JS+MS3's 2010 Mazdaspeed3 Updates (Still a 4x4)!
I've been working and studying (both full-time) for the past 3 months.. and have to continue this for another 9 months.. 
AND I'm getting married back in Korea next March. I basically have no free time to do anything almost til next summer.
I'm so depressed these days.
When I'm done with all these stuff, I'm going to order a set of lightweight rims with some good meaty tires. Probably going to end up with rpf1s in 17x9. Oh yeah, I'll put in Swift Springs with the combo to drop the car about 1 inch.
Were you getting some KR? The ITV22s should help you out a lot! How's the car running with the Accessport? Made any key adjustments on the tune yet?

AND I'm getting married back in Korea next March. I basically have no free time to do anything almost til next summer.
I'm so depressed these days.
When I'm done with all these stuff, I'm going to order a set of lightweight rims with some good meaty tires. Probably going to end up with rpf1s in 17x9. Oh yeah, I'll put in Swift Springs with the combo to drop the car about 1 inch.
Were you getting some KR? The ITV22s should help you out a lot! How's the car running with the Accessport? Made any key adjustments on the tune yet?


I'm kind of embarassed to admit this, but I haven't been monitoring my car. I know, I'm playing with fire, but I rarely go WOT and just really wanted to get the AP on there to adjust the idle, which btw worked great for about 2 weeks and now all the sudden I'm getting a smoke cloud every morning again. Ugh. So no, as far as I know I'm not experiencing any KR, but I don't know for sure because I haven't done any data logging yet. Yet. I will. The car's running great and I even picked up an extra mpg this last tank. The reason for buying the ITV22s is because I'm due for a plug change anyway so I figured I might as well get a step colder since I'm running a Stage1 tune.
Thread Starter
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 20,301
Likes: 2,603
From: Socal
I'll definitely let you know next year. Which spec and color are you going for? it's for your miata, right?
Last edited by JS + XES; Oct 11, 2011 at 10:49 AM.
Thread Starter
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 20,301
Likes: 2,603
From: Socal
Priorities my friend. You're smart to put the car aside and focus on what's important right now. Thankfully I'm already married and went to school, well, I might be going back someday but not now, oh and have a kid now... errr wait, maybe I should be putting my car on the side too! 
I'm kind of embarassed to admit this, but I haven't been monitoring my car. I know, I'm playing with fire, but I rarely go WOT and just really wanted to get the AP on there to adjust the idle, which btw worked great for about 2 weeks and now all the sudden I'm getting a smoke cloud every morning again. Ugh. So no, as far as I know I'm not experiencing any KR, but I don't know for sure because I haven't done any data logging yet. Yet. I will. The car's running great and I even picked up an extra mpg this last tank. The reason for buying the ITV22s is because I'm due for a plug change anyway so I figured I might as well get a step colder since I'm running a Stage1 tune.

I'm kind of embarassed to admit this, but I haven't been monitoring my car. I know, I'm playing with fire, but I rarely go WOT and just really wanted to get the AP on there to adjust the idle, which btw worked great for about 2 weeks and now all the sudden I'm getting a smoke cloud every morning again. Ugh. So no, as far as I know I'm not experiencing any KR, but I don't know for sure because I haven't done any data logging yet. Yet. I will. The car's running great and I even picked up an extra mpg this last tank. The reason for buying the ITV22s is because I'm due for a plug change anyway so I figured I might as well get a step colder since I'm running a Stage1 tune.

