Jesters Collection - Mazda 3MPS/RX8 R3/RX7/MINI Cooper S
Discussion
Good afternoon everyone,
I wanted to start a new thread with my expanding collection as I am sure there are some fellow enthusiasts out there that may be interested in following along with this modern Japanese collection I seem to be collating. It seems one thread to cover them all is a good idea. Feel free to ask any questions about them if you are curious.
1. MK1 Mazda 3 MPS Aero
This some PH'ers may remember from the following build thread.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
The short version is that it was my fathers car that I have spent a great deal of time bringing back to a high standard and has great sentimental value to me.
Mods/Work Carried Out So Far:
Exterior
Full respray in Mazda Cosmic Blue, including gloss black accents and badges.
Mazda RX8 PZ alloy wheels
TRC Front splitter
Maxton sill extensions
Black LED side indicators
Interior
Mazda RX8 R3 Recaros
EONON Headunit
Retrimmed steering wheel.
Custom orange gearknob with engraving.
Suspension/Steering/Brakes
Koni Special Active dampers
Eibach Springs (Aero spec)
Whiteline front and rear ARBs
Top mounts, drop links, Hardrace wishbones, tie rods replaced.
Refurbished steering rack fitted.
Braided lines, uprated front discs and pads fitted.
Engine/Transmission/Exhaust
Corksport short ram intake (SRI).
Corksport cat back exhaust.
Corksport HPFP internals.
Corksport short shifter fitted.
Mishimoto turbo inlet pipe. (TIP)
Bypass valve hose replaced.
Mishimoto coolant hoses fitted.
Uprated CP-E top mount intercooler fitted.
Turbo banjo bolt fitted.
Uprated Engine and Gearbox mounts.
COBB Accessport V3 on the OEM map.
I may have forgotten one or 2 bits but that is the bulk of it! At the moment I have reached a good place with the car, the next stage would be chasing more power which she is ready for but at the moment I don't feel the need to go there. If the turbo decides to fall over then it may force my hand into remapping for a bigger turbo, or hybriding the stock K04,
I wanted to start a new thread with my expanding collection as I am sure there are some fellow enthusiasts out there that may be interested in following along with this modern Japanese collection I seem to be collating. It seems one thread to cover them all is a good idea. Feel free to ask any questions about them if you are curious.
1. MK1 Mazda 3 MPS Aero
This some PH'ers may remember from the following build thread.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
The short version is that it was my fathers car that I have spent a great deal of time bringing back to a high standard and has great sentimental value to me.
Mods/Work Carried Out So Far:
Exterior
Full respray in Mazda Cosmic Blue, including gloss black accents and badges.
Mazda RX8 PZ alloy wheels
TRC Front splitter
Maxton sill extensions
Black LED side indicators
Interior
Mazda RX8 R3 Recaros
EONON Headunit
Retrimmed steering wheel.
Custom orange gearknob with engraving.
Suspension/Steering/Brakes
Koni Special Active dampers
Eibach Springs (Aero spec)
Whiteline front and rear ARBs
Top mounts, drop links, Hardrace wishbones, tie rods replaced.
Refurbished steering rack fitted.
Braided lines, uprated front discs and pads fitted.
Engine/Transmission/Exhaust
Corksport short ram intake (SRI).
Corksport cat back exhaust.
Corksport HPFP internals.
Corksport short shifter fitted.
Mishimoto turbo inlet pipe. (TIP)
Bypass valve hose replaced.
Mishimoto coolant hoses fitted.
Uprated CP-E top mount intercooler fitted.
Turbo banjo bolt fitted.
Uprated Engine and Gearbox mounts.
COBB Accessport V3 on the OEM map.
I may have forgotten one or 2 bits but that is the bulk of it! At the moment I have reached a good place with the car, the next stage would be chasing more power which she is ready for but at the moment I don't feel the need to go there. If the turbo decides to fall over then it may force my hand into remapping for a bigger turbo, or hybriding the stock K04,
Second up is a 2019 MK4 MX-5 30th Anniversary.
I bought her brand new in October of 2019, in RF guise. Unforunately when buying a convertible in late Autumn going into winter then hitting a global pandemic in March of the following year she hasn't been on many adventures yet. But I have still managed to chalk up 4.5k miles so far.
So far she has had the following:
Cobalt back box fitted.
Delrim door bushes.
Custom battery cover.
OEM fitment Bridgestone ditched in favour of PS4's.
I have a set of Eibach Pro Springs to get fitted. Which are the same as Mazda Lowering Springs, just in a £50 cheaper box
. After that a proper Geo setup and some unbody protection as I am quite fond of keeping her in good shape.
