Naïve question: 3s
 

Realizing my naiveté regarding upgrades to performance on my 2005 3s, I will ask anyway.

I have just hit the magical 50k miles so factory warranty is no longer an issue. I would like to add overall acceleration, what are my best options? I am a decent wrench turner and I know the limits of my own skills. What would be the “do it your self” route and professional installation route?

Thanks in advance for the advice.

Wineguy

Turbonator = Snake oil? Just kidding.

There's a lot more to it than just saying I want overall speed. You need to ask yourself a few questions and BE HONEST with yourself or else you waste time and money.

1. How much money do you ACTUALLY have to spend on your TOTAL project?

2. How much power do you want to make?

3. What will the car be used for? Daily driving? Auto-X? Drag racing?

4. What are you willing to give up for speed?


Knowing what I know about the 2.3L engines I'd save my money for some forged rods and a hiboost turbo kit. Juan made 508whp on his 3S with rods and his turbo kit on race fuel. 508whp is enough to lay waste to just about anyone from a roll. Total investment is about $6k. Depending on how much you can do yourself.

Naive Question
 

Roddimus,

Thanks for the information. To be honest with myself, I only want a little more "punch". I am not going to race and certanily do not need 500+ hp. Yes it would be fun but completely unnecessary.

I am a regular and somewhat conservative commuter who enjoys a little extra boost.

I bought the 3s because it is a fun car to drive and inexpensive for the performance.

Loud pipes,
Hood scoop,
Ground effects,
Tuned Suspension,
Super low-profile tires & wheels,
All no thank you.

Maybe an extra 10-15% hp.

For the sake of discussion let's say $1000.00

Thanks again,

Wineguy

now THAT'S an honest reply. and something we can certainly work with.

Surely start with a CAI...I'd suggest getting with either Gary (kargoboy) on this forum or Ken @ protegegarage.com about that.

Second I'd look into a nice catback exhaust. This will tone up a bit but no real performance gain that will be noticeable.

Lastly a short throw shifter will give you a more precise shift feel and depending on your skill can reduce your shifting time.


I'm a big fan of the mazdaspeed accessories (intake, exhaust, springs, flywheel, clutch, shifter, camber kits, etc etc etc) but they are pricey and being namebrand will be out of your budget,

I would add underdrive pulley set to the list...