Josh's Humble '07 Speed3 Diary

Discussion in 'Mazdaspeed 3 Build Diaries' started by Josh Smith, Aug 14, 2020.

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  1. Josh Smith

    Josh Smith Greenie Member

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    Hello all -

    Guess this has long been overdue, it feels like every time I think about putting together some sort of cohesive log/diary of my car my thoughts get so out of order and the thought of including every detail has just been overwhelming to be frank as I'm sure is the case for many of us haha. Also, not sure if anyone reads these but it'll be kinda nice for me to keep a decent log of what a shitshow this has been LOL.

    I originally started my journey with my Cosmic Blue 2007 Speed3 back in 2016. I purchased it with about 120k miles bone stock from its previous owner her in Northeast Ohio. It was pretty apparent from the moment I started digging into this thing how much rust was really on the thing, from broken bolts to quarter panels falling completely to shreds in a short time.

    On the first day of ownership, I noticed some strange behaviors including a random misfire. As such, I performed a compression test to gauge the engine's health. Low and behold cylinder 1 was down almost 40 PSI from the others (RIP). From that point, the rabbit hole pretty much ensued.

    I ordered an OEM remanned engine that had been assembled courtesy of Overspeed Motorsports (with a BSD). From there, pretty much your usual mod bug - 3.5" intake from Ramfab, BNR S4 v3 turbo, 3" SpeedDaddy Catless DP mated to a 3" CNT CBE. Additionally, I've done the usual Autotech HPFP, Grimmspeed EBCS, Bosch 3 Bar MAP sensor, port n' polish stock intake mani with VTCS delete, cherry powder coated valve cover, a full assortment of engine mounts from Damond, HTP 51R battery tray with a smaller battery from NAPA, full silicone cooling line assortment from HPS, XSPower Exhaust manifold, and a Treadstone TR8 FMIC mated to CX IC piping. Also, toss in the EGR delete and catch can setup from Damond.

    As far as interior mods go I traded my OEM cloth seats for a set of 2008.5 GT seats, Corksport short shifter + shift bushings, and shifter counterweight, JBR shift knob, Corksport steering wheel, and a double din stereo with android auto that I grabbed off of Crutchfield.

    Along the way, I've basically had to replace every mechanical component in the engine bay including clutch, starter, power steering pump, Water pump + pulley, serpentine belt + associated pulleys, every cooling system component excluding the radiator.

    I had the car E-Tuned by Rob at Hypnotic Tuning, and the car has been running really well since I finally got everything pretty well sorted mechanically.

    In May of 2020, I secured a deal on a roller 2007 Black Mica Speed3 down in North Carolina. I rented a U-haul truck and trailer and made the trek with the help of a friend. Everything worked out, and I was able to bring the car up to Ohio. Since having the roller, I've thrown on a new set of KSport coil-overs, a rear wiper delete, and some new badges on the front and rear that I've painted a gloss black.

    The roller came with a really nice Cobb catless downpipe mated to their 3" catback exhaust, a set of XXR 550 18x8.75 wheels, and an AEM AFR gauge and a no-name boost gauge installed with a pillar pod cluster. I'm torn on the safety of these pillar mounted pods as they obstruct the factory airbag, so I'm thinking about binning the thing and getting one of the pillar pods that you install over the center dash plastic cover.

    But that's pretty much where I'm at! The black Speed sits under a cover at my friends while I prep for a few more parts to come before we try to knock out this engine swap. I plan to swap my entire setup over to this thing and then part out whatever's left and then see if I can sell the shell to someone for parts.

    I'm absolutely sure I've missed a bunch of junk from this process, but honestly I've learned some pretty priceless lessons and made some friendships from all of this so despite the steep cost I've been pretty happy with this platform and I'm just happy I'll finally have a good performing and looking example despite how many people seem to be abandoning the platform.

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  2. Josh Smith

    Josh Smith Greenie Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    Just a small update but I just picked up a set of SPC camber arms and Whiteline endlinks for the rear. Figured while I'm going to the effort of lowering my car I might as well have my camber setup right
     

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  3. Josh Smith

    Josh Smith Greenie Member

    Joined:
    May 17, 2018
    Posts:
    24
    Trophy Points:
    13
    Location:
    Wooster, OH
    Ratings:
    +31 / -0
    Just a small update,

    Finally after a year committing to knocking my swap out this coming weekend with some friends.
    Picked up a new set of Aodhan AH08 wheels, specs are 18x8.5+35. Applied a ceramic coating to them to protect them for a good while.

    Going to be running 245x40x18 Firehawk Indy 500's on them, really enjoy my experience with that tire for daily driving and spirited driving.

    I'm also making the switch over to PD-Tuning for my tuning needs, I haven't been able to get in touch with Rob Finkle in over a year now so it's time to make the switch I think.

    Since I'm in swapping the engine I picked up the typical set of new fluids: Zerex coolant, Castol Edge 5w40 oil, napa gold filter, Valvoline full synth ATF for the power steering, and tossing in some Motul RBF600 brake fluid. Bought a new set of EBC redstuff pads all around as well, excited to have some half decent brake pads on the car.

    It'll be nice to finally get to enjoy the car and try to get it dialed in suspension wise as this is my first experience with a proper coilover suspension. I hope to get some autox in and possibly sign up for a beginner course at Mid Ohio this year assuming the swap goes as planned! Wish me luck.
     

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