Mazdaspeed 3 Mods – 5 Things Owners Will Want to Change

The Mazdaspeed 3 was a car that exceeded the expectations of auto enthusiasts and industry experts. It is highlighted by its performance, design, reliability, utility, and fuel economy which put it at par with high-end cars. The vehicle showcases a whole new level of refinement without making buyers spend the price of a luxury car.

Car mods and upgrades highlights

• Commonsystems:engines, interior, exterior, suspension
• Average prices:$1,500 - $7,000
• Average waiting time:7 - 21 days
• Commonreasons:higher speed, power, and visual improvements
• DIY mods:just minor visual changes
• Level of satisfaction:high

1. ECU

Even by today's standards, the 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four engine of the Mazdaspeed remains a force to be reckoned with on the road. It produces 263 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque going to a front-wheel-drive system and distributed via a six-speed manual transmission. The setup propels the auto from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds. However, if you want to push it more, one of the easiest ways to do it is via an ECU tune.

One of the key benefits of ECU tuning is that it can improve the performance of your car. By making sure that the engine is running at its optimal efficiency, you can see a noticeable change in how your car responds and handles. Normally, an ECU tune can raise the power of a car by about 10 to 15 percent. Combined with other engine upgrades, the numbers can be increased by nearly 50 percent.

With this, you may notice a difference in how your car responds to acceleration. With a tuned ECU, your car can have a better throttle response and more power overall. This can present a major advantage when you're trying to get up to speed on the highway or passing other cars on the road.

ECU reconfigurations are mostly done to boost the power of a vehicle, but don't you know that they can also help enhance fuel economy? With some adjustments, you can make your engine focus on running as efficiently as possible so you can save money on fuel costs over time.

Based on EPA estimates, the Mazdaspeed 3's fuel economy is rated at 18 mpg on city drives, 25 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg combined. This is acceptable for a performance-driven car, but it is actually lower compared to its contemporaries from Ford and Volkswagen.

With careful tinkering, you may probably get the numbers to up to 25 mpg. The extra 5 MPG may not seem like much, but over time, it can mean significant savings and this can be particularly appreciated when going on long drives.

Overall, ECU tuning can offer a number of benefits that can improve either the performance or the fuel economy of your car. That depends on which element your priority is though because you just can't have both.

Higher power means your engine will have to work harder than usual so it tends to burn fuel faster. On the other hand, focusing on efficiency permits savings on fuel by making sure that your car doesn't exceed its limitations by a wide margin.

2. Turbocharger

You can enjoy several benefits when you upgrade your car's turbocharger. First, it will improve your car's performance. This is because the turbocharger can force more air into the engine, which in turn leads to an increase in power. Paired with an ECU tune and other mods, this can dramatically boost the horsepower and torque of a car by around 20 to nearly 50 percent.

Upgrading your turbocharger can also improve fuel economy. This is because a more advanced turbocharger offers ways to reduce the amount of fuel that is required to produce a given amount of output. Even if your upgrade is centered on providing a spike in power, this is crucial in maintaining your auto's optimal efficiency.

Turbocharger updates reduce emissions, too. These make the turbo burn fuel almost completely so that the traces of harmful gases that are emitted into the atmosphere is mitigated.

3. Gauges

You need to be always on the lookout for the well-being of your Mazdaspeed 3, especially if you have opted for performance upgrades. A key advantage that can be derived from changing the gauges in your car is that it can improve the accuracy of your speedometer readings. This, in turn, will let you more effectively monitor your speed and maintain a safe driving speed on the road.

Additionally, changing the gauges can also improve the look of your dash and make its numbers easier to read. This simple visual alteration can benefit you a lot when driving and it provides your car a sportier look.

4. Exterior Trimmings

A key advantage to changing the exterior trimmings of your Mazdaspeed 3 is better aerodynamics coupled with reduced weight, particularly if you have opted for lightweight materials for replacement like aluminum or carbon fiber. This can be specifically valuable if you frequently drive at high speeds. Streamlined trims reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency.

Another potential benefit of changing your car's exterior trimmings is enhanced visual appeal. If you're looking to give your car a new appearance, swapping out the trimmings is an easy way to do so. You can find trims in a variety of colors and materials to suit your taste. Be sure to throw in a new paint job, too, so that you can further elevate its styling.

Finally, new exterior trimmings can provide some protection for your car's paint job. Trims made from durable materials shield your paint from chips and scratches caused by rocks and other debris. This keeps your car looking great for longer.

5. Wheels

Aesthetically, new wheels and tires can completely revitalize the look of your Mazdaspeed 3. If you're looking to give your car a more aggressive or sportier design, larger and wider wheels with low-profile tires are a great option. If you want to provide your car with a more luxurious appeal, smaller diameter wheels with higher profile tires are a good choice. No matter what look you're going for, there's sure to be a set of wheels and tires that will suit your taste.

Performance-wise, new wheels and tires can also make a big difference. Larger, wider wheels with low-profile tires provide better handling and allow your car to brake more quickly. If you frequently drive in wet or icy conditions, investing in a set of all-weather or winter tires can significantly guarantee your safety.

So, whether you're looking to modify the look of your car or enhance its performance, new wheels and tires are always a good investment. Be sure to do your research to find the right set for your car and driving needs. With the right wheels and tires, you'll be sure to take your car to the next level.

Conclusion

The Mazdaspeed 3 was gone too soon but it surely left an indelible mark on the automotive scene. Despite its age, it remains the very representation of performance, design, reliability, utility, and fuel economy all in one car. However, with years of use and the advancements of automotive tech over the years, you may already be looking to freshen it up to maintain its A-game on the road.

With a simple ECU tune or more hardcore turbocharger upgrades, you can bump its output a few notches to keep it at par with more modern high-performance cars. Throw in new gauges, exterior trims plus a new set of wheels and tires, and it's bound to start turning heads again on and off the road.