New Member, New Car, and Future Plans!

[JD16]

Hi guys,

Been browsing this site for a while now and thought I'd finally join seeing as this seems to be the best Canadian Mazda 3 site out there. Anyways, bought my first car this fall: 2013 Mazda 3 Skyactiv GS-L. Absolutely loving the car so far, but would like to make a few minor tweaks for appearance and such.

Here's a couple stock pics of her -







My thoughts for upgrades:

New rims and rubber. Nothing crazy but I really don't like the look or the size of the stock wheels.
Black Enkei RSF5 17x7.5 rims
Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 tires
or
Hankook Ventus V12 Evo tires

Anybody have any opinions on whether to go with the Michelin's or Hankooks?

I know both are great tires, but coming from Winnipeg, I'm thinking the all season capabilities of the Pilot's would be better. Not to mention Michelin has a $70 rebate on right now so the price is about the same.

Also anyone have a size they'd recommend? I'm thinking 215/45/17. Don't want to sacrifice to much comfort but also would like a more 'low profile' look.

Other upgrades (hopefully this summer):

Interior:
Corksport LED Interior Kit
Mazda Cobb Shift Knob
New Side sills

Exterior:
Corksport LED Rear bumper lights
Corksport LED Third brake light
New 6000k headlight bulbs (Suggestions appreciated?)
3000k fogs with Lamin-X yellow cover (Again suggestions?)
Minor window tints
Swap skyactiv and 3 badges for an Axela badge.
Paint Brake Callipers Skyactiv Blue or Red
Side skirts (Eventually)

Performance:
Corksport SRI

Anyways as you can see I don't want to go too crazy. I am also trying to keep most my warranty intact as well as my budget. Any advice or ideas are always welcome! Thanks a lot guys. I'll post some new pics and keep things updated as it progresses.

[Genpu_Mz3]

welcome, good list of future plans!

[S.F.W.]

I would go with bigger/wider wheels. At least 18*7.5, preferably 18*8 or 18*8.5 , you will find you want to do this down the line anyway.

[FD22]

Welcome aboard!

Nice plans; looking forward to seeing where you take this.

Happy modding!

[schmat66]

Welcome!

[Sivart444]

Welcome !

[boyracer]

welcome

[peterm15]

Welcome.

To add to SFW I would also purchase winters to go onto your existing rims. Then have your aftermarket rims for spring/fall/summer.

A bit of an added expense off the bat but 2 sets of rims and tires mean double the wear time.

[ach]

Welcome! Good list you got going for your future plans. I've got a black mica 2010 GT myself and my current mods are almost identical to your list

Interior:
Corksport LED Interior Kit

Exterior:
Reverse Light Projector LEDs (Not Corksport)
Stock Bi-xenon HIDs (4300K)
Corksport LED Fog Kit (6000K)
15% window tints
Brake Callipers Painted Black with white Mazda decals
Side skirts (planned for next year)

Performance:
Corksport SRI

[ach]

Oh, as for rims + tires, I've got 18" MSR 095 (Black Pearl) on Bridgestone Fuzions UHP tires (225/40/18) and I'm lowered on 1st Gen MS3 Eibach Prokits. Think I'll be investing in some Koni yellows next year.

[Timotee]

Welcome to the forum.

[Punkrockjohn]

welcome to tm3! I think the tire size is perfect I'm running the same sizing. Also I think you are better off with the hankooks

[JD16]

Hey guys thanks for the welcome and replies.

I would go with bigger/wider wheels. At least 18*7.5, preferably 18*8 or 18*8.5 , you will find you want to do this down the line anyway.

I would love to go with 18's and wider wheels, but at the end of the day 18's cost more, the tires cost more and I don't want to risk having a car that sits like an SUV. Just not in my budget at this point. Also Wpg isn't exactly pothole free...18's and less rubber=harsher ride.

To add to SFW I would also purchase winters to go onto your existing rims. Then have your aftermarket rims for spring/fall/summer.

A bit of an added expense off the bat but 2 sets of rims and tires mean double the wear time.

Also, I am actually working outside the country right now which means my car (with only 800km) is being stored for the winter...aka no winter driving. I'll keep my stock 16's and once the tires wear out put on some winters. The aftermarket Enkeis with low pro performance tires will be like you said for spring/fall/summer.

welcome to tm3! I think the tire size is perfect I'm running the same sizing. Also I think you are better off with the hankooks

What makes you say Hankooks over the Pilot's? My fear is that the Hankooks although a great tire, don't last very long in comparison with the pilots. Plus Michelin has a $70 rebate on right now. Hard to say no to them!

Welcome! Good list you got going for your future plans. I've got a black mica 2010 GT myself and my current mods are almost identical to your list

Interior:
Corksport LED Interior Kit

Exterior:
Reverse Light Projector LEDs (Not Corksport)
Stock Bi-xenon HIDs (4300K)
Corksport LED Fog Kit (6000K)
15% window tints
Brake Callipers Painted Black with white Mazda decals
Side skirts (planned for next year)

Performance:
Corksport SRI

Any pics or a build thread I could check out?

Again, much thanks guys!

[Mazdy]

Welcome

[loki]

Welcome

what's the fascination everyone has with axela badges?

[Jackal]

Welcome

what's the fascination everyone has with axela badges?

JDM yo!

But if I had a Skyactive I think I'd keep it on because there are now courtesy parking spots for "green cars" and I think it allows you to drive in the 2+ people in car lane (hov lane I think it's called?).

[JD16]

JDM yo!

But if I had a Skyactive I think I'd keep it on because there are now courtesy parking spots for "green cars" and I think it allows you to drive in the 2+ people in car lane (hov lane I think it's called?).

This doesn't really effect me in Winnipeg but for other cities, if this is true it's definitely something to think about. Is this stated anywhere?

Also as far as the Axela badge goes...I think it's just a nice touch to have something different. I understand in the GTA it's probably pretty common, but over in Wpg nobody has them. I like the idea of a Japanese car, having a 'Japanese name'. To each their own I guess.

[CloudPump]

JDM yo!

But if I had a Skyactive I think I'd keep it on because there are now courtesy parking spots for "green cars" and I think it allows you to drive in the 2+ people in car lane (hov lane I think it's called?).

SkyActiv is not considered "Green" by the government to drive in the HOV lane. You must have special green vehicle license plates to do this or you will get a ticket.

-Geoff

[JD16]

SkyActiv is not considered "Green" by the government to drive in the HOV lane. You must have special green vehicle license plates to do this or you will get a ticket.

-Geoff

I appreciate the clarification. I'll stick to my original plan then!

[maxewell12]

welcome!

[Jackal]

SkyActiv is not considered "Green" by the government to drive in the HOV lane. You must have special green vehicle license plates to do this or you will get a ticket.

-Geoff

Thanks for the information. Read a bit about it. You can get a green plate if you have an electric vehicle (EV).
http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dan...io/index.shtml