New Members Must Read!!

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Ultimate Noob Thread for NEW MS6/MS3 OWNERS & NEW FORUM MEMBERS
- Thanks to CFDP for the original thread creator. I did a lot of editing to do my best to further help rookies and update to the latest information/products, etc. Also a HUGE thanks to EVERYONE who helped contribute to it with links, info, parts, and especially all the MS3 info. There's too many too name them all already, so I just say thanks.

First and foremost, welcome to MSF! This forum is THE source for information on the Mazdaspeed lineup. Be sure to browse around the forum to get a feel for it. Don't be intimidated by our many e-thugs. Once you've been around a while you'll fit right in your cozy little place.

I HIGHLY recommend donating to the forum and becoming a VIP member. This forum is ran solely on member donations. That means you don't have to deal with an inundation of advertisements strewn all throughout the forum - top, bottom or right in the middle of the thread you're reading. Also, the best technical information can be found in the V.I.P. section - PDFs of the workshop manual, engine technical specifications, bolt specs, etc. On top of that you get the mutual respect from other donating members. It is well worth your while to become a V.I.P. member. Until then, your name and member status will be highlighted in brown. Thus you may come across the term "Brownie" soon. Brownies have limited forum access and it is usually the first sign of being a noob.
Here is the link to the donation page: MSF VIP Membership. You may donate any amount you wish, but VIP Membership begins at $25. It more than pays for itself the first time you venture into the VIP area.

IMPORTANT LINK: HOW TO SEARCH MSF:
http://www.mazdaspeedforum.org/forum/foru...-forum-114281/

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To help understand what's going on, here's a list of a few widely used acronyms you'll find used on this forum:
AFAIK - As Far As I Know
AP - Cobb AccessPort
BNIB - Brand New In Box
BOV - Blow Off Valve
BPV - Bypass Valve
BT - Big Turbo (any turbo upgrade larger than the factory k04)
CAI - Cold Air Intake
CEL - Check Engine Light
CBE - Cat Back Exhaust
CDFP - Cam Driven Fuel Pump (the HPFP (see below) in our car)
CO - Coilovers
DH - MSD DashHawk
DP - Downpipe
EM - Exhaust Manifold
EWG - External Waste Gate
FMIC - Front Mount Intercooler
FTL - For The Lose
FTW - For The Win
FWIW - For What It's Worth
FYHN - F*CK YO' HONDA N*GGA!! (you'll actually see this more than you'd imagine)
HPFP - High Pressure Fuel Pump
IIRC - If I Recall Correctly
IM - Intake Manifold
IMHO - In My Honest Opinion
IWG - Internal Waste Gate
NCE - No Care Ever (as a newb you'll probably see this more than you'd appreciate)
PERM - PERM Tuning (see"Tuning Devices" at bottom of post)
PMM - Passenger Motor Mount
RMM - Rear Motor Mount
SRI - Short Ram Intake
TBE - Turbo Back Exhaust
TIP - Turbo Inlet Pipe
TL;DR - Too Long; Didn't Read
TM - Turbo Manifold
TMIC - Top Mount Intercooler
TMM - Transmission Motor Mount
TP - Test Pipe
YMMV - Your Mind May Vary

For any acronyms you may find that aren't listed there's already a STICKY (read "Resources" below) with a ton more. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt that you clicked this one first tho - as you should have. That thread can be found here: Noob's Guide to Tuning Acronyms

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IF YOU'RE THINKING ABOUT BUYING

If you are still considering purchasing a used MS3/MS6 read this thread for things to looks for: I Am Looking To Buy A Used Mazdaspeed - What Should I Look For?

As far as opinions, well, you're on a MazdaSpeed forum. You're gonna get mostly raves from us, but they're well deserved. Every car has it's kinks and quirks, as does the MS6 & MS3. But overall this is one of the absolute best bang for buck and best overall cars on the market.

