Questions about my new 6i

[Carlb328]

I just bought a 2005 Mazda6 i on Monday. I have a 2007 3 that my ex drives, and had an MPV which I traded for the 6, so I am not new to Mazdas, and I know a bit about modding because I used to have a BMW which I blew quite a bit of money on, but I need some specific information about the 6. Also, I'm not young, so I don't want to throw away money on ridiculous crap like neon lights or loud exhaust. Anyways, I want to do some minor modding of this car when I can afford to. Probably a cat back, maybe wheels, possibly audio. My first question is, are Mazda alloy rims much lighter than stock ones? On the BMW you can save quite a bit of weight modding, but that's because it's built like a tank, I don't know if it would be noticeable on the 6, and I would want to stick with Mazda wheels if I do. Second, can the center console be wired with auxillary in like it is on my 2007 3? I would love to have my ipod in there without cable showing. Third, how are the stock speakers, and does the base system have tweeters in the tweeter enclosures? Fourth, is there a catback exhaust that isn't loud, and has some power increase throughout the power band? I know a lot of mods only increase power in a small rpm range, and sometimes decrease it in others. Lastly, the engine is kind of weak below 3000rpm, are there any reasonable mods that would make it easier to drive a manual in traffic? In other words, lowering the power band a bit so it's smoother to drive slow like my BMW or honda civic was. Extra power would be nice too, but making it easier to drive is my number one concern.

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[CKeffer]

1. You can lose a noticeable amount of weight with the right set of wheels...you just aren't going to find them through Mazda. You just have to be careful of offset with this car since we have such a strange one (60mm) stock.

2. In a word, yes.

3. I'm not a sound guy, so can't really help you here. However I've always been satisfied with my stock bose setup.

4. For CB exhaust, go with Magnaflow. It's not that loud, nice and throaty, and adds a bit of power (don't expect anything more than 5hp though).

5. A full writeup on the mods available for the 4cyl can be read here,here,and here. Other than what is covered there there is always the turbo route.

Also, with a little suspension work, these cars can be a scream in the twisties. I hope my info helps, and I hope you enjoy your 6!

[Carlb328]

That throttle body mod looks good, I will probably try to grounding one too just for the hell of it. How big does the grounding wire have to be to be effective? Is 12 gauge large like amp wiring?

[CKeffer]

I'm honestly not sure, but i think it's the same size wiring as you have connecting to your batt.