Smoke cloud again? damn. I mean there can be different things that's related to that issue. Good to hear that your car is running great though. You should be able to fix the issue without much problem. It's just PITA to really locate the problem. That's all.
And please do at least 2-3 datalogs asap to at least know that your car is actually running great! It's super important! It should take you no more than 10 mins, if you have some open road or highway close to where you live. And put the KR on the AP when you datalog, make sure it stays zero or close to zero. If you see something like 4-5 while going WOT, let it go. And try to do it when it's cool outside.
When I was tuning my car everyday, I didn't have much free time to go out and do the datalog. So, I always did 1-2 datalogs on the way back home from work while getting onto the freeway. My 3rd gear from 3k rpm - 6.5k rpm is like 35mph - 80mph.
Anyway, I can't wait to finish my school and wedding on next March!!!!!! Maybe I'll just pick up a Miata as a second car and mod it!!!!!
Thread Starter
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 20,301
Likes: 2,603
From: Socal
28k???? I haven't checked the pricing on the new ones, but did the price get up to 28k???? When I bought mine, it was 23k for the regular and 24.5k for the package one.
Maybe that's why my current KBB market value is almost as same as how much I paid for my car 2 years ago.
And wait.... don't tell me they offer White MS3 now....
Maybe that's why my current KBB market value is almost as same as how much I paid for my car 2 years ago.

And wait.... don't tell me they offer White MS3 now....
28k???? I haven't checked the pricing on the new ones, but did the price get up to 28k???? When I bought mine, it was 23k for the regular and 24.5k for the package one.
Maybe that's why my current KBB market value is almost as same as how much I paid for my car 2 years ago.
And wait.... don't tell me they offer White MS3 now....
Maybe that's why my current KBB market value is almost as same as how much I paid for my car 2 years ago.

And wait.... don't tell me they offer White MS3 now....
any major fixes/maintenance items so far?
I'm curious about the long term for these cars, your the only person I know who has owned one for more than 6 months. same as the speed6, I hear of so many people with bad clutches and smoking turbos (not sure if it is driver related or QA related).
I love mazdas though, always have, since my 89' 323.
28k???? I haven't checked the pricing on the new ones, but did the price get up to 28k???? When I bought mine, it was 23k for the regular and 24.5k for the package one.
Maybe that's why my current KBB market value is almost as same as how much I paid for my car 2 years ago.
And wait.... don't tell me they offer White MS3 now....
Maybe that's why my current KBB market value is almost as same as how much I paid for my car 2 years ago.

And wait.... don't tell me they offer White MS3 now....
i built a tech package with a couple extras and it was 28k
wow. white looks pretty nice! lol..
speaking of ms3.. drove my friends from SD back to my place after pickin up my exhaust and grubbin out at Phil's BBQ.. that boost...
lol
speaking of ms3.. drove my friends from SD back to my place after pickin up my exhaust and grubbin out at Phil's BBQ.. that boost...
lol
Thread Starter
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 20,301
Likes: 2,603
From: Socal
I don't drive much these days. I've put only 13,000 miles over the past 2 years. No damage whatsoever. Not a single problem with my car ever since I've drove off the dealership.
I'm pretty regular on the mazdaspeedforums.net, and there were couple minor issues with the early model 2nd gen MS3. The driver's seat tend to move back and forth a little while driving. Mine didn't do it, but Mazda dealers took care of everyone by installing a new set of seat railings. So, that's that. The other problem was that the inside of the front tires were prematurely wearing out. This was fixed by getting an alignment done. That's about it. Nothing else came up over the past two years. And this is from the sample size of thousands of Mazdaspeed3s on the forum.
There are couple members who blew their turbo and whatnot, but they did admit that they didn't know how to drive stick shift cars.... hahahaha
Overall, I recommend this car to anyone who's interested in getting a hot hatch.
I'm pretty regular on the mazdaspeedforums.net, and there were couple minor issues with the early model 2nd gen MS3. The driver's seat tend to move back and forth a little while driving. Mine didn't do it, but Mazda dealers took care of everyone by installing a new set of seat railings. So, that's that. The other problem was that the inside of the front tires were prematurely wearing out. This was fixed by getting an alignment done. That's about it. Nothing else came up over the past two years. And this is from the sample size of thousands of Mazdaspeed3s on the forum.
There are couple members who blew their turbo and whatnot, but they did admit that they didn't know how to drive stick shift cars.... hahahaha
Overall, I recommend this car to anyone who's interested in getting a hot hatch.
Thread Starter
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 20,301
Likes: 2,603
From: Socal
REALLY?? they really do offer a white one now????? freaking Mazduh......

