Mazda 3 MPS wolf in sheeps clothing??

[jamieleehodgson]

Not posted anything of my car up yet so heres some pics ...

bought the car back in november looking like this -



Got the car for £7000 and for the money theres nothing out there that can compete against it in the age/performance it has.
Bought the car with Bilstein B16 coilovers, full turboback CPE exhuast system, HKS EVC6 boost controller, turbo dynamics turbo upgrade and Injun CAI so it was pretty potent!

Shortly after getting the car the vvti actuator pulley gave up and bent a conrod .... I didnt even know that these were issues with the earlier MPS's in fact i didnt even think there was any issues.

So after 3 months without the car I have just got it back and ran in with new bearings, valves, piston rings, and forged H beam rods along with upgraded fuel pump, colder plugs and larger TIP. Oh and goes without saying a remap.
Also fitted some RX8 anniversary wheels and a cheeky (some will say tacky) number plate.






Car does need a general tidy up and will be going on rollers in a few weeks to maybe up the boost and see what its running....
Am gonna get better intercooler when my bank balance has recovered but probably no more engine mods, it seems nippy enough

Edited by jamieleehodgson on Sunday 10th April 20:42

[missing the VR6]

I love these car's, in my very humble opion a very underated car.

I saw some very naughty speeds in the ones I used to have as company cars let alone one as modified as yours, absolute bargain for £7000.

[MGZRod]

There is something very nice about these! Looks a good example and like the wheels (and the plate!)
How was the ring?

[jamieleehodgson]

Thanks guys,

Previous owner took it ring... I haven been in this car yet

[Six Fiend]

Nothing wrong with that plate at all for those in the know about the car

[davidspooner]

The new "impreza" for the thinking man?

[danneth]

Same as mine apart from the wheels look awesome, i think im also getting the dreaded vvti issue just got a little bit louder on startup will be down to mazda this week !

very underestimated car though and can deffo hold there own

[russy01]

Surprisingly quick car, BUT pretty awful power delivery when stock.

Its just got the typical turbo hot hatch problems , if the road is anything but completely dry it will kill the front tyres through 1st-3rd.

Solid interior and looks mind, best bang for buck hot hatch, but nt easy to move on, (have an unwanted one on the drive!)

[Merp]

£7000
Very Nice! I couldnt seem to find any of these for less than 10k before christmas

[danneth]

russy01 said:

Surprisingly quick car, BUT pretty awful power delivery when stock.

Its just got the typical turbo hot hatch problems , if the road is anything but completely dry it will kill the front tyres through 1st-3rd.

Solid interior and looks mind, best bang for buck hot hatch, but nt easy to move on, (have an unwanted one on the drive!)

I would say the power delivery is spot on, boost is limited in 1st and 2nd so you dont really see any spin

[Ozii]

russy01 said:

(have an unwanted one on the drive!)

I'm sure I can take it off your hands for a nominal fee, actually scratch that, I wont charge you anything lol.

Nice car OP, wheels look great!

[russy01]

danneth said:

russy01 said:

Surprisingly quick car, BUT pretty awful power delivery when stock.

Its just got the typical turbo hot hatch problems , if the road is anything but completely dry it will kill the front tyres through 1st-3rd.

Solid interior and looks mind, best bang for buck hot hatch, but nt easy to move on, (have an unwanted one on the drive!)

I would say the power delivery is spot on, boost is limited in 1st and 2nd so you dont really see any spin

I dont agree, all power is in 1 lump comes and goes quickly, very much like a derv not ideal for a FWD car, or any car in fact.

But for a hot hatch it is pretty immense, bag of laughs.

[russy01]

Ozii said:

russy01 said:

(have an unwanted one on the drive!)

I'm sure I can take it off your hands for a nominal fee, actually scratch that, I wont charge you anything lol.

Nice car OP, wheels look great!

Ha, give me 7k and you can have it!

[Merp]

russy01 said:

Ha, give me 7k and you can have it!

YHM

[jamieleehodgson]

Power delivery is pretty brutal tbh but thats how i like it

The new mps has a much more linear power deliery due to its revised ecu, but feels no where near as fast and doesnt put the same size grin on your face

[722Adam]

Spotted your car the other day! Saw a red MPS then recognised the plate

Don't know any local PHers, didn't realise there were any around. Car looks great in the flesh!

[Baryonyx]

Definitely a wolf in sheep's clothing. They look like a typical granda hatch back that he might slowly tootle down to the shops in but those dull looks hide a surprising bit of power! If Mazda had gave it some style and flair in the looks department they could have had a real hit on their hands.

[russy01]

Still have a lovely red one for sale if anyones interested. Mint condition. £6500, needs to go.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

[Old Gregg]

OP, could you re-host the pictures for those of us who haven't seen it?

[jamieleehodgson]

722Adam said:

Spotted your car the other day! Saw a red MPS then recognised the plate

Don't know any local PHers, didn't realise there were any around. Car looks great in the flesh!

Where and what were u driving??

Edited by jamieleehodgson on Sunday 10th April 20:43