.3L Duratec Block $400.00 CALL OR EMAIL
MM-SB25D-DAR 2.3 Duratec Darton Sleeve Option $600.00 CALL OR EMAIL
MM-SB25D-LWC 2.3 Duratec Ultra-Lite Profiled and Cryoed Ranger Crankshaft Option $500.00 CALL OR EMAIL
MM-SB23D-COSCRANK 2.3 Duratec Cosworth Billet Crankshaft Option $2500.00 CALL OR EMAIL
MM-SB23D-COSRODS 2.3 Duratec Cosworth Connecting Rod Option $500.00 CALL OR EMAIL
MM-SB23D-COSPISTONS 2.3 Duratec Cosworth Piston Option $500.00 CALL OR EMAIL

300HP Drag Mazda3 with custom built engine:

http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=26762.0

Shot of the engine (1000hp on methanol)

http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=39717.0

Engine and Tranny setup:

Engine - Mazda I4 2.3L bored and stroked to 2.56L.
Arias pistons ( custom ) www.ariaspistons.com
BME aluminum rods( custom ) http://bmeltd.com/rods.htm
Crower stroker crank ( custom ) www.crower.com
Full headwork
Ferrea valves
Web-Cam camshafts ( custom ) www.webcamshafts.com
Golden Eagle Mfg. sleeves www.goldeneaglemfg.com
Golden Eagle Mfg. built
Burn's Stainless custom header designed by Jack Burns himself!
Individual throttle bodies
Motec M800 engine management tuning on Ethanol www.motec.com
RC injectors www.rceng.com
Golden Eagle Mfg. adjustable cam sprockets
Peterson Fluid Sys. dry sump oil system www.petersonfluidsys.com

Transmission - MTX75 ( 2005 Ford Focus )
Quaife gear set
Clutchmasters twin disc carbon clutch www.clutchmasters.com

[Gizzmo_jr]

Whoopsie, I had cam on the mind but actually meant CRANK. Sorry but yeah, still applies Focus Performance for MZR.
http://focussport.com/ford_focus_crankshafts.htm
Add on the $20-$30 BSD kit from ebay and your good to go.

$150 one is what you'd need unless your going all out with Cossie stuff (vs $2800)

Edit: Still think I read something about Cam's thou, still searching

[3GFX]

Same sight....I'm sure you could just grab these cams and springs install and go, but you'd have to tune your car CPU no? Or is it adaptive enough :p

http://focussport.com/cams.htm

My other question would be, why can't we just attach the stock throttle body motor to this throttle body?

http://focussport.com/cosworth-tbody.htm

Or why can't cosworth just offer a kit that does that for the 3? The applications would be numerous! 3, 6, MS3, MS6, 5, CX7!!!

[Gizzmo_jr]

I know our stock TB won't mount to the cosworth intake manifold without slight modification (drilling and filling the mounts) but MZR is fly-by-wire vs cable.

[3GFX]

Exactly. The wire connecting to a motor actuating the throttle. So why can't we retrofit the motor, or why can't cosworth make a simple throttle body we can retrofit the motor to!

[theurgy]

A good reason for the non-modding of MAzda3's is it can get quite expensive.
A 1991 - 2000 Civic is cheap for motors and is a cheaper car in general, which makes intesive mods less scary for the tuner crowd.
Blow an engine... get another one for less than $400 often times.

However... the Mazda3's MZR engine is still a new production run. The oldest Mazda3 is still only a 4-5 year old car.... and we're just now getting used Mazda3's in an attainable fashion.

[condor888000]

And more parts are coming. 4 new turbo kits are coming, Creative out of PR, Reactive Racing, Tri-point and F2. Hell, rumour is F2 is even working on a supercharger.

Reactive Racing has cracked the ECU and have a working piggyback, and Sniper is set to begin work on one soon. Cobb even managed to crack the MS3 ECU. It's possible, but hasn't really happened yet, the demand was not there. Now the demand is getting there making it profitable for the companies doing the R&D.

The parts are coming. They're moving slow, but are getting here. Give it a bit more time.

[mogul_pro]

By the time it gets there I will be able to afford a significantly better car instead of mod'n this one. :( Ah well... hope its not to late to have some fun with it before she goes.

[Kevin@nextmod]

Some of you think that the mazda 3 is very popular, yes and no. Yes because you see them alot in the states and canada. No because you hardly see them in asia. Another thing is, the mazda 3 have a few engines. Theres the 1.6L, 2.0 and 2.3. Its just hard for manufacturers to make cams for 3 different engines for the same car. And the mazda 3 isn't that popular in asia either.