Don't get the packages... it's worthless. The navi on our cars is a complete joke. There's not much options on the cars anyway. How much is the regular one?
Feels pretty good huh? Is it the one with DP?
but id want the tech package for all the small stuff: keyless start, LED tails, OEM HIDs, auto wipers ( i really like after the first big storm of the year
) and the upgraded sound. audio is usually last on my list anyways. on my car, it says there's 7 speakers. ive only found 6. i expected a sub somewhere since it is the Bose audio
Thread Starter
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 20,301
Likes: 2,603
From: Socal
Good for him. And he has a miata too????? i swear every other person has a miata a4tgha4ga4gjfpa094jf0q9Q#$^$#^ find me one!!!!!!

i cant remember how much it was. ill look right now.
but id want the tech package for all the small stuff: keyless start, LED tails, OEM HIDs, auto wipers ( i really like after the first big storm of the year
) and the upgraded sound. audio is usually last on my list anyways.
on my car, it says there's 7 speakers. ive only found 6. i expected a sub somewhere since it is the Bose audio
but id want the tech package for all the small stuff: keyless start, LED tails, OEM HIDs, auto wipers ( i really like after the first big storm of the year
) and the upgraded sound. audio is usually last on my list anyways. on my car, it says there's 7 speakers. ive only found 6. i expected a sub somewhere since it is the Bose audio
auto wipers = it goes off even with a little sprinkle, i hate that
LED tails = you can just get it seperately for like $400
keyless start = r u serious?
HIDs = $40

Just messing with you, but seriously, I would just get the regular and save that extra $$ for mods. There are millions of things you can do with $2k on our cars.
the fastest 2nd ms3 at the moment is actually this papasmurf blue
i hate my Bose speakers. they rattle so bad.
my almost ten year old 2G TL sounded so much better
my auto wipers dont seem to be that sensitive but the most recent storm was the first time i got to use them
but i really want another white car
my almost ten year old 2G TL sounded so much better
my auto wipers dont seem to be that sensitive but the most recent storm was the first time i got to use them
but i really want another white car
i hate the speakers in my MS3 though
Last edited by crazyasiantl; Oct 11, 2011 at 02:25 PM. Reason: spelling owns me
When I was doing my home theater, I started out looking at some Bose, and then I started doing some comparisons. When I first listened to the Bose, they sounded "fine" to my ear. When I compared them to other (better) loudspeakers, I was stunned to find out how poor they were.
Thread Starter
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 20,301
Likes: 2,603
From: Socal
Yes. And the Bose system in 2nd Gen MS3 is really bad. A lot of people who have them end up paying extra to swap it out.
I usually don't listen to the music while driving, so I'm alright. But the members who seem to appreciate music said, it's pretty bad.
I usually don't listen to the music while driving, so I'm alright. But the members who seem to appreciate music said, it's pretty bad.
I think my BOSE system sounds pretty decent in my MS6. about comparable to the one in my previous Accord.
Last edited by SuperTrooper169; Oct 11, 2011 at 04:11 PM.
Yes, you should put your car on the side too with a kid! hahaha 
Smoke cloud again? damn. I mean there can be different things that's related to that issue. Good to hear that your car is running great though. You should be able to fix the issue without much problem. It's just PITA to really locate the problem. That's all.
And please do at least 2-3 datalogs asap to at least know that your car is actually running great! It's super important! It should take you no more than 10 mins, if you have some open road or highway close to where you live. And put the KR on the AP when you datalog, make sure it stays zero or close to zero. If you see something like 4-5 while going WOT, let it go. And try to do it when it's cool outside.
When I was tuning my car everyday, I didn't have much free time to go out and do the datalog. So, I always did 1-2 datalogs on the way back home from work while getting onto the freeway. My 3rd gear from 3k rpm - 6.5k rpm is like 35mph - 80mph.
Anyway, I can't wait to finish my school and wedding on next March!!!!!! Maybe I'll just pick up a Miata as a second car and mod it!!!!!

