i just recently bought a 2005 mazda 3 hatchback. it is completely stock and i was wanting to know what would be the best performance parts for this car?

 

See signature. That is only my opinion. There are several items you can choose from.

 

i have heard some thngs about the engine check light displaying with a different header..how did you get around that?

 

There are two ways to accomplish this from what I have read and heard. First, you could purchase an exhaust system from the same manufacturer as the header. They would offer you an O2 sensor relocation kit, which basically moves the second O2 sensor on the catback exhaust. Or, what I did, have a reputable exhaust shop drill a hole in the downpipe, weld in an O2 sensor bung, and install a spark plug defouler to fake the second O2 sensor into reading a different level. I have not had an issue with the check engine light yet. Knock on wood.

Any reputable exhaust shop should be able to take care of you. I used Exhaust Depot in Orlando as a reference.