Okay - let's get down to business...

[mxmissile]

Today has been good, bad, and ugly. I haz an annoyed.

Good - MSF member Rox702 is FUCKING AWEOME. He saw my vehicle description and remembered that it matched the car owned by the guy he bought a FMIC from a few months ago, who said he was trading it in. And he still had his number FTMFW!! So - affter a 20 minute chat with the guy, I now know my vehicle's history from the original owner. And worries about a ricer are unfounded, he's a Lexus mechanic, lol. Airbox was cut something to do with the FMIC install I guess. I'll get more details from him when we meet Friday. He has the stock springs, and some other odds & ends (like the hood vent, lol) that didn't get put back to stock before it went away. Has stock exhaust minus the resonators (straight tubes), H&R springs, and a cut up airbox. He sold the FMIC, aftermarket rims, and RMM, which was all mods done. Woot.

The bad - The service department at Desert Toyota jerked me around about the rear wheel bearing/suspension issue. Claims they couldn't replicate it. Which sucks azz, 'cuz I took homeboy for a fucking ride and made him acknowledge in writing that he heard and felt the problem when I dropped it off. Whatever - they're letting me take it to Mazda myself and will pay the repair if Mazda freaks about the springs, so whatev.

The Ugly - So I leave the dealership in the MS3 - and get rear ended 8 blocks down the road. SERIOUSLY..? At a stoplight, some asshat in a Tahoe smashed the early '90's Protege behind me, and him into me. Not badly damaged, just pushed the bumper in a little, but DAMNIT I JUST FUCKING BOUGHT THE FUCKING CAR... If his insurance is invalid like the last fucktard that hit me, I swear to God there will be blood.

Bleh. Moving right along:

I need to fast forward my setup on this thing. Advice from experienced autocrossers familiar with the platform especially appreciated. Money is an on and off thing for me - sometimes I"m flush, sometimes I"m not - right now I'm not, but that won't last. So recommend some sway bars & shocks that compliment the H&R reds if you would be so kind? I've narrowed down my wheel options, we;ll see where that goes.

Next up - this car is slower than my Redline. No flamage please - I KNOW the MS3 is faster than the Ion. So you see the problem. What are some things to look at that could be robbing power? No CEL's, good gas... The previous owner didn't reinstall a hood scoop or vent of some kind for the TMIC - how much is that hurting me? Not exactly hot out (low 60's during the day, 40's at night) so it can't be TOO damn bad. I doubt the airbox is hurting power that badly. Are boost leaks common? If so, where? FWIW, it seems to come & go - SOMETIMES she runs like a raped ape, sometimes she's quick - but would lose to my pretty much stock IRL to 100 or so for sure. :-(

[08.5MS3]

I skimmed and saw 8 blacks rear ended your car. Your car has been sodimized.

[breakfstincluded]

pics of the rear end rape or it didn't happen

[MSFer87]

A MS3 will not lose to an almost stock Redline sorry dood. Esp to 100 from a roll. LSJ FTL

[jonspeed3]

This new fgt is such a drama queen like oh my God.

[mxmissile]

Thanks for the help.

Reading pwns jdmoptiontune - I KNOW THE MS3 IS FASTER DIPSHIT - so I'm asking for some help figuring out why it's fucking slower.

There's an onramp down the street that I hit the right turn at 45 in the Ion, and before I'm even at the top, I'm braking down from over 100 in 4th.

In the MS3 now, I hit at 45, punch it - and I barely hit 100 at all by the top of the ramp. Have tried it in 2nd and 3rd for the start, very little difference.

Drop the BS & help a brother out.

[2008speed3]

+1 for pics or op is troll and needs to be ban

[JLee1469]

Need AP, then logs. How can we feel/hear/understand what's wrong with the car without physically being there? Its unfortunate you went through a lot of shit with the car but it comes with the territory of buying used.

Also, you don't need to bring up your Saturn in every post. We get that you love it and you made that clear in your signature. It's insulting that you compare the two.

