Barett Strecker' of Contrive Design's MS3 AWD Kit!

https://contrive.design/products/mazdaspeed-3-awd-kit-deposit?

I'll update with his contact info or have him post here to field questions.


$500 deposit now + $1250 in about 4-5 months when the kit is ready to ship

Above select your "Deposit + Shirt Size" so we can can get this party started!

Nearly two years ago I set out to AWD convert my 09’ Mazdaspeed 3. Having found my traction limits for the no-prep ½ mile racing I was pursuing…I needed more traction. I’ve explored different methods/combo of parts to achieve this goal and I believe I have created a combination that works and works well.

This is your chance to join the AWD party.

I made the kit and you have the opportunity to reap the benefits…and let me tell you…its awesome. 850whp and full traction in 2nd gear (40 roll race) is absolutely amazing to feel.

You don’t need crazy power to enjoy what AWD has to offer either. All you full bolt on stock fuel guys will absolutely love running through the gears and not needing high performance summer tires for traction.

So what’s the kit? Good question

I’ve developed the kit for my goals…1000+whp and standing ½ mile speed of 180+mph…strong and reliable. This includes billet aluminum w/poly bushing mounts for the rear differential, new steel carrier bearing mounting plate for the mid-driveshaft, and billet aluminum RMM so the MS6 trans & MS3 subframe play nice.

While those parts get everything mounted, they leave a key aspect out. This has been missing in EVERY AWD swapped car to date EXCEPT MY KIT. The rear wheel speed is lost when you use the needed CX7 wheel bearings because the OEM wheel speed trigger ring is incorporated into the OEM wheel bearing. I developed a wheel speed trigger ring that works like OEM and mounts onto the inner CV housing. Check out the rings in the image. These were very challenging & expensive to reverse engineer, design and get manufactured, but they are absolutely critical for your car’s safety…without them you loose ABS control of the rear tires.

Lastly a loomed wiring harness for the rear differential clutch pack and temperature sensor along with a voltage convertor and switch to turn the rear diff on/off.

So a lot of stuff, to your door, one of a kind and most likely the only time it will ever be available.

BUT I WANT TO OFFER YOU MORE.

Whoever wants to move forward with the ultimate Mazdaspeed 3 is going to get a lot more than just a box of parts from me.

I want to see every single one of you driving your AWD swapped Mazdaspeed 3. I want you to have success so I am also offering my time via direct access. Here’s how that looks:

1) If you are serious about getting in on this group buy-in (which is awesome) then you get a one-on-one phone call with me. Let’s chat and make sure you understand what it takes to AWD Swap your car and what you want from your car is served well with the AWD Kit.

2) I will have a private group just for persons that jump on the AWD Kit Group Buy (and eventually other Contrive Design Innovations supporters). You will have direct access to me and like minded car guys/gals that want the same thing you do…a badass AWD Swapped Mazdaspeed 3.

3) In that group you will have first access to further developments of the AWD Kit such as fitting Ford RS dampers to the OEM trailing arms, or new AWD Controller…ETC. You get first access and primo deals on those developments

4) Also in that group…do you really think the AWD Kit is all I’m working on? Haha nope, there will be more goodies coming from my business Contrive Design Innovations and you get first access.

5) Not that this makes you more successful but who doesn’t like merch right? I don’t have it designed yet but there will be a unique Contrive/AWD Kit shirt and stickers…don’t buy the kit…don’t get the merch. Its that simple.

6) Lastly, your success is my success. Without you I don’t get to keep developing badass and unique parts for my racecar and the Mazdaspeed community.

Have concerns? I get it so let’s address some big ones right here:

Very minimal fab work: The spare tire space needs to be cut out to clear the rear differential. After that its all bolt in parts. CX7 rear subframe and differential can be sourced from a junkyard, a speed 6 trans and T-case from a buddies blown MS6, then axles and driveshafts from DSS (I’ll get you those lengths specs). From there it’s a XC40 Volvo fuel tank and exhaust system (disclaimer you will need to figure that out but that’s what the group is for!)

Here’s the details on the group buy:

- I need atleast 20 people committed with a deposit. $500 and this is refundable until I close ordering and have confirmed you are committed.

- Lead time will be about 4-5 months. Depends on how quick people jump on this and I can get things moving forward.

