I have a 2009 mazda3 5 door hatchback with 15000 miles on it. I want to do some basic mods and would like some suggestions.

1. I would like to lower it. What springs do you recommend and how much drop? I dont like an overly lowered look. modified sporty but natural

2. I would like to put 18" rims on it. i would like to see the rims more flush with the fenders than they are stock but dont want them to protrude out past the fenders. What width wheel and what offset are recommended.

3. Cold air intake recommendations? Exhaust recommendations?

4. Other cost effective "bang for your buck" performance mods to get a little more power out of it?

5. Should I consider a turbo? Which one? Other than the kit... what else must be upgraded to match the turbo? This is a down the road mod at best.

Thanks for your thoughts. New to Mazda but love the 3 hatch!

 

1. id suggest either racing beat or mazdaspeed then

2. 7.5in width not sure about the offest though

3. take your pick, just dont get a no name intake since the maf spot maybe be in the wrong place and cause wires to be pulled. pre warning for exhaust, from the cat back there are no flanges so your gonna have to cut get it all out. wouldnt go with anything bigger than 2.25in in size.

4. look up Monzas timing mod, thats about it

5. if you have an automatic then no. if you have a manual then be prepared to get stronger gear synchros. Tri-point engineering has the only kit for the 3 atm, unless you piece one together yourself

 

good info

i'd also add the eibach pro kit springs to the list. They are a little more of a drop then the two mentioned above but only 1.2 inches and have a great ride

and as far as the wheels go I have 18x8 w/ a +40 offset and they sit pretty flush but still on the inside of the wheel well. I think anything wider or less of a offset will start to stick out and possibly rub

 

Awesome... thanks guys!

The eibach pro kit was actually what I was looking at so I may go with that.

thanks for the other info as well

 

Kc057 do you have any drop on your car with thoes wheels? And also what size tires?


Also you could look at wheel spacers, megan racing springs, and from what I've read aem is the cai i would go with I've heads alot of others wil give you cel's, also look at getting an exaust off of a speed 3 they sound good and you can get them cheaper lol

 

yes I am lowered on bc coilovers right now. I believe its about 2.25 drop all around, but I forgot to pre measure so I am not 100% sure lol. The tire size I am running is 225 40s. I had to get my fenders rolled w/ a slight pull to keep it from rubbing with a load in the back.

 

ok thanks