[exftw]

get an AP...solves all problems.

[mxmissile]

Thanks go out to those that at least attempted to be helpful...

What is an AP? Not familiar with that one.

Previous thread notwithstanding, I am comparing them to give you an idea of what the car is doing. Comparing it to the LSJ car is a valid reference point.

Comparing the two is not insulting; they competed for the same customer base. The LSJ cars came out first, Mazda raised the FWD bar a notch, the Turbo SS 'balt matched it (performance wise), had Saturn continued on and GM not had the problems they did, the Astra Redline would have the LNF and would be a dead heat with the MS3. 'tis the way of things in the business - I could just as easily say "don't compare the Mazdaspeed Protege to the IRL, it's insulting"; the MSP was a badass car, and the bar got raised by several manufacturers after it was built. Hell - before the MSP, the fucking Focus and Contour SVT's were hot shit, lol.

Perhaps I was unclear - I'm not expecting a sight-unseen diagnosis; I'm asking if there are any go-to problems that you, as established MS3 owners and tuners, know to look at first. Someone says "my Saturn SC2 is idling rough and sometimes dies and won't accelerate off the line", people who know the car say "change your coolant temp sensor". We just know this - it's a common problem thatfixes 80% of CEL's and rough idle issues on the S-series.

I know this car is known to be a short shifter, running out of breath before redline. Is it normal for it to be a brick wall? I mean, this thing hits 6k going full tilt boogie, and I might as well have lifted completely off the gas, it just CHOKES right at 6k. Does that help?

[TWOptSL0W]

Ap=Cobb accessport. It's a tuning device that also lets you monitor what is going on with the car. Do you have any other monitoring devices? A boost gauge? Get the hood ducting ASAP because your tmic isn't getting air. That may be your problem or you could have huge boost leaks.

And as for the Saturn, don't take offense to this, but as you know many peoppe view saturns as pieces of shit. Mostly because most of them were. While the redline may have been somewhat quick for you, "it's still a Saturn" and that company has not gotten out of the rut of making shitty cars. I know you loved it, but no matter what you say, people will still hate on it...especially because of your Saturn is better than ms3 thread. If I were you, I would move on and not mention it anymore. That's not me trying to be mean, just friendly advice. It's the same reason I don't go around talking about my 2.0 neon that I turbocharged...it's still a neon

[mxmissile]

Thanks - no monitoring stuff yet, still trying to get the dealer to fix a simple rear suspension issue.

See - there's where I lose you. Nowhere in that thread did I say the IRL was better. I said that I liked it better, that we got along better, that was easier to fall in love with. People picked that ball up and ran with it.

I know people trash Saturn; that was half the fun of owning the RL, lol. The looks on peoples faces when they get served by a Saturn is fucking priceless, LMAO. And I don't get why people think Saturns were POS in general, either. Slow, sometimes crappy interiors - fine. But properly maintained, S-series are the best cheap car you can own. They routinely break 400k on original parts. Most people just don't know how to keep them up. I see transmissions replaced all the time for an issue that can be fixed with a bottle of Sea Foam. $80 diagnostic fees paid and several hundred dollar repair bills for a problem that can be fixed in 5 minutes with a 10mm socket and a $13 part. Saturn only ever made 2 really bad things - the V6 in the L-series and early Vues had issues, and the CVT trans used in later Quad coupes and 4cyl Vues was garbage. Everything else they made was solid as hell. Definitely not way up there on excitement, but solid cars.

Anyway - I get the badge bashing, but from people who don't know WTF they're talking about, it's pathetic. Everyone who drives the IRL for more than an hour - or AT ALL in a performance/track setting - comes away impressed. SCCA national champions drove my car back when it was still one of the newer monsters on the scene and damn near pissed themselves at what it could do - I won't name names, but a multi-national trophy winner in GS took it for one lap and bought a Cobalt SS that week. People read reviews and think they know, and they're stupid.

