RE: Mazda 3 MPS: Spotted
Discussion
Regarding the option pack, yes it was the Sports Aero Kit.
Regarding the Evos at the time, I was thinking of the Evo Viii 260 (5 speed and small spoiler). The standard 280 was a bit quicker but not massively so - the 300s - 360s were different beats!
Regarding the timing chain and VVT issues, I understand it effects earlier cars and changes were made but I can't remember what they were - as usual with high power petrol engines, there is a lot of information on it across the Atlantic - research CX7 2.3 turbo (same engine and more sold) and you will see what the issues were and what was done to sort them. I think the later MK1s were OK and the MK2 was fine. As mentioned, the emissions on the MK2 were better too. There is some relationship between the 2.3 DISI and Ford's 2.3 Ecoboost as found in the Mustang and the Focus RS Mk3, but without the dodgy head and headgaskets as found on the RS.
Regarding the Evos at the time, I was thinking of the Evo Viii 260 (5 speed and small spoiler). The standard 280 was a bit quicker but not massively so - the 300s - 360s were different beats!
Regarding the timing chain and VVT issues, I understand it effects earlier cars and changes were made but I can't remember what they were - as usual with high power petrol engines, there is a lot of information on it across the Atlantic - research CX7 2.3 turbo (same engine and more sold) and you will see what the issues were and what was done to sort them. I think the later MK1s were OK and the MK2 was fine. As mentioned, the emissions on the MK2 were better too. There is some relationship between the 2.3 DISI and Ford's 2.3 Ecoboost as found in the Mustang and the Focus RS Mk3, but without the dodgy head and headgaskets as found on the RS.
Ahbefive said:
What dodgy head? Just incorrect gasket used, now solved and a vastly superior engine.
Perhaps I should have said 'damaged' head as Ford's official service action (in the US at least, possibly the same in the UK?) is to replace the head as well if required. Earlier in the year there were lots of theories around as to why the gaskets were failing including block distortion and open deck construction of the block. It would be interesting to know what is so different about the RS and Mustang versions of the engine that the Mustang gasket failed when fitted incorrectly.The RS gasket has extra waterways through the gasket which are not present on the Mustang gasket and blocks off the coolant path. It is also running more power and torque. Indeed heads on any car can get distorted when the gasket fails and the motor overheats.
Open deck block design is present on many, many cars, it's nothing new.
Open deck block design is present on many, many cars, it's nothing new.
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