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JUST BOUGHT YOUR MAZDASPEED/MPS?

RESOURCES

Forums (LEARN HOW TO USE THE SEARCH FEATURE - be it MSF or Google!!)
MSF Advanced Search - Or hit the search button within the current section you are in
This forum is made up of many subforums. Pay close attention to what section you are in. And get acquainted with using the search feature. There are tons of threads that may have likely already answered your question. So before creating a new thread, spend a few minutes searching the forum for threads related to the topic you're interested in. The search function filters out common words such as "the, as, how, much, does", etc. You can try using quotes to search for three letter words. ex: "CAI", "FMM", "CBE", etc.
Alternatively, adding asterisks before and after some three letter words will net you results and is called a wildcard search. Unfortunately, it is hit or miss. Example: *rmm*

There are also STICKYS at the top of every section. These are threads of great significance. They often have either FAQs in them, or are big impacting information for the MS community. I suggest looking thru these before posting a new topic. They have hoards of information dubbed important enough for everyone to see above all other threads, be it over-discussed topics, huge news, platform breakthrus or anything else. So read them and learn.

There are forums for each generation on Mazdaspeed vehicle and their own respective subforums, so again, pay close attention to the section you are in. If you post a thread about MS6 suspension components in the MX-5 Forced Induction section you're not going to get the response you seek, and you'll assuredly get flamed for it.

Online PDF Mazdaspeed User manuals
MazdaUSA User Manuals

Online Parts Stores
Be sure to look thru our Forum Sponsors' Sections for discussions, dicounts, and reviews. These are our approved vendors and as mentioned above, have proven their good name over time to maintain an approved vendor status.

OEM/Stock parts
RockAuto Auto Parts - best prices for new parts
Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market - search index for used parts
Online Mazda Parts - OEM Replacement Mazda Parts

MSF Classifieds/For Sale Forums
MSF Classifieds/For Sale Forum - where you can usually find the BEST deals for used or BNIB parts
The link didn't work for you?? Well that's because it's one of our perks for our VIP Members. Donate to the forum and there's a-whole-nother world of good deals and great technical documents & information unlocked for you. Here's the VIP link again: MSF VIP Membership

Interesting Videos
Animation of the 2.3L MZR DISI in motion:

Mazda MZR 2.3 DISI Turbo Engine. - YouTube

Mazda MZR 2.3 DISI Turbo Engine. - YouTube

MS6 drivetrain dynamics:

Mazda 6 MPS Drive Train 'Animation' 2004 - YouTube

Mazda 6 MPS Drive Train 'Animation' 2004 - YouTube

Assembly of a 2.3L Duratec engine (nearly identical to our DISI):

FORD DuraTec Engine 3D Simulation - YouTube

FORD DuraTec Engine 3D Simulation - YouTube

TIPS/REMINDERS
** Always let your car fully warm up before letting it get into boost (when you feel the turbo kick in). About midway on the temp gauge is where the needle should be, if not wait an extra 5-10min until your oil temp is warm as well (no gauge for this). If it's colder out, wait longer.
** Try and stay out of boost until at least 3000RPM. Read below under "Boost Gauge" to find out more and the reason why.
** If you even need to tow your car: ALWAYS MAKE SURE YOU USE A FLATBED, NOT A REGULAR TOW!! The car is AWD and anything other than a flatbed could cause major damage.

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BASIC MAINTENANCE

Gas
Be sure to run 93/91 grade, whichever is available. Anything less will detune the car resulting in a huge loss of hp/tq.

Oil Changes
There are many opinions when it comes to oil. The best site to look regarding oil is by far Bob is the Oil Guy
** Here is THE oil thread to consult: MS3/MS6 Used Oil Analysis

Checking/Changing your fluids
These should be pretty straightforward as nothing has really changed in routine maintenance over the past since I've been born, but here's a well done thread for the MS6. It's a cross post to another forum but this is the best thread with all the fluid notes/pics in the same place. The MS3 should be all the same, excluding the rear differential.
MS6 Fluid Notes & DIY Pictures - MS3 fluids should be the same, and DIY pics similar.