I'm getting used to the MS3, and I like it. I still hate the gearing. I hate the shifter less, but damn, it's not what I'm used to from a Mazda. The cupholder makes me want to kick puppies - but another member here suggested using the back seat console, and while it's not terribly convenient, it works. All cars have their flaws, the Ion was no exception Lord knows. But given that this is one of the - if not THE - best reviewed FWD sport compacts ever built, I expected more. I expected to love it the 1st time I drove it like I did the Saturn. I liked it. I like it more. Didn't love it, still don't. Working on that.

[Sacrilicious]

Originally Posted by mxmissile I know this car is known to be a short shifter, running out of breath before redline. Is it normal for it to be a brick wall? I mean, this thing hits 6k going full tilt boogie, and I might as well have lifted completely off the gas, it just CHOKES right at 6k. Does that help?

does this mean you were shifting past 6k? if so, drop it down to 5500rpms or so. start in 2nd gear, shift at 5500rpm, and you should get the best results you can get from the car. if this still doesn't work, you should get a boost gauge or some other monitoring device to figure out what's wrong.

as for the AP, it's an ECU reprogrammer that allows for more aggressive tuning of the car. you will want one after you figure out why the car isn't running as fast as it should.

[mxmissile]

Thanks. No, I'm shifting between 5500 and 6k 'cuz I learned that lesson. Still weirded out by just how hard it chokes at 6 though - I expected it to wind down a bit, but it literally acts like I lifted off the gas completely if the revs get that high!

Going to put the vent back in this weekend after I meet the old owner, and going to be looking hard for boost leaks. Damn - if it is supposed to make more power, the gears are gonna feel even SHORTER, lol.

[hamptotl]

Alright man lets try and take this to a polite level since there is obviously something not being understood.

We get the Saturn thing cool move on.

Next yes this car stock tuned will eat shit adn die past about 5800 RPM. With an AP you can monitor a lot of shit and also get the tuning software and tune the car as well.

As twopt said you need that ducting asap and even cool outside you will be fucked, heat soak is a son of a bitch.

James Barone(sorry if I mispeled Jamie) makes an awesome RSB and rear motor mount buy them both and thank me later. Shocks depend on you Koni yellows are good and so are the bilstien sports.

RSB, RMM, fuel pump internals, and an AP will be your best starting point. This suspension is awesome until you reach its limits but to each their own.

Finally Donate for damn sure because you will literally get any and all information possible for this platform through the knowledge on this forum and search man and search a lot. This time you were spoon fed shit dont happen often.

Good luck welcome and dont forget to donate and search

oh yeah and go here.

http://www.mazdaspeedforum.org/forum/foru...st-leak-89918/

Damn I am feeling generous this morning I better get my cup of coffee in.

[86AmishMs3]

ECU logic starts closing the throttle plate at 5500rpm's limiting maximum boost. Direct your attention to the horsepower graph below. You're also probably down on power if you're not getting proper airflow to intercooler. ECU logic will limit load targets and ignition if it's seeing high bats.



And proper shift points for stock curve.

Shift-------------RPM at shift-----------RPM in next gear
1st-2nd--------------5930------------------3750
2nd-3rd--------------5840------------------4010
3rd-4th--------------5730------------------4370
4th-5th--------------5710------------------4500
5th-6th--------------5710------------------4490

[mxmissile]

Thank you.

Searching is a mixed bag; you gotta weed out the crap from the good info. The sticky braking down the best order of mods is awesome - best, most straight-forward shit I've found yet. Though finally some of the posts here are getting there, lol.

Reaching the suspension limits is inevitable - it's a McStrut car, lol. Would love to get me a double A equipped car - but than I would have had to join a Honduh board, and hang out with other Honduh owners, and while there are some good ones - well... :p

[kritz]

@mxmissile

Less posting and more searching,and reading. As the 'helpful' replies stated get an AP slow down figure out what you want to do with the car. Set some goals and map out a path to get there, this forum has a lot to offer just cool your jets. Just remember you don't know what you don't know so learn.