Smoke cloud again? damn. I mean there can be different things that's related to that issue. Good to hear that your car is running great though. You should be able to fix the issue without much problem. It's just PITA to really locate the problem. That's all.
And please do at least 2-3 datalogs asap to at least know that your car is actually running great! It's super important! It should take you no more than 10 mins, if you have some open road or highway close to where you live. And put the KR on the AP when you datalog, make sure it stays zero or close to zero. If you see something like 4-5 while going WOT, let it go. And try to do it when it's cool outside.
When I was tuning my car everyday, I didn't have much free time to go out and do the datalog. So, I always did 1-2 datalogs on the way back home from work while getting onto the freeway. My 3rd gear from 3k rpm - 6.5k rpm is like 35mph - 80mph.
Anyway, I can't wait to finish my school and wedding on next March!!!!!! Maybe I'll just pick up a Miata as a second car and mod it!!!!!
I will definitley data log it in the new few days. I'll be good to see if I am in fact getting any KR and if I am if the new plugs will make a difference. Should have them as well by the weekend hopefully.
I'll have to read up on how to date log because I'm pretty clueless. I mean as far as do you push a button and hold it and it logs it or is it just constantly logging it if you have it hooked up to the OBDII and driving around?
Thread Starter
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 20,301
Likes: 2,603
From: Socal
Yes. 
Yeah, the tech package ones on my car have those ones on top of the spare tire! I thought it looked pretty cool haha

I think you do have a sub. Should be a spare tire mounted one. Go into your trunk and lift up the carpet to get to the spare. That thing on top of you spare is the woofer.
I think my BOSE system sounds pretty decent in my MS6. about comparable to the one in my previous Accord.
I think my BOSE system sounds pretty decent in my MS6. about comparable to the one in my previous Accord.

Thread Starter
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 20,301
Likes: 2,603
From: Socal
The smoke issue isn't as big a deal as I make it out to seem like. It's obvious the car's running fine, it's just at certain times it makes smoke. I'm coming to the compromise of it just gives the car a little character lol.
I will definitley data log it in the new few days. I'll be good to see if I am in fact getting any KR and if I am if the new plugs will make a difference. Should have them as well by the weekend hopefully.
I'll have to read up on how to date log because I'm pretty clueless. I mean as far as do you push a button and hold it and it logs it or is it just constantly logging it if you have it hooked up to the OBDII and driving around?
I will definitley data log it in the new few days. I'll be good to see if I am in fact getting any KR and if I am if the new plugs will make a difference. Should have them as well by the weekend hopefully.
I'll have to read up on how to date log because I'm pretty clueless. I mean as far as do you push a button and hold it and it logs it or is it just constantly logging it if you have it hooked up to the OBDII and driving around?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlHP4gFiVrY
It doesn't constantly log it. Get in to the data log mode. When you are ready to go WOT, push the middle button, it should go from "not logging" to "logging". After you are done with the run, simply press the middle button again to end the logging. If you want to do it again, simply do the same thing one more time.
When you go home, hook it up to your computer, download the datalogs. It should give you the excel file with all the parameters nicely organized.
Before you do the datalog, make sure to check the right parameters on the datalog. There are some things that you don't really have to log.
PM me your email address, I'll send you a sample datalog of mine.
i do too. i almost got a white 1st gen, but the dealer was being difficult on pricing with the mileage it had. it was an 09 with 55k.
got my 07 with 42k
i quickly looked a few months ago and didnt see anything there. i knew the MS6 has it, so i assumed mine had it as well. I'll have to look again once i get home
got my 07 with 42k
I think you do have a sub. Should be a spare tire mounted one. Go into your trunk and lift up the carpet to get to the spare. That thing on top of you spare is the woofer.
I think my BOSE system sounds pretty decent in my MS6. about comparable to the one in my previous Accord.
I think my BOSE system sounds pretty decent in my MS6. about comparable to the one in my previous Accord.

