2007 Mazdaspeed 3 question

[MoMS3]

Hey guys, throwing on the noob hat since I've not studied up extensively on Genjuan stuff.

Long story short, a buddy of mine has wanted an MS3 for a while but doesn't like gen2's looks and doesn't want super high miles or tons of mods (he wants stock). Well about a week ago, I came across an 07 MS3 GT for sale that not only has been stock it's whole life, but only has 16.5k miles on it (!!!). The guy is asking $12,950 and is the original owner, so really seems like we found the proverbial unicorn.

The guy claims he changed the oil regularly (one assumes given how little it was driven, he changed it based on time in the car vs miles driven) and has been maintained per the schedule, again one would assume he stuck with the time frame specified vs mileage.

My big question is since it has been driven so little, it would seem to me that it likely hasn't had any of the TSB work done since they only perform this work as problems arise (turbo starts smoking, VVT makes noise). Am I correct to assume this? It should be obvious whether or not the PCV update has been performed based on the breather routing, but specifically the VVT issue is a bit concerning. Based on my reading it seems the lock-pin issues usually start surfacing about 60-75k miles? He plans on stopping by the local Mazda dealer for an inspection, I figure they should be able to tell us what TSB work, if any, has been completed. My buddy also is wanting to offer closer to KBB (9.8k for this car) but I keep telling him that if this thing is as the guy claims regarding maintenance, that he would be lucky to get the owner to agree to anything remotely close to 11k. Anyways, let me know if there is anything to look for outside of the usual issues. Thanks!

[Thor Hammer]

I would not assume the turbo will start smoking, or the VVT is going to take a shit anytime soon. Nor would I let that dissuade your buddy from purchasing the vehicle. Yes, both the aforementioned could go out anytime. But not likely.

Run the VIN and see what's been done.

It's an 07. My MS6 is an 07. One owner before me and he took care of it. Got it at 80K miles.

133K miles and my turbo seals are slightly leaking and smoking once in a while as of 10K miles ago.

My VVT has been perfect along with my timing chain. All stock.

My compression 20K ago was 180 across all four cylinders.

Food for thought.

[stockms3]

I have an 07 speed3. I rebuilt the motor at 76k miles due to low compression in our favorite cylinder #3 . Up to that point I had no issues with VVT at all.

If compression is good. I would get service history, which you might be able to do if you have the VIN.

Turbo replacement is not that expensive anyway. You could get a BNR s1 for like $400?

[Djohns]

Originally Posted by stockms3 I have an 07 speed3. I rebuilt the motor at 76k miles due to low compression in our favorite cylinder #3 . Up to that point I had no issues with VVT at all. If compression is good. I would get service history, which you might be able to do if you have the VIN. Turbo replacement is not that expensive anyway. You could get a BNR s1 for like $400?

Or you can be a man about it and get a s4 and up.

[MoMS3]

Originally Posted by Djohns Or you can be a man about it and get a s4 and up.

All in due time haha, I am going to be swapping in an S4 hopefully over the summer, one can imagine once my buddy gets a taste of big turbo he'll be looking to do something similar. That said he isn't one to go crazy modding his car, more looking for fun/quick/reliable daily driver. I do have my first round of parts (CS SRI/TIP, CS PMM, CS TMM inserted gen 2 mount/tripod) I'm going to try to pawn off on him right off the bat lol. I have a feeling I'll be his go-to mod guy. Gotta track down an AP and HPFP internals for him as well.

[stockms3]

Originally Posted by Djohns Or you can be a man about it and get a s4 and up.

I'm getting CS instead. I considered the S5 but then I would need ewg, I would want additional fueling and a stage8 clutch.

I think 380whp will be sufficient.

[Djohns]

Originally Posted by stockms3 I'm getting CS instead. I considered the S5 but then I would need ewg, I would want additional fueling and a stage8 clutch. I think 380whp will be sufficient.

Fine I’ll go s3 and up. CS would fall in that category.

[Hunts_ms3]

Can anyone help or has had this problem in my Speed3 08 when I go wide open throttle (wot) it I get like a stutter,my boost still builds but it’s like backfiring at same time but if I ease into the the throttle I have no problems do you know what this could be I just put new fuel pump internals in Autotech but I was thinking maybe injectiors/seals. I replaced one of my faulty coil pack could it be another one or like clutch, or maybe some tuning issue it’s has brand new bnr s4 turbo full 3inch exhaust with, catless Downpipe, full-race turbo manifold , and 3.5 intake , then Cobb v2, all the supporting mods

[Djohns]

Originally Posted by Hunts_ms3 Can anyone help or has had this problem in my Speed3 08 when I go wide open throttle (wot) it I get like a stutter,my boost still builds but it’s like backfiring at same time but if I ease into the the throttle I have no problems do you know what this could be I just put new fuel pump internals in Autotech but I was thinking maybe injectiors/seals. I replaced one of my faulty coil pack could it be another one or like clutch, or maybe some tuning issue it’s has brand new bnr s4 turbo full 3inch exhaust with, catless Downpipe, full-race turbo manifold , and 3.5 intake , then Cobb v2, all the supporting mods

You’re hitting boost spikes followed by boost cuts.

[Hunts_ms3]

Originally Posted by Djohns You’re hitting boost spikes followed by boost cuts.

My boost still hits 15psi and holds it just it’s like backfireing/ stuttering I was thinking maybe my plugs

[Djohns]

Originally Posted by Hunts_ms3 My boost still hits 15psi and holds it just it’s like backfireing/ stuttering I was thinking maybe my plugs

Wait, you’re running an s4 and only running 15 psi? And yes that sounds like plugs.

[Hunts_ms3]

Originally Posted by Djohns Wait, you’re running an s4 and only running 15 psi? And yes that sounds like plugs.

I’m safe tune rn I’m just trying figure out this problem before I get dynoed

[Fstrnyou]

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