There won't be any crazy mods as out of the box she is an excellent car. Just slight tweaking to my driving style, which favours a little less roll and more grip. I had no faith in the OEM Bridgestones which always concerned me in the wet and cold weather.
I bought her brand new in October of 2019, in RF guise. Unforunately when buying a convertible in late Autumn going into winter then hitting a global pandemic in March of the following year she hasn't been on many adventures yet. But I have still managed to chalk up 4.5k miles so far.
So far she has had the following:
Cobalt back box fitted.
Delrim door bushes.
Custom battery cover.
OEM fitment Bridgestone ditched in favour of PS4's.
I have a set of Eibach Pro Springs to get fitted. Which are the same as Mazda Lowering Springs, just in a £50 cheaper box
. After that a proper Geo setup and some unbody protection as I am quite fond of keeping her in good shape.There won't be any crazy mods as out of the box she is an excellent car. Just slight tweaking to my driving style, which favours a little less roll and more grip. I had no faith in the OEM Bridgestones which always concerned me in the wet and cold weather.
Edited by Jester86 on Sunday 4th April 17:01
The third addition to the Japanese fleet is this 2010 RX8 R3 in Aurora Blue.
After sitting on the fence for so long when it came to a rotary, with RX7's climbing ever higher in value, I really wanted to scratch the itch and discover what the fuss was about. I narrowed the search to the S1 PZ or the later R3's.
This one had good history of being looked after by a Rotary specialist which included a rebuild back at 30k miles, due to a water jacket failure. So after swallowing some brave pills I took the plunge.
Obligatory oil and premix in the boot photo. Rotary life.
She is completely stock at the moment. But I have purchased some parts already, as after scrutinising the service history I want to make sure she is working to the best of her abilities.
Ryan Rotary Performance oil cooler lines.
Ryan Rotary Performance MK3 ignition coils.
The first step will be to drop her off at my local specialist to fit the parts and get a good inspection done. But after driving her so far she starts hot or cold quickly and darts around corners with an agility thats hugely surprising. Oh and 9krpm really doesn't ever get old.
As for future plans, I will probably fit a cat back to liberate some exhaust noise. But I want to keep her as stock as possible, so nothing crazy. The bodywork will need some attention going forward.
If you haven't noticed by now, my monthly road tax bill is.......something we shall never mention again.
After sitting on the fence for so long when it came to a rotary, with RX7's climbing ever higher in value, I really wanted to scratch the itch and discover what the fuss was about. I narrowed the search to the S1 PZ or the later R3's.
This one had good history of being looked after by a Rotary specialist which included a rebuild back at 30k miles, due to a water jacket failure. So after swallowing some brave pills I took the plunge.
Obligatory oil and premix in the boot photo. Rotary life.
She is completely stock at the moment. But I have purchased some parts already, as after scrutinising the service history I want to make sure she is working to the best of her abilities.
Ryan Rotary Performance oil cooler lines.
Ryan Rotary Performance MK3 ignition coils.
The first step will be to drop her off at my local specialist to fit the parts and get a good inspection done. But after driving her so far she starts hot or cold quickly and darts around corners with an agility thats hugely surprising. Oh and 9krpm really doesn't ever get old.
As for future plans, I will probably fit a cat back to liberate some exhaust noise. But I want to keep her as stock as possible, so nothing crazy. The bodywork will need some attention going forward.
If you haven't noticed by now, my monthly road tax bill is.......something we shall never mention again.
Edited by Jester86 on Sunday 4th April 17:13
samoht said:
Fantastic collection of cars! Seem like good examples of each type too.
How do you find the MX-5 and RX-8 compare on a good B-road?
At the moment the RX-8 stays flat, with very little body roll, I have in a short time developed a healthy respect for how pointy it feels from the front end. That rotary is light and mounted stupidly low which helps. Steering feel is weighty but responsive and when you link a few corners together while taking it to the red line it really is quite something.How do you find the MX-5 and RX-8 compare on a good B-road?
MX-5 has a bit more body roll, definitely feels more playful at the rear coupled with the revised 2.0l which is keen to rev and provides good torque all the way up to its redline. They really are as good as people say, with the added bonus of the (targa) top coming down gives me that open air feeling that I do so enjoy.
Both have solid brakes, a low cockpit driving position and very similar performance. Which makes them great fun at road legal speeds.
Trevor555 said:
Great collection.
Get some underbody protection on the Yaris if you plan to keep it for a while.
Please keep us updated, love the MPS
It is on the list of things to do, but I am not hugely concerned that a Yaris will rust and fall to pieces. As a Mazda owner, rust is a way of life Get some underbody protection on the Yaris if you plan to keep it for a while.