- Price will be $1750 shipped in the continental USA. (if you are international or AL/HI then lets chat about shipping cost)

- DM and let’s chat. If you just absolutely know you want to jump on this or are curious about it…let’s chat so you can really decide.

Now most of you know who I am and have very possibly talked to me via social media or even at events. I was part of CorkSport for nearly 10 years; I led the engineering department and have helped develop many of the parts you love today.

I’ve taken that knowledge, that experience over the past decade and am now applying it to my own engineering design business: Contrive Design Innovations.

My focus is on novel, race level parts for the people pushing the boundaries of the platform. No drama, no bullshit. Let’s keep it that way.

If you made it this far, THANK YOU, you are why I do this. I look forward to chatting with you!



Notice: I am independent and have been since February 2024. This is NOT a CorkSport Product. The Intellectual Property & Copyright of this product is legally owned by Contrive Design Innovations.

 

Oh dear lord there's a fire!

 

In your wallet.

 

It's gonna be worth it!

 

Well. I guess I'm not selling my car now

 

I just bought a whole fucking speed for this

 

GREAT SUCCESS!

 

I think if someone was to get and convert the speeds to AWD with this kit, turnkey AWD MS3s would a deal.

 

I think with the development of this kit, it feels like Barett is going to help the community find the exact list of parts and products creation that it will eventually be a true kit I'm guessing.

At this point all I need is axels and figure out what I'm doing for fuel tank now this kit is being released.

Man what a dream come true.

 

Did you read the website the man has both of those figured out.

I personally like that he is limiting the purchase through him to just the custom parts and providing a list of off the shelf parts to complete the package. It keeps his inventory costs low and allows people to stockpile parts piecemeal

 

I also mean , in regards to how I am going to do it as well. There are several ways to do it. It is just a matter of what is the most logical for each person though there are still questions to be answered. I.e. does the MS6 inner housing match with the ms3 shaft and outer housing and are they the correct lengths. We don't know that just yet for certain. I have both shafts, just have not had the time to test fit as I'm still trying to source a PTO as that is the only hard part I am missing at this moment.

I watched his live stream and have read into everything he has shared/posted about this pretty extensively as I have already been in the works on this in secret the last few years.

 

Changed OP to the legend. I approved his being able to post this run here for everyone since he has an epic beard.

 

Good Morning Gents!
@Raider thank you for getting this thread setup! I want to jump in here and offer myself to questions and whatnot.
I will also be getting a Grassroots Vendor account setup here in the forum shortly.

Below is the information I've been sending out to people with questions in regards to the cost structure, what my kit includes and what major parts will need to be sourced.

Group Buy Payment Schedule: TOTAL $1750 shipped

- $500 Today – This is refundable until cut off date & FINAL confirmation that you are committed. After that, it is not refundable except for extreme situations…and a replacement for your spot will be required.

o Currently that date is about 1-2 weeks out

o You will get a final confirmation email from me

- $1250 Payment - Estimate 4-5 months for parts to be ready to ship to you. Final payment will be requested at this time before parts are shipped to you.

Link: https://contrive.design/products/mazdaspeed-3-awd-kit-deposit

This is what the Contrive AWD Kit Includes: This applies to GEN1 and GEN2

- Billet Rear Motor Mount

- Driveshaft Carrier Bearing Mount

- Billet Rear Differential Front Mounts

- Billet Rear Differential Rear Mount

- Rear ABS Sensor Mounting Brackets

- Rear ABS Sensor Wiring Harness Extensions

- NEW Rear ABS Trigger Rings to work with OEM ABS System

- Rear Differential Wiring Harness for Controller and Temp Sensor

- 12V to 5V Convertor

- ON/OFF Switch controller for rear differential

- Rear Shock mounting tabs

- Rear Wheel Bearing cutting template

- Installation Instructions

- Exclusive “Unique to AWD Kit” Contrive T-Shirt

- Exclusive Bonus Item

- Continued Support in a Private Group with myself and fellow AWD enthusiasts

- First access to future developments in Private Group




Here is a total break down of the major components needed for an AWD Swapped Mazdaspeed 3 alongside the Contrive AWD Swap Kit:

This applies to GEN1 and GEN2

- Axles are a big part of the cost; there is a range here depending on level of performance you want the axles to perform.