[mxmissile]

DEAR FUCKING GAWD - ooookAAy, lol. That graph explains a lot. 150 hp loss in 1000 rpm - wow. Just - wow. I guess that makes sense then - it feels like I'm off the throttle 'cuz it's closing the throttle, lol.

VERY helpful, both of you - thanks, something to go on for sure.

[86AmishMs3]

Originally Posted by mxmissile DEAR FUCKING GAWD - ooookAAy, lol. That graph explains a lot. 150 hp loss in 1000 rpm - wow. Just - wow. I guess that makes sense then - it feels like I'm off the throttle 'cuz it's closing the throttle, lol. VERY helpful, both of you - thanks, something to go on for sure.

That's why a tune is the best thing you can do on this platform. I raced a fully bolted ms3 without a tune. And I'm fully bolted with a tune. And you would have thought I raced a civic.

[mxmissile]

Cool.

My direction is as follows: SCCA STX rules. Probably not gonna bother returning her to factory for DS.

H&R red springs already on the car - decent start. I'll hang onto them until I decide I simply MUST have coilovers. Probably time to go shock shopping though, lol.

A stout RSB is a must. From what I've read, might not mess with a different front bar.

Not sure where the RMM lands in the rules. Have to check.

Tune is yep - but if it ups the boost - no can do. I can hold it at what it maxes out at stock, that is all.

Single catted DP for sure - maybe an exhaust but the 2.5 stock is decent and the resonators are already gone so low priority there.

CAI.

Have to look at rules for hood spacers & other such tricky tricks.

Battery to the back and light weight. Hmm - I wonder if the car-length battery cable from the Ion could do the trick... Food for thought, lol.

18x9 wheels. 265/35/18 front, same or 245/40 rear, probably RS3's.

Will 16's fit over the stock brakes? Looks like they could. 245/50/16's for the street would soften the ride a bit and are the right rolling diameter... Don't care that it might look odd, lol.

Hawk HPS or +. I'm a Hawk guy over EBC, just am. Slotted rotors. Big calipers can wait.

Seat... Hmm. Dunno if I'll bother. Harness same deal.

There be my plans as they are, not necessarily in that order. Before all of that comes making the car right a it sits - fucking dealer techs...

[kritz]

FSB,RSB,LCA bushings,koni yellows or go coilovers, adjustable rear camber arms(JBR), 17 X 9 Dunlop Dirreza Star specs 245/45/17. Corksport or GT spec trinkets(subframe and rear end stiffeners)

[Raider]

http://www.mazdaspeedforum.org/forum/foru...-owners-57179/
HOW-TO DATABASE MS3
http://www.mazdaspeedforum.org/forum/foru...daspeed-97803/
Mazdaspeed Forums - Search Forums
http://www.mazdaspeedforum.org/forum/foru...t&sid=ds&id=38

[MSFer87]

Originally Posted by mxmissile Thanks for the help. Reading pwns jdmoptiontune - I KNOW THE MS3 IS FASTER DIPSHIT - so I'm asking for some help figuring out why it's fucking slower.

Originally Posted by mxmissile SOMETIMES she runs like a raped ape, sometimes she's quick - but would lose to my pretty much stock IRL to 100 or so for sure. :-(

Holy fuck it's times like these I wish the old MSF was still around so guys like Rodrigo would tear you a new asshole for being such a fucktard man! Fucking search and search some more if you get mixed results keep reading until you understand you NOOB. You are lucky all of these guys are helping you as much as they are so about the Redline we don't care, and enjoy your time at MSF. (Oh yeah and donate already)

[Whiteboy]

Seriously man, you need to do some research before you go slapping shit on your car or you are going to blow your shit up.

If you are planning on putting a DP on then you WILL need a tune and you WILL need to upgrade your fuel pump.