Please keep us updated, love the MPS
The MPS is still a very quick and effective hot hatch even though it is over a decade old!
cerb4.5lee said:
3 cars with Recaro seats! 
What a fantastic collection you have. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you! I hope you enjoy the updates when they come!What a fantastic collection you have. Thanks for sharing.
Its Just Adz said:
Great collection and write up.
The MX5 and MPS look great. The RX is a good looking car too, though I've never really been a fan.
Thank you, the RX has always been a bit of devisive design I think. But the more I walk away from it, or walk up to it profile on, its a very striking thing. The arches look huge!The MX5 and MPS look great. The RX is a good looking car too, though I've never really been a fan.
Nothing too exciting has been happening as the bonding period with the RX8 continues. But I have bought a Tunai Firefly and ground loop isolator for the tunes and as with all first purchases, threw away the pretty waffy wipers for some Bosch Aerotwins!
Plus rotary key ring, so I can tell my Mazda keys apart
She has been booked in with The Performance Shop on the 27th for Ryan Rotary Performance Oil Cooler Lines & Coils along with a good inspection to make sure there are no gremlins lurking.
As it was a lovely morning today, I took the opportunity to install a Corksport Battery Box to the MPS. This relocates the ECU from the intake side of the battery and places it in front. Meaning you have more space to fit larger intakes if you so wish.
At the moment my main aim was just to tidy up the engine bay a little more.
As you can see in the back right of the engine bay, this is what the stock setup looks like. You can clearly see the ECU attached to the side.
The first job is to drill out the dome rivets that secure the ECU cover. In other markets these are bolted on, but not so in the UK. 3 rivets on the top and one on the front side.
With those drilled out you can take the top cover off. So you can finally get to the 2 ECU wiring connectors and take them off. Freeing the ECU and allowing it to be removed from the car while attached to the battery box.
Then only another 3 more rivets to drill out to finally access the ECU.
After removing a wiring bracket and attaching the ECU to its new home in the housing. The new battery box can be installed.
Wiggle a few cables around and slot the front plate in which the ECU is attached too.
Then pop the top on and bolt it together. Bobs your uncle! ECU relocated.
The sun makes it look way dirtier than it actually is, but still no concourse winner under the bonnet at the moment. Also thought I'd clean the air filter as it has been a while. Hence why it is missing in the last photo!
Hurray car still starts and I didn't blow anything up.
At the moment my main aim was just to tidy up the engine bay a little more.
As you can see in the back right of the engine bay, this is what the stock setup looks like. You can clearly see the ECU attached to the side.
The first job is to drill out the dome rivets that secure the ECU cover. In other markets these are bolted on, but not so in the UK. 3 rivets on the top and one on the front side.
With those drilled out you can take the top cover off. So you can finally get to the 2 ECU wiring connectors and take them off. Freeing the ECU and allowing it to be removed from the car while attached to the battery box.
Then only another 3 more rivets to drill out to finally access the ECU.
After removing a wiring bracket and attaching the ECU to its new home in the housing. The new battery box can be installed.
Wiggle a few cables around and slot the front plate in which the ECU is attached too.
Then pop the top on and bolt it together. Bobs your uncle! ECU relocated.
The sun makes it look way dirtier than it actually is, but still no concourse winner under the bonnet at the moment. Also thought I'd clean the air filter as it has been a while. Hence why it is missing in the last photo!
Hurray car still starts and I didn't blow anything up.
So, there was a visit to The Performance Shop in Orpington today and the R3 did me proud. With only a drop link on its last legs, and I also had my suspicions confirmed that it definitely wasn't a Mazda Cat on the car so I will look at the exhaust side of things next!
So TPS carried out the following for me.
1. Oil/Filter/Spark plug change
2. Fit 2x front droplinks
3. Fit R3 Ryan Rotary Performance oil cooler lines.
4. Fit Ryan Rotary Performance Mk3 coils.
5. Full health check.
Here are a few pictures, so far there doesn't look like many gremlins hiding.
The original Mazda lines didn't seem (on the surface at any rate) to be in too bad a shape. But I would rather not risk them failing at the wrong time.
One of the Mazda coils had started to white spot on the bottom so it wouldn't have been too long before some issues may have occurred. But judging by the service history they had done a good 30k miles. Which seems to be the average life of the OEM coils.
Just a quick one of the new lines on the oil cooler.
The drive home was good, the car did feel a little freer revving and a little more urgent. Definitely happy with the result with the added benefit of not having to worry about these items failing going forward.
Just before I got home I swung past ECP to pick up the cabin filter I'd ordered. When poking around doing interior LED's I took the cover off the filter to find quite a lot of detritus and this is what came out today...Yummy.