o Driveshaft $0 to 1900 to 2600 (Modified MS6 or Aluminum or Carbon Fiber)

o Rear Axles $0 to1600 (there is a rumor that MS6 may work, I will investigate, or DSS 700hp axles)

o Passenger rebuild $500 (OEM or DSS parts but will need DSS to perform service)

- Rear Suspension Trailing arm machining & welding $800 + shipping ( I offer this but you could also get this done locally)

- CX7 rear subframe and diff - less than $300 (pick n pull)

- Grab the CX7 rear swaybar aswell (your front sway bar will work for front)

- Volvo S40 AWD fuel tank - less than $100 (pick n pull)

- Rear dampers/shocks - this could vary alot but assume atleast a $300

- CX7 rear wheel bearings $200

- MS6 Transmission and T-Case + Bearing Caps - $500-800

- Custom exhaust - $500-1000 is my guess

- I would also assume some other minor spending as you may find maintenance items to fix and fuel system hose and fittings.

Total “Other DIY Items”

- $2400 for the most frugal and use of OEM parts

- $5900 to $7000 for DSS Axles and if some OEM parts cost more to source



Rear Suspension Setup & Why:

- All of your OEM Mazdaspeed 3 parts are used except the subframe, that is swapped with CX7.

- This requires only the trailing arm to be modified.


Required Changes to your car:

- Suspension:

o OEM spring location is retained

o Only the rear damper location needs to change

- Spare Wheel Tub:

o This needs to be trimmed, I suggest just removing the spare tire tub and making it a removable flat floor

- Exhaust system and the fuel tank will need to change

 

I am also going to post here some potential solutions I am considering for the peeps that wants DSS axles and a nice exhaust designed to work with the AWD.
THESE ARE ONLY AS MAYBE RIGHT NOW AND WILL NEED ENOUGH GROUP BUY IN TO HAPPEN:

Bonus R&D Items Right Now:

- Lots of questions about the axles and driveshafts. My cars is all DSS high power stuff. Carbon Fiber Driveshaft, Modified 5.9 front and 700hp rears

o My understanding is the OEM components from the Speed6 have some viability so I am going to explore that as a cost saving option for guys that just want the fun daily level of power.

o For the higher power guys…Its possible, with enough interest, that I could talk to DSS and get a group buy for axles and driveshafts. Just an idea right now but I’m open to making that happen if there enough that want it.

- Lots of questions about the exhaust system aswell. Now some of you are rowdy like me and want full racecar so you already know hood or fender exit is your go to.

- BUT, for the guys that don’t want to wear ear plugs maybe I have an elegant solution…again if there is enough interest. I’m good friends with a local shop that specializes in stainless performance exhaust. They are currently open to the idea of helping me develop a small batch of exhaust designed to work with the AWD system of GEN1 and GEN2. Again this needs enough interest to make this happen.

- AWD Controller: currently the kit is coming with a simple on/off switch to control the rear diff. It works, it holds power and its super simple. My goal is to have a controller that gives you the ability to set the amount of slip the rear diff has vs 100% locked in. I’m working on this and will continue to do so.

 

So stoked for this Barrett! I have to get in on this...
Lots of parts near me for cheap on car-part.com

 

Once I get the car apart I may look into fabbing up a tubular rear subframe. Depends on time.

 

I'd be interested in that!

 

Thank you for the dedication to this @Barett@ContriveDesign

The possibilities are nearly endless now that you are releasing this.

As I am all about basic power, daily ability, I would also like to make maintenance easy as well.

I would love to find a way to retain the rear dampers of possible. Idk if it is or not. I personally haven't gotten to that point on my car yet.

I would also like to help dig into the front axle. I have a great axle/drive line guy here in Missoula who I have talked to about this project. I'm going to see him next Wednesday to further discuss this as well as drop off both OEM front right axles for the MS6 and MS3 to see if they can be mated together.

Lastly, I have been in the talks with a friend about having a removable panel made for the tub cover. I'll share what I have when I have a finished design/product. Might be a while yet.

 

@Rokusek I'm all for community developments and am not sold on only DSS as the only option. The ABS trigger ring does need to be considered with the rear axle though. We can chat details on that if you find another viable axle option

 

I just think it's awesome what you've done and how you are pushing it forward man. Bringing some serious love to this community we haven't had in a long time.