On to the ramp issue, if there is a turn in that ramp your car automatically limits boost and auto brakes for you, hence why it doesn't run like a raped ape. Unplug your SWAS and turn off DSC and you will rape that ramp. There is a write up around here on how to unplug your SWAS.

Can't even believe I'm commenting in this stupid ass thread.

[MSMS3]

Do I understand that OP's car still has the stock airbox, although modified? If so, OP, begin there. The best and first power mod is to get rid of the stock air box and replace it with a good CAI or SRI intake. Believe it or not, that one simple mod will automatically get you between a 15 and 20 whp power gain. That's how restrictive the stock intake is.

Then follow other advice. Aftermarket dp/rp combo also removes the highly restrictive stock downpipe and the two low-flow cats. Big bump up in power, but will require monitoring of engine parameters, and most probably an upgrade of the internals in the cam driven high pressure fuel pump. Along with that would be a tuning option. Many prefer user or custom tuned Access Port. Others, like myself, find the more modest but uber safe Hypertech reflash gets the job done with about 95% of what AP custom tuning can get you as long as you are on the stock turbo.

[Karmat]

I'm feeling extremely helpful right now so pay attention.

If you don't have the ducting under the hood channeling air to the TMIC the TMIC is virtually useless. The ducts make a tight seal which channels all the air over the TMIC. Without it your TMIC gets no airflow which explains why the car isnt pulling as hard as it should. Bitch slap the last owner and buy the ducts.

Oh and don't drive the car hard until you do. Your boost air temps are probably outrageously high and you may be knocking.

[Dash08]

OP still has not posted a pic of said MS3.

Troll remains a troll.

[2008speed3]

Originally Posted by mxmissile The Ugly - So I leave the dealership in the MS3 - and get rear ended 8 blocks down the road. SERIOUSLY..? At a stoplight, some asshat in a Tahoe smashed the early '90's Protege behind me, and him into me. Not badly damaged, just pushed the bumper in a little, but DAMNIT I JUST FUCKING BOUGHT THE FUCKING CAR... If his insurance is invalid like the last fucktard that hit me, I swear to God there will be blood.

post pics or ban troll

[mxmissile]

I'm bored with the flames, so from here out I address only constructive posts. No point in pics from teh crash, there's no damage that matters visible in a pic.

I have not modded the car; the total list of "mods" is in my sig and they came with it. I have found and contacted the previous owner - he had a FMIC on the car before (sold it to MSF member Rox702), still has the old ducts and original springs; I'm meeting him Friday to get them. Thanks again for keeping his number Rox!

The ramp has a right turn to enter it, straight from there. The real bog I'm seeing is 4th. Dunno why - pulls hard as hell in 2nd and 3rd, 4th not like it should. We'll see what the ducting does for her and go from there.

Thanks for the help!

[Raider]

Accessport or dash hawk and get datalogs. Don't expect anyone to actually read and help unless VIP though.

Just food for thought.

[mxmissile]

Once the flames die down and I can actually post something without a bunch of teenage twags fucking with me, I'll donate. If what I see then is worth what everyone says it is, I'll donate more. So far, this board is a few helpful and intelligent people amidst a missive crowd of 4chan degenerates. Not worth much yet.

[Dash08]

Originally Posted by mxmissile Once the flames die down and I can actually post something without a bunch of teenage twags fucking with me, I'll donate. If what I see then is worth what everyone says it is, I'll donate more. So far, this board is a few helpful and intelligent people amidst a missive crowd of 4chan degenerates. Not worth much yet.

You're only saying that because you're on the receiving end.

It's a whole different bag when you're part of the firing line.

[Raider]

So you demand help, but won't support the forum? I got it, you are a taker brownie. Very common. You just have more ego issues.

It's your loss, more sections for you for $25, even service manual, maps for tuning, and more. I highly doubt anyone will help read any logs, especially when you come in guns blazing.

This thread sucks too.