So the next thing to look at will be exhausts, more than likely a sports CAT mated to either a Petit or Racing Beat cat back. Still unsure which direction I would like to go.
So TPS carried out the following for me.
1. Oil/Filter/Spark plug change
2. Fit 2x front droplinks
3. Fit R3 Ryan Rotary Performance oil cooler lines.
4. Fit Ryan Rotary Performance Mk3 coils.
5. Full health check.
Here are a few pictures, so far there doesn't look like many gremlins hiding.
The original Mazda lines didn't seem (on the surface at any rate) to be in too bad a shape. But I would rather not risk them failing at the wrong time.
One of the Mazda coils had started to white spot on the bottom so it wouldn't have been too long before some issues may have occurred. But judging by the service history they had done a good 30k miles. Which seems to be the average life of the OEM coils.
Just a quick one of the new lines on the oil cooler.
The drive home was good, the car did feel a little freer revving and a little more urgent. Definitely happy with the result with the added benefit of not having to worry about these items failing going forward.
Just before I got home I swung past ECP to pick up the cabin filter I'd ordered. When poking around doing interior LED's I took the cover off the filter to find quite a lot of detritus and this is what came out today...Yummy.
So the next thing to look at will be exhausts, more than likely a sports CAT mated to either a Petit or Racing Beat cat back. Still unsure which direction I would like to go.
Small update for the MPS.
She went to my friendly neighbourhood detailer to have the bonnet re-ceramic protected after having to be resprayed. He went above and beyond by also topping up the protection across the whole car, while also noticing that my headlights had started to yellow again slightly, so polished them and reprotected them also.
If anyone is in the Ashford, Kent area then I can fully recommend Steve at Waxworks.
Here are a few little shots when I got her home.
My GR Yaris is now in country and I am currently expecting delivery to the dealer next week, or the week after!
She went to my friendly neighbourhood detailer to have the bonnet re-ceramic protected after having to be resprayed. He went above and beyond by also topping up the protection across the whole car, while also noticing that my headlights had started to yellow again slightly, so polished them and reprotected them also.
If anyone is in the Ashford, Kent area then I can fully recommend Steve at Waxworks.
Here are a few little shots when I got her home.
My GR Yaris is now in country and I am currently expecting delivery to the dealer next week, or the week after!
Edited by Jester86 on Saturday 1st May 10:56
5mileofdeath said:
Lovely collection you have there OP.
I bet you can't wait to get your GR Yaris, particularly with all the hype they are getting at the moment!
I was looking for a detailer and I live near Ashford so I will check Waxworks out
Thank you!I bet you can't wait to get your GR Yaris, particularly with all the hype they are getting at the moment!
I was looking for a detailer and I live near Ashford so I will check Waxworks out
Oh definitely, it has felt like a long wait since November when I placed the order!
Steve will be protecting the Yaris when it comes. More than likely when I decide what the RX8 needs cosmetically he will be involved as well. So feel free to mention me or my cars as he has protected the MX5 as well!
Thanks Trails.
So the Yaris has been picked up, went the long way home for its first 10 miles in my possession. So before I take it out on a longer drive here are my initial thoughts.
1. Rapid, tickle it and it wants to shoot down the road.
2. Brakes, I could only stop quicker if I rear ended a lorry.
3. Suspension, firm but fluid, not uncomfortable at all.
4. Road noise, on poorly finished road it does seem to transmit into the cabin.
5. Feels so mechanical.
6. I actually like the piped in engine sound.
7. I love the fact I got a little cuddly toy and bamboo key box
8. Really glad I got her in red.
9. She feels special.
So the Yaris has been picked up, went the long way home for its first 10 miles in my possession. So before I take it out on a longer drive here are my initial thoughts.
1. Rapid, tickle it and it wants to shoot down the road.
2. Brakes, I could only stop quicker if I rear ended a lorry.
3. Suspension, firm but fluid, not uncomfortable at all.
4. Road noise, on poorly finished road it does seem to transmit into the cabin.
5. Feels so mechanical.
6. I actually like the piped in engine sound.
7. I love the fact I got a little cuddly toy and bamboo key box
8. Really glad I got her in red.
9. She feels special.
Thanks everyone!
Got to wait to open her up properly, but I haven't been too shy on the throttle. Completed about 60 miles today.
However that being said, I am not sure there are many more I'd like to add to the collection. RX7's have gone proper pricey and I only like 2000-2002 end of line. But that being said if I had a boat load of money it would be an RX-7 Spirit R, Honda NSX or a Lexus LFA.
