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Mazda 3

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Q: What type of cold air intake should i get for my mazda 3 hatchback?
i just bought a 2008 mazda 3 hatchback and am thinking of buying cold air intake, exhaust, and maybe suspension. I’m new to modding cars so any info you have will help! Just curious about priceing, and recommendations on what I should get.
When it comes to exhaust I want something that sounds good, but nothing extremely loud and obnoxious.

A: generally AEM and Fujita are the best choices for CAI. I would get the Fujita CAI (228$) ..
for exhaust, i recommend HKS (full system 427$)
suspensions… i dont think is necessary (just in my opinion…

this is a great place to buy car parts…

http://www.andysautosport.com/

Q: What are the features of a Mazda 3 i sedan?
Looking into getting a 2005 Mazda 3 i sedan.
What are the features of the car? Does it come with power windows and locks,
does it have and AC or heater?

A: I have a 2007 Mazda 3 i and it has no power windows or locks but it dose have A/C and heating, but when you look at it that’s less things to repair in the future.

Q: Why does the blue light on the dashboard/radio of a Mazda 3 2010 not illuminate when headlights are on?
Why does the blue light on the dashboard/radio of a Mazda 3 2010 not illuminate when headlights are on?

A: The bulb is blown! You just need to pull down dashboard and replace it! Nice easy easy job.
When you start on this then you should replace every other bulb you will find too. You do not want to do this job once mere very soon.

Q: Which Mazda is better in terms of reliability and overall better? Mazda 3 or 6?
interested in the 2007 and forward models of Mazda 3 or 6, but what are the differences? Which one rates better overall?

A: The Mazda 3 is, and always has been, more reliable than the Mazda 6.
It also gets better mileage.

The Mazda 3 is one of the best cars in the compact class.
The Mazda 6 is middle-of-the-pack in the family sedan class.

Q: will my mazda 3 waranty be void if i get a cold air intake system?
If i buy a cold air intake system for my 2010 mazda 3 from the MAZDASPEED website and have the dealer or a certified mazda shop install it will it void my waranty? What about an exhaust system?

A: No. As long as it is a genuine Mazda part you will not have to worry about voiding your warranty. The irony is this, AEM specs the Mazda CAI. If you were to install an AEM CAI arguably it would void the Mazda warranty. I would think Mazdaspeed division would have some credible evidence that a cold air intake improves performance in the upper rev range. A combination of a cold air intake and cat-back exhaust changes the flow and turbidity of air and gaseous waste. Their is a net effect in adding the two performance parts which has proven to increase horsepower in high compression applications.

Someone stated the engine is like an air pump. This is a true statement. A high compression engine pumps air with more force despite the CFM measurement. You can have a CFM limit, but without force the CFM measurement means nothing. A low compression engine cannot be as forceful, this would be the standard Mazda3 engine, since it is dialed in more towards gas mileage. The Madaspeed3 is of the high compression variety, therefore their is a direct correlation to the cost benefit ratio when it comes to performance that is both measurable and quantifiable, because it is a more forceful air pump/engine. A performance engine will always respond better to performance parts as compared to a low compression engine. However, a lightweight car with a technically low powered engine can also do the trick. Let’s say in the Mazda Mx5 for instance, that you get a net increase of 5-7 horsepower by adding CAI and cat-back exhaust. The power to weight ratio is already less than 16bhp per pound, to increase the power, but not increase the weight of the vehicle is a multiplier in overall performance.
After-all, Mazda known for light engineering bases this same concept from its studies of the Lotus car pioneered by Colin Chapman. The Mazda formula is efficient engines known for good gas mileage, responsiveness, overall low frame weight with an eye towards complementary power to weight ratio. What makes it all hang together is Kansei engineering. The Mazda Mx5 Superlight is a shining example.
On the contrary BMW does not build economy cars, they build performance cars. Dinan is the performance arm of BMW that performs diagnostics on all performance applications of the brand, to include performance chips, CAI and cat-back exhausts. BMW has long staked its reputation as a performance brand by adding performance parts to its high compression engines.
I would say the evidence is that both a cold air intake and a cat-back exhaust will increase horsepower and performance in the upper rev limit of the engine. The question that deserves an answer would be are you willing to pay for it.

Best.

Q: Where can I find Car Audio Wiring Diagram for a 2004 Mazda 3?
I am trying to install amp and subs in my mazda 3 with a stock cd player. I have the RCA adapter but I do not know which wires are which. Please Help!

