Best "bang for your buck" on 3.0 mods and upgrades...
- Thread starter GYG
- Start date
dmention7
Hater
I would start with an intake. Like Tom said, getting the car to breathe a bit better is almost always the best first step. I'm not too familiar with that engine or how it responds to mods, but it seems to me that most NA cars are going to do just fine with an inexpensive intake. Especially when you're talking about spending sometimes double the price, and all you're getting is MAYBE 10hp anyways.
But when it really comes down to it, you can piddle away a few hundred here, and a few hundred there, and pick up a noticable amount of extra torque/hp, but the most cost-effective route is almost always going to be FI.
That's about all I can say without learning more about that engine. Maybe hit up the 6 club forums and see what those guys say.
But when it really comes down to it, you can piddle away a few hundred here, and a few hundred there, and pick up a noticable amount of extra torque/hp, but the most cost-effective route is almost always going to be FI.
That's about all I can say without learning more about that engine. Maybe hit up the 6 club forums and see what those guys say.
Last edited:
GYG
New Member
Ha, no worries!
I've done the airbox mod talked about over on the Mazda6club site, which is supposed to free up the intake a small bit...I thought I read a small hp gain, but probably not near what a good CP-E would give.
I suppose modding the car while it's still well under warranty is also a risk...any issues that might come up that can be traced back to the mods could void the warranty...
Damn...I might have to go for a couple test drives this weekend..........and leave the wifey at home!! Ha!
Picklz
SUDO Make me a SAMCH
I haven't been following the aftermarket for the 3.0 for a while (since I got my Speed3 in May) but before then I was trying to decide what to do with my 6s, as i wanted more power. There really isn't much out for the 3.0, intake, exhaust, headers is about it. And what is available is overpriced imo.
I considered going the turbo route but when I looked at what that would cost me (and the fact that I had an open diff, auto trans, etc) versus trading on a new Speed3 w/ warranty and everything, I decided to trade. I think the 3.0 could be made into a monster if you were willing to do some engine work, throw a turbo or TT setup on it, etc but I needed something that was reliable enough to be my Daily driver.
BTW I couldn't be happier w/ the Speed3, its everything I've been looking for, fast, comfortable, handles well, gets pretty decent gas milage, etc. The back seat is a little small, but i don't ride back there, and it only comes in a 6 speed which is fine w/ me, but if your wife won't drive a stick that might be a problem. Only thing I didn't like initially was the clutch but I've gotten used to it.
I considered going the turbo route but when I looked at what that would cost me (and the fact that I had an open diff, auto trans, etc) versus trading on a new Speed3 w/ warranty and everything, I decided to trade. I think the 3.0 could be made into a monster if you were willing to do some engine work, throw a turbo or TT setup on it, etc but I needed something that was reliable enough to be my Daily driver.
BTW I couldn't be happier w/ the Speed3, its everything I've been looking for, fast, comfortable, handles well, gets pretty decent gas milage, etc. The back seat is a little small, but i don't ride back there, and it only comes in a 6 speed which is fine w/ me, but if your wife won't drive a stick that might be a problem. Only thing I didn't like initially was the clutch but I've gotten used to it.
Last edited:
GYG
New Member
From what I've read on the other boards, there isn't much to say about the 3.0...especially since my car is a slushbox 6-speed auto, any power gains will still have to overcome the inefficient transmission.
Good advise though...much appreciated!!
GYG
New Member
Not so much that she "won't" drive a stick, she's just had little exposure to driving one. Realistically, she only drives my 6 maybe once a month, so I guess I shouldn't take that into too much consideration anyway.
I was at the Walser dealership about two weeks ago, and two salesman asked me if I'd be willing to trade in my car...I guess the copper is a hot commodity? Maybe they'd shoot me a hot deal......
S
Slim
Guest
CPE is the trusted name in 6 world. Especially for the V6. Their CAI is a lot more expensive but is dyno proven to give you 18-20hp over stock. All others are more like 10hp. The CPE setup is the only one to include a MAF customizer so there's no worries about CELs or messing A/F up. My brother installed it on his v6 and he loves it.
They also make headers but they are crazy expensive. Like $1100.
Exhaust is another option for a small gain. Some will say you get nothing from a catback but I think that's a crock. My MF setup gave me more top end, not a ton but noticeable.
Unfortunately, that's about it. Unless you do a custom supercharger or turbo setup.
They also make headers but they are crazy expensive. Like $1100.
Exhaust is another option for a small gain. Some will say you get nothing from a catback but I think that's a crock. My MF setup gave me more top end, not a ton but noticeable.
Unfortunately, that's about it. Unless you do a custom supercharger or turbo setup.
Picklz
SUDO Make me a SAMCH
Things may be different now, but walser was going $500 off sticker and wouldn't give me a dime over book on trade for my 6, and i bought my 6 there. Morries gave me $1500 or $1600 off sticker and about $1500 over trade-in on my car so I was happy w/ that. It pays to shop around.
M
mazdamn02
Guest
Carbon fiber interior trim. Lots of it. 
Picklz
SUDO Make me a SAMCH
Yeah going with an intake and then working on suspension and weight reduction will probably be the best way to go.
Swaybars I've heard make an incredible difference in cornering, and won't really change the ride of the vehicle. Springs/Struts or Coil overs are also an option.
Swaybars I've heard make an incredible difference in cornering, and won't really change the ride of the vehicle. Springs/Struts or Coil overs are also an option.
GYG
New Member
Well, I stopped by Walser on the way out to the movies with the wife. Decided to take the red Speed3 Sport out for a drive...damn, we're talking some serious ponies...but...
....it's just too small inside for me. The center console was digging into my right leg after about 10 minutes of driving, and with the seat all the way back I felt like I was reaching for the wheel and the shifter. They seemed very eager to take the 6 off my hands on trade, but the 3 just would not have been comfortable for me at all.
Oh well, either way I win, cause I still love the 6, and now I can focus on a few things to pep up it up a bit, and make it look better (CP-E, lowering kit, etc).
....it's just too small inside for me. The center console was digging into my right leg after about 10 minutes of driving, and with the seat all the way back I felt like I was reaching for the wheel and the shifter. They seemed very eager to take the 6 off my hands on trade, but the 3 just would not have been comfortable for me at all.
Oh well, either way I win, cause I still love the 6, and now I can focus on a few things to pep up it up a bit, and make it look better (CP-E, lowering kit, etc).
M
MN6
Guest
Best bang for the buck performance mod: CPE rear engine mount. Makes it feel like you are driving a different car.
Best bang for the buck HP/TQ mod:CPE intake system. Pick up a good used one on 6Tech.
Other good bang for buck mods: Aftermarket HID's and/or a nice set of performance tires. The 6 has horrible halogen light output and the stock rubber breaks loose too easily.
Best bang for the buck HP/TQ mod:CPE intake system. Pick up a good used one on 6Tech.
Other good bang for buck mods: Aftermarket HID's and/or a nice set of performance tires. The 6 has horrible halogen light output and the stock rubber breaks loose too easily.
M
MN6
Guest
+1 on the Speed6 route.