i quickly looked a few months ago and didnt see anything there. i knew the MS6 has it, so i assumed mine had it as well. I'll have to look again once i get home
Actually the MS6 doesn't have a spare tire mounted sub. I thought it did as well when I first bought the car but when I looked it wasn't there lol. It's actually mounted in the rear deck.
Was it when I took off out of the parking lot onto Pima? Was it a lot? I thought I saw some sitting at the traffic light but the girl in the car next to me was holding a cig out her window so I couldn't tell if it was my car or her smoking haha.Thanks for the ride btw. I only thought I was going to die maybe twice.
Crap...I was shooting for at least three times.
And I lied, it was actually three times I thought I was a goner.
Excellent! Mission accomplished then!
Thread Starter
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 20,301
Likes: 2,603
From: Socal
Don't have any real update, but I did took my mazdaspeed3 to Vegas yesterday. It was like my first time doing a long trip in my car. I drove almost 600 miles and averaged about 26mpg. It's pretty good in my opinion since I averaged 85mph in 5th gear. Of course I did couple runs with some random guys in G37 Coupe (won by about a car length from 70-120), Maxima (destroyed him), and Si (destroyed him) on the way. My car really shines in acceleration from 80 to up in 4th gear.
Cruising in 5th gear @ about 80-85mph was pretty perfect for these long trips. It gave me enough boost leverage for fast passing. The 6th gear is pretty useless unless I go very fast, which I don't usually do. On the way to Vegas from Los Angeles, we have to go over this huge mountain which is I think about 5000 ft. For some stiff section on that road, I had to drop it to 4th gear couple times to bring up the speed.
I was frequently checking my Accessport to see how my car was doing for both ways, and everything was working properly. The boost air temp, intake air temp, coolant temp all stayed within the correct threshold, even though I was averaging pretty fast pace with very frequent use of boost.
Anyway, the seats held up fine but my right thigh was becoming a little uncomfortable after driving for about 2.5 hours straight. I think it was caused by those little bolster/supporter thingys because it was sorta pressuring my leg. Never felt this before, but I guess it's because I've never driven my car for that long without resting. But overall, the seats were pretty comfortable. Oh yes, my gf was in the passenger seat and she didn't complain about it, so that's a great news.
btw, the reason why my gf and I went to Vegas was to get married.
we are doing our real ceremony in next March back in Korea, but we had to do this asap in the US because my gf was having some immigration issue. so yeah.. i'm a married man from yesterday.
Cruising in 5th gear @ about 80-85mph was pretty perfect for these long trips. It gave me enough boost leverage for fast passing. The 6th gear is pretty useless unless I go very fast, which I don't usually do. On the way to Vegas from Los Angeles, we have to go over this huge mountain which is I think about 5000 ft. For some stiff section on that road, I had to drop it to 4th gear couple times to bring up the speed.
I was frequently checking my Accessport to see how my car was doing for both ways, and everything was working properly. The boost air temp, intake air temp, coolant temp all stayed within the correct threshold, even though I was averaging pretty fast pace with very frequent use of boost.
Anyway, the seats held up fine but my right thigh was becoming a little uncomfortable after driving for about 2.5 hours straight. I think it was caused by those little bolster/supporter thingys because it was sorta pressuring my leg. Never felt this before, but I guess it's because I've never driven my car for that long without resting. But overall, the seats were pretty comfortable. Oh yes, my gf was in the passenger seat and she didn't complain about it, so that's a great news.

btw, the reason why my gf and I went to Vegas was to get married.
we are doing our real ceremony in next March back in Korea, but we had to do this asap in the US because my gf was having some immigration issue. so yeah.. i'm a married man from yesterday.







miatas