A: LF Speaker + red – white
RF Speaker + blue – yellow
LR Speaker + purple – pink
RR Speaker + white/blue – black/blue

Q: Mazda 3 muffler thats not too loud but still gives a deep tone?
Im looking to change the stock muffler on my mazda 3 but im afriad a magnaflow muffler will be too loud. Any advice on what muffler i should get?

A: Make sure the piping is correctly sized and avoid ‘N1-style’ canister type mufflers. You can always add more resonators to quiet the sound to an acceptable level.

Q: Who has a Mazda 3 and the back wheels knock?
I have a 04 Mazda 3 the back wheels knock when stopping, pulling off and turning a corner. Can anyone help me narrow down what it could possibly be?

A: I think there are updated rear brake pads (or brake pad shims) for this concern on the 3. Call a Mazda dealer and ask.

Q: What oil should I use for my mazda 3?
I have a 2008 Mazda 3 2.0L
and i have 3500 miles on it
ive been planning to change my oil
but dont what brand of oil to use
and if i should use synthetic oil or not
some help would be appreciate

thank you

A: I strongly recommend Catrol oil. I have noticed it helps my bike to run smoother, and also has given my old beatup Geo Prizm a few more mpg intown driving!! It’s pretty good stuff

I’d suggest synthetic oil, but wait until you get up to above 10K on mileage. A brand new engine needs time to get broken in. All the metal parts get fitted tightly at factory and an engine just needs time to “find itself’. Kinda like breaking in a new pair of shoes. Once that’s done, then go ahead with synthetic. I use it and it’s also given me an extra 1-2 mpg. But it helps best with lubrication, because it’s much easier on engine to run it. Yeah, it’s lot more costly, but it’ll keep engine working smoother for so much longer.

Just keep changing oil constantly so you’ve got good clean oil, and you’ll have that engine for decades!! Running old oil in car engine will ruin it the easiest and hardest.

Q: Can I ask two questions about the Mazda 3 TS2?
Firstly, has anyone had a problem with the Mazda 3 TS2? Do you own it and like it? Would you recommend it?

Secondly, we are curious about a button which has the letters AMB in the centre console? What is it for? It has confused both us and the salesman.

A: What is a TS2? I have a Speed 3, and we have owned a 04 6i. The AMB button is for Ambient Temperature. It’s a fancy word for how warm it is outside the car. It’s also usually off in the summer due to having the senor inside the car.

Q: What is a better car to buy a 2008 saab 9-3 or a 2008 mazda 3?
The Mazda has 7,000 miles on it and is $15,000 and the Saab 9-3 has 46,000 miles on it and is about 16,200. What car Should i buy i really don’t know?? If you were im my position what car would you get?

A: Saabs are notoriously hard to get service and parts for. The Mazda seems like a better deal anyway.

Q: How long until my mazda 3 2010 comes in?
Today i payed for a mazda 3 2010 itouring, but they didnt have one in stock in graphite without a moonroof, so they said it will be shipped in and theyll call me when it comes in. How long does it take for mazda 3’s to ship in?

A: 12

Q: Is the Mazda 3 a good car for the price?
I am looking for a car with pretty good gas mileage. Is the Mazda 3 a good choice?

A: The Mazda 3 is the best car for the money. Consumer reports has the mazda 3 at number 2 of the top 5 least expensive cars they recommend to buy.

Q: What parts in the Mazda 3 are Ford parts? Is the Engine a Ford or a Mazda engine? Are any other parts Ford?
What mechanical, electrical etc parts in the Mazda 3 SP23 are ford parts?

A: Well, the engine is designed by Mazda, the chassis is Ford, Mazda, Volvo and the brakes and suspension are Ford. This may not be true for all individual parts. I know my 3 has “Fomoco” stamped on the brake calipers and some suspension parts. It was stated before that some of the electronic components are Mitsubishi.

Q: How do 2004 Mazda 3’s sound during ignition?
I just purchased a used 2004 Mazda 3. During ignition, the vehicle makes a metallic grind-like noise. I asked a mechanic and he said that he has been asked that before and that it is just the sound Mazda 3’s make. Is this true?

Car is 96000km.

A: I’m sorry but, I been around cars for over 50 years including Mazda’s and they sound no different than any other car.
There are 4 strokes in the engines cycle. Induction, compression, combustion, exhaust.
Ignition fits between compression and combustion. On a 4 cylinder engine at 1000 revs/min (just over tickover) ignition happens 250 times. If you can hear a noise at the ignition point during all that, I would have to say that’s miraculous.

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