Civics on the other hand are popular all over the world. There engines are almost universal. A 1994 EG civic with a D16 can have a B18 or even the K20. Theres just so many varieties for the hondas because they are so mod friendly as to the mazda 3 or even mazdas in general.

[theurgy]

SportCompactCar Magazine just did an article on the new Tri-Point turbo kit for the Mazda3.

[Kevin@nextmod]

Also i find more honda guys are willing to pay for mods then mazda owners (no offense to anyone here).

For example, there is the Hondata ECU for my car and most hondas. The point is to reprogram the stock ECU to have the vtec kick in earlier and extend redline. Its $600 + shipping plus your stock ECU plus no car for 3 days + no more warranty. Lots of honda guys are willing to dish out the money, will most of you guys want to do that?

I personally bought the reprogram ECU from a guy from the states, that costed me $800. I haven't installed it yet because the requirement is to at least have intake and exhaust. So that means its $800 + $250 intake + $700 exhaust. That is a crap load of money but i think its worth it. I know a most of you guys aren't willing to do that do give you 20whp but most or some honda guys do.

To top this up, I'm just saying what i have experienced after i got the civic and i have no intention to offend anyone here on this forum. so its just my 2 cents.

Edit* And this is also a reason why i sold my 3 and got a civic because i was bored and couldn't think of anything to get for the 3 except turbo which i really do'nt want to.

[mogul_pro]

Pearly, having owned an integra type-r and boosted it amung other things.. I know my hondas... know exactly what your saying... just dont think its really THAT complex to make the parts,,,

you are a company.. you HAVE the manufacturing equip. to make honda d,b,h,f,k-series parts... all you have to do is get the specs for the mazda parts and that SAME equip. in your factory can make the mazda parts to a diff spec for a diff engine.. its REALLY not a big deal.. minimal effort... taping into a HUGE market.

[mogul_pro]

I think the demand is there to be honest... if mazda had the kind of aftermarket suport honda has... you woulf for SURE see many mazda modified cars like the ones we all have... with alot of those parts no question about it.. only reason you dont is because its not a realistic option...

[Kevin@nextmod]

Not to bash what you're saying but you can try posting a poll in a thread and see how many guys here are interested. Like you have to be realistic meaning, price and installation and tuning. Those people need to be serious about if there interested or if they are willing to pay. I can tell you most or majority of the members here will not dish out $400-600 cams and $300 installation/tuning.

[mogul_pro]

Your not bashing it at all.. maybe your right.. hard to say though without the parts to test the theory either way... can only go off the parts that are out now which sell very well...

[theurgy]

The issue is this really.. Honda modders tend to prefer the naturally aspirated mentality. Their cars have been in the market for years now, as is their engine platform.
Honda has had a stigma for being fun to mod for years now...
It's also much cheaper to mod a Civic than a Mazda.

Now look at Mazda, prior to the 3 we had the Protege and in the end it's FS-DE engine. That engine was tired and weak. Any high amount of boost and it would blow (I know I've helped swap 2 of them now), and they are finicky.
The FS's pinnacle came with the Mazdaspeed Protege, which was a great car at that time. However after the 3 came out you had the choice of the MSP3 at 170HP Turbo or the NA Mazda3 GT at 156HP.
It was a no brainer for people... also the new MZR engine platform is MUCH stronger.

The next natural step for us is turbo... and only cause the MZR is a great engine to boost (look at the Speed3).

[midnightfxgt]

I gotta agree with Pearly here. It seems most MZ3 guys dont want to dish out for pricey mods.

Body Kits, Turbos etc. Not many guys on here with body kits, and fewer with aftermarket turbos. Lots of guys will grab some wheels and a set of springs, but not much else. Its not a bad thing, just the way people want to mod their cars.

The speed3 crowd is different. They bought the car for the extra power, and potential. I think thats why we see a higher percentage of highly modded MS3s.

-John

[mleblond]

You can find honda parts at any aftermarket shop around the province. Mazda parts not soo much. TM3 is a very good source for parts other than that not sure where to get my parts, really.

[condor888000]

I gotta agree with Pearly here. It seems most MZ3 guys dont want to dish out for pricey mods.

Body Kits, Turbos etc. Not many guys on here with body kits, and fewer with aftermarket turbos. Lots of guys will grab some wheels and a set of springs, but not much else. Its not a bad thing, just the way people want to mod their cars.