[MSFer87]

IDK what a teenage twag is (fuggin gay word anyways, and doesn't apply to me since I'm in my 20's.) Donate noob, and stop talking about stupid shit and you will do just fine around here. Also it wouldn't hurt to change your avatar to separate you from the other recent rash of noobs we got, just a couple hints to help you out.

[mxmissile]

twag - when "twat" or "fag" just don't describe the person adequately on their own.

People in their 20's should probably be over acting like teenage twags.

Raider - IDK WTF your problem is seeing you've seen all this from the get go and you know damn well and fine that I am firing BACK, I didn't start it. Not my fault the fanbois can't handle somebody coming in saying they don't love the car from the get go - despite eventually acknowledging the same gripes.

I am not a troll. I do not lie and I don't need to. I only acted out as I was acted toward. And of all the people commenting about my behavior and "issues", it's pretty obvious that I'm the one with the least of either, lol.

ANyway, back to learning the car.

[breakfstincluded]

Originally Posted by mxmissile I'm bored with the flames, so from here out I address only constructive posts. No point in pics from teh crash, there's no damage that matters visible in a pic. I have not modded the car; the total list of "mods" is in my sig and they came with it. I have found and contacted the previous owner - he had a FMIC on the car before (sold it to MSF member Rox702), still has the old ducts and original springs; I'm meeting him Friday to get them. Thanks again for keeping his number Rox! The ramp has a right turn to enter it, straight from there. The real bog I'm seeing is 4th. Dunno why - pulls hard as hell in 2nd and 3rd, 4th not like it should. We'll see what the ducting does for her and go from there. Thanks for the help!

Maybe your next mod should be a camera, you seem to be having trouble getting us pics.

Just please no pics of chicks with dicks.

[fooqr]

I mean this in all sincerity: sell your Mazda and buy another Saturn. You'll be happier in the long run. I really don't think you have what it takes to be successful with this platform, which is a $25 donation to MSF.

[Whiteboy]

Originally Posted by mxmissile I'm bored with the flames, so from here out I address only constructive posts. No point in pics from teh crash, there's no damage that matters visible in a pic. I have not modded the car; the total list of "mods" is in my sig and they came with it. I have found and contacted the previous owner - he had a FMIC on the car before (sold it to MSF member Rox702), still has the old ducts and original springs; I'm meeting him Friday to get them. Thanks again for keeping his number Rox! The ramp has a right turn to enter it, straight from there. The real bog I'm seeing is 4th. Dunno why - pulls hard as hell in 2nd and 3rd, 4th not like it should. We'll see what the ducting does for her and go from there. Thanks for the help!

First off, calm the fuck down. Everyone is riding your shit because you are all bullheaded and want answer's without searching. Second, you came to OUR forums with the wrong attitude. Change it quick, or you won't survive. Knocking on Raider is NOT something I suggest. He is better then any detective I've ever known and will fuck your shit quick.

Anyways, Your 4th gear cut could be because your heat soaked which is due to not having proper ducting. Honestly man, chill the fuck out, research and learn about this vehicle.

Bottom line, you bought a used vehicle. With that used vehicle, you will find issues, just like any used car. You are comparing it to a vehicle you bought new and modded. Of course you will have a bias...anyone would. Learn your new (used) car and move the fuck on.

Bottom line, this is the last I help you until you donate because you are starting to piss me the fuck off. (This is a car forum that has a hierarchy and you need to establish yourself first before thinking you are El numbero #1)

[Z-Indy]

Why would someone run a FMIC with the stock airbox? First off, if you are going to go with a mod the level of a FMIC, wouldn't you want to do a basic thing first like putting on a better intake? And 2nd, the stock airbox takes up so much room, why not switch out just for ease of installing the FMIC alone? So they had trouble fitting in the FMIC piping so they had to saw off the bottom of the airbox to make it work? Brilliant.

What did you pay for this tore up car anyways. You said it was cheap, but what does that mean?