But with the fleet I have, they can all be driven day to day without much concern being given.
Here is a cheeky photo of them all together.
Got to wait to open her up properly, but I haven't been too shy on the throttle. Completed about 60 miles today.
Japveesix said:
What other Japanese cars, if any, are on your future purchase list if you find yourself in a position to expand the collection more?
My wife has said no more than 4 cars at a time. I am allowed to swap them out but 4 is the max However that being said, I am not sure there are many more I'd like to add to the collection. RX7's have gone proper pricey and I only like 2000-2002 end of line. But that being said if I had a boat load of money it would be an RX-7 Spirit R, Honda NSX or a Lexus LFA.
But with the fleet I have, they can all be driven day to day without much concern being given.
Here is a cheeky photo of them all together.
Fleet Update!
MX5
Has winged its way to Maidstone Sports Cars for undersealing, Eibach fitting and geometry. Finally got round to getting the old girl sorted and very much looking forward to getting her back and seeing how much the springs and geo make a difference.
Yaris
Has clocked up 400 miles as I went back to see my mum for the first time in 9 months. Weather has been disguting and I still haven't had a dry day but it has been extremely impressive during the running in period so far. Haven't tickled her beyond 5krpm so far but that 600 mile point is quite close now. Feeling very fond of it already.
RX8
RX8 land has been good, until I was driving home from my last night shift aaaaaaand a CEL popped up. Rotary life....
It does seem as though the rear O2 sensor is not particularily happy. Got a feeling that the cheap cat is on its way out. The sports cat cannot come quick enough. I'll probably pull the trigger on a cat back exhaust to go with it this week and get it all done at the same time. Hopefully the sensor isn't borked.
But I have cleared the code and will see if it comes back, otherwise a replacement may have to be ordered just in case.
MX5
Has winged its way to Maidstone Sports Cars for undersealing, Eibach fitting and geometry. Finally got round to getting the old girl sorted and very much looking forward to getting her back and seeing how much the springs and geo make a difference.
Yaris
Has clocked up 400 miles as I went back to see my mum for the first time in 9 months. Weather has been disguting and I still haven't had a dry day but it has been extremely impressive during the running in period so far. Haven't tickled her beyond 5krpm so far but that 600 mile point is quite close now. Feeling very fond of it already.
RX8
RX8 land has been good, until I was driving home from my last night shift aaaaaaand a CEL popped up. Rotary life....
It does seem as though the rear O2 sensor is not particularily happy. Got a feeling that the cheap cat is on its way out. The sports cat cannot come quick enough. I'll probably pull the trigger on a cat back exhaust to go with it this week and get it all done at the same time. Hopefully the sensor isn't borked.
But I have cleared the code and will see if it comes back, otherwise a replacement may have to be ordered just in case.
So a bit of a fleet update as there are a few things!
MX5.
Is still away, I hope to have her back on Friday. She has been missed!
RX8.
Still eating fuel like it has an addiction. Still looking for a cat back exhaust to mate with the sports cat.
MPS.
Things were going oh so well until last Friday. Stuck in traffic and suddenly start seeing blue smoke coming out of the back, ah it looks like the stock K04 turbo has decided to start giving up the ghost. So the following parts have been ordered.
1. Corksport CST4
2. Corksport Catted Downpipe
3. Corksport Recirc Valve.
I also had a chat with the only trusted UK tuner of the MPS and he has agreed to take me on for tuning which is great news. I have told him I am looking for a driveable, no number chasing tune to look after the stock block for a while. With the mods currently fitted all of this should equate to around 340-350bhp. So pretty swift.
Yaris
We have reached the running in miles and she really is a brilliant car. Off she went for ceramic coating and detailing and boy did it come out well. Definitely happy with the colour choice.
MX5.
Is still away, I hope to have her back on Friday. She has been missed!
RX8.
Still eating fuel like it has an addiction. Still looking for a cat back exhaust to mate with the sports cat.
MPS.
Things were going oh so well until last Friday. Stuck in traffic and suddenly start seeing blue smoke coming out of the back, ah it looks like the stock K04 turbo has decided to start giving up the ghost. So the following parts have been ordered.
1. Corksport CST4
2. Corksport Catted Downpipe
3. Corksport Recirc Valve.
I also had a chat with the only trusted UK tuner of the MPS and he has agreed to take me on for tuning which is great news. I have told him I am looking for a driveable, no number chasing tune to look after the stock block for a while. With the mods currently fitted all of this should equate to around 340-350bhp. So pretty swift.
Yaris
We have reached the running in miles and she really is a brilliant car. Off she went for ceramic coating and detailing and boy did it come out well. Definitely happy with the colour choice.
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