The speed3 crowd is different. They bought the car for the extra power, and potential. I think thats why we see a higher percentage of highly modded MS3s.

-John

+1

However, we're starting to see 04-05 3's being bought by a younger crowd. In general these are the people who will drop more cash into the car. I fully expect that as time goes on we will see more and more parts come out for us.

[Kevin@nextmod]

Well there are parts for this car but just that people don't want to spend the extra money for the same thing from a different brand. I had the 5zigen pro racer exhaust i was 1 of 2 in canada to have that exhaust. Its quiet, looks and made nicely but as soon as people hear the price they rather buy the magnaflow. Magnaflow catback is $450 and i paid $780 for mine. My point here is that very few owners of the mazda 3 are willing to dish out the money for the brand.

Other example of brands are 5zigen with there exhaust
Project Mu for there BBK
Autoexe for there everything.
Autoexe is expensive but its like honda guys with there mugen/spoon/J's racing.

Those are all JDM names and carry a high price tag. Some may think its worth it, and some may think its pointless because they can get the same thing for a cheaper price here.

[condor888000]

Right, but as younger people buy the car more of them would be likely to put the cash down for Autoexe or 5zigen. Look at the modded civics you see, more are 5th or 6th gen. Why? Because they're cheap for younger people to buy. The 3 is not that cheap yet. Give it a few years and we'll see more and more modded 3's.

[mleblond]

Arent autoexe parts coming from asia? hence the reason why they don't sell as much? I know street unit sell it but not sure they stock it.

[condor888000]

They're also expensive as hell, which was Pearly's point. Theres not a lot of people willing to dump that kind of cash into their 3.

[theurgy]

Also note that the Mazda 3's from 2004 are just now getting off their warranty period.
That's usually when you start seeing the crazy mods come in.
When the warranty is already up, when those models are just coming back from lease buy-back and on the used car lot (younger crowds buy those up).
Lot of people in the market for a new car either buy the 3.. realize later they should have bought the Speed3 and trade in for it.
Then you get 263HP turbo car, and a warranty...LOL
It also makes for a much better modder's platform than the MZ3 in my opinion.

[mleblond]

lol I want to get that front bumper sooooo bad :)

[b]

Arent autoexe parts coming from asia? hence the reason why they don't sell as much? I know street unit sell it but not sure they stock it.

Know any local shops within an hours drive that stock autoexe parts? I want a few things but don't want to wait 7 weeks to order it.

[Kevin@nextmod]

Also note that the Mazda 3's from 2004 are just now getting off their warranty period.
That's usually when you start seeing the crazy mods come in.
When the warranty is already up, when those models are just coming back from lease buy-back and on the used car lot (younger crowds buy those up).
Lot of people in the market for a new car either buy the 3.. realize later they should have bought the Speed3 and trade in for it.
Then you get 263HP turbo car, and a warranty...LOL
It also makes for a much better modder's platform than the MZ3 in my opinion.
Its not really about the warranty or not. Its mainly the demand. The 2006 civic is a whole new civic from the others. Its the first time they use drive by wire meaning lots of engine mods are differnt. Comptech came out with a supercharger the same year the 06+ civic came out. Greddy also came out with the turbo for the civic in late 06 as well. Warranty is not the issue. Its the market and the demand for the parts they make. they know how many civic parts they will sell vs, the mazda 3.

The 3 came out in 2004 and when did hiboost make a kit for the 3? 2005? 2006? so thats 2 years. How many turbo 3s do you see?
I can tell you at least 2-3 dozen 06+ civics are running boost and superchargers on the US board.

Again, I'm not trying to bash the mazda 3s here, i'm just clearly stating my opinion. If you think i'm going out of hand please tell me and i'll stop.

[theurgy]

No I get your view here but picture it from a manufacturer's perspective.
The Civic has been a staple modder's platform, a top seller for many years, and a large and commited ownership base.
So for them it's a no brainer to create aftermarket kits for the latest and greatest Civic.
The Mazda3 came out of nowhere... it's the successor to the Protege, it found moderate modder/enthusiast success with the Protege5.
Now we all know the MAzda3 was a huge seller... but the modder crowd who are buying these are mainly the young adults with a budget in mind. They often are previous used Civic or Integra owners, and it's the first time they've owned a car with a warranty.
I constantly see questions about whether or not adding an aftermarket exhaust or CAI is gonna void warranty...
I think more and more as we see these car ending up on the used car lots and expiring warranties.. you'll start seeing the heavy mods.