| Fun Driver |
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Hello all! I have a dark red/crimson 2009 Mazda 3. It's a little sporty coupe that's a nice model, but I'm looking to add some stuff to it to improve it's performance and image. I was going to list off my intended additions and I was wondering if anyone could recommend: 1. If it sounds like a good idea. 2. If you know a good place to purchase said objects or get the objects done in the DC area. 3. Price, and if you know any good locations for a deal. 4. Links for specific model that works best. I would like to tint my windows as dark as the law allows. Does this impair night driving, etc? New suspension kit. More cylinders (currently 4). New exhaust pipe/system. Air intake system. Camshafts. Intercooler. White headlights (vs. yellow). Anyone know anything about aftermarket brakes, chassis bars and the vortex diffuser? Also, good locations to look into body kits or spoilers? Also, can any of this be done by myself at home with proper instruction or will all of it need professional application? Thanks! |
| No Way |
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I honestly have no idea if you're serious or not. You should check Mazda modding forums. http://www.mazdaforum.com/forum/ http://www.mazdaworld.org/ There is a pretty strong Mazda modding community that would be happy to help you out. I used to mod Volvos and learned a ton online. You can do a lot yourself if you're handy, but you can also mess things up. As far as your individual questions, I've had windows tinted pretty dark and it doesn't really affect night driving. Just don't tint your windshield. The suspension kit is a great idea. For that type of car, this will be the mod that you'll be the most happy with. You'll love it. This is about $1400 for KW coilovers, which in my opinion, are the best reasonably priced suspension kit. If that's too much, look at Koni or Bilstein products. You can't really add cylinders. You would have to swap the whole engine. You may be able to swap the turbocharged Mazdaspeed 3 engine. This is likely to cost a few grand. The air intake/exhaust is likely to net you 5-10hp. You'll barely notice it and it'll cost $800-1000. All you're really going to see out of a camshaft is shifting your car's powerband. If aftermarket ones are available for your car you're looking at $500. If you need to have one custom ground, a lot more $. Intercoolers are for turbocharged cars only. You can get a HID headlight kit for your car for like $200. There are tons of options for brakes. Ask on one of those forums for their opinion for your car. An anti-sway bar is another upgrade that you'll appreciate. They're usually under $1000 and if your car is one where that is a common upgrade it may be far less. I recommend upgrading your endlinks as well, or they'll end up being a weak link in the system and negating the effects of the sway bar. The vortex diffuser is a gimmick. Look online for bodykit stuff. I'm sure there is plenty for your car. Really though, check out the Mazda forums. Read them for days. Almost any question you can ask has already been asked. The knowledgeable forum members get annoyed when then answer the same basic questions over and over again, so make sure you read everything you can before you ask anything. Based on your desire to add cylinders and an intercooler, I'm guessing that you don't know a whole ton about cars yet. Reading is your friend. I went from not being able to change a tire to being able to perform most of the mods that you just mentioned in my garage. Good luck |
| runningbroseph |
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Sounds like you're better off............................................BUYING A NEW CAR. |
| No Way |
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Depends on what your goal is. Some people like customizing their cars. I used to buy $1500 Volvos to customize and mod. |
| Disrespect |
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I have a Jensen Interceptor. What are some ways to improve this car? |
| Fun Driver |
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I am entirely serious. I'm a new driver and you are correct, I know very little about cars. Let's say my budget is $2500 and this is for the 2009 Red Mazda 3 (4 Door Sedan). In order, the changes I'd like to make are: 1. New Suspension System 2. New Braking System (although possibly just brake pads) 3. New (deeper) Horn 4. Interior LEDs and Angel Eye LEDs 5. New Exhaust Sytem (w/ muffler) 6. Tinting or Spoiler Can you recommend any good sites which might sell those items? Good locations to visit to purchase these in person and/or have them installed? Recommended models or brands to get a fairly decent price? The first two are the most important additions, the first four would be great and I don't really expect to be purchasing the last two anytime soon. Anyway, all advice, input, personal experiences, etc. is appreciated! |
| No Way |
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With that budget I would go with these shocks/struts http://www.therpmstore.com/store/p/430-Koni-FSD-Shocks-for-Mazda-3-complete-set-.html These swaybars front http://www.corksport.com/h-and-r-front-swaybar-32525.html rear http://www.corksport.com/h-and-r-rear-swaybar-32526.html There are a ton of options for endlinks, go to the forums I linked to and ask someone who has used them which are best. Figure another $400 there. Skip brakes for now. Replace the pads if needed, but any kind of upgrade will blow your budget. The horn I'm not even going to look for as it's a matter of personal preference. Here's the interior LED kit. These can actually end up looking pretty cool depending on the car. http://www.corksport.com/corksport-led-light-kit-2004-2009-mazdaspeed-3-and-mazda-3.html I unfortunately don't see and angeleyes, but here are a couple of other options http://www.carid.com/2009-mazda-3-headlights/ |
| No Way |
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Listen, I'm answering these questions because I did the same thing to my first car. It happened to be a 12 year old Volvo rather than a 3 year old Mazda. I learned a ton from the Volvo forums. You need to go to the Mazda forums where there are hundreds of people with experience with your car rather than asking here and having me do a quick google search. |