Cabin Air Filter (every 25K miles)
MS6 In-Cabin Air filters - (MS3 part numbers listed inside following how-to thread)
NAPA FILTER ... Part #4579 ... $15-16 || ORIELLY FILTER ... Part #3705 ... $8 || WIX FILTER ... Part #24579 ... $16
How to: How-To: MS6 Cabin Air Filter | How-To: Gen2 MS3 Cabin Air Filter

Spark Plugs
DISI Spark Plug Database

Bulbs
MS6, Gen1 & Gen2 MS3 Light Bulbs

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FIXES
See "Before You Purchase" above for thread on recalls/TSBs

** My windows won't go down automatically & I can't control them from the driver's door??! - Applies to MS6 only!
This happens after the battery is disconnected. Simply roll down EACH window a bit, then back up, holding the button "up" until you hear a couple clicks. ALL SET!

** Alignment! You will want to get your alignment checked out ASAP. Mazda's specs have a HUGE range, and are set for a very aggressive stance, which leads to severe uneven tire wear. So if you are looking for more a more even alignment, giving even tire wear. Mazda also released a TSB for the MS6 a good while back for a revised front passenger control arm that corrected uneven caster that resulted in the car pulling to the right. Call your local Mazdaspeed dealer and ask if your car aqualifies for it.
Alignment .. "in Spec" Not Good Enough - Page 26 - Mazda 6 Forums : Mazda 6 Forum / Mazda Atenza Forum

** 2006 Clutch pedal adjustment - (does not apply to some later 2006’s and ALL 2007’s)
If you notice your clutch petal is hard to press down, or is too annoying to operate, you can do two things:
1. Do a simple, quick adjustment which changes where it engages so it is easier to shift (still the same pressure to press however)
2. Take it to Mazda and beg them to do the “Clutch TSB”, which means they will change out the entire clutch completely under warranty
Adjustment link - (this should apply to both the MS6 & Gen1 MS3: Adjusting The Clutch Pedal - Page 2 - Mazda 6 Forums : Mazda 6 Forum / Mazda Atenza Forum
More info: HOWTO: Clutch pedal adjustment - Mazda 6 Forums : Mazda 6 Forum / Mazda Atenza Forum

** Smoking Turbo - (smoke is coming out of your exhaust pipe when you are sitting idle for 5-10min+.
You might or might not experience this..
Do an oil change, changing to 5W/10W-40 rather than 30. This is a thicker viscosity preventing the oil to seep past the seals anymore.

** CEL Codes - This is simply a list of what each trouble code is. To understand why you're throwing the code, you'll have to do some research.
Mazda OBD-II Trouble Codes

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HOW-TO's - For all the DIYers and penny pinchers. Tons of write-ups and how-tos here for you.

** Use the search in the forums.
** Here are two directory lists:
Mazdaspeed 6 How-To's
Mazdaspeed 3 How-To's

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MODS/MODDING
NOTE: Any type of modding could potentially void your factory Mazda warranty!

Browse thru this forum first: MSF Approved Vendors
These are our Forum Sponsors and Approved Vendors. Some are parts retailers, some distribute their own products, and some develop proven products for the MS lineup. They have remained on this list because they have proven themselves with quality products, fair pricing & great customer service. Several of them have been supporting the Mazdaspeed DISI platform since the release of the first MS6 in 2005.

PREVENTATIVE MEASURES - You want to make your Mazdaspeed last longer...

Boost gauge
Reason you want this is to have the ability to monitor the vacuum and boost in your engine.
The conjecture is - with the Mazdaspeeds at least: you want to try and stay out of boost under 3000RPM in 2nd, 3rd, 4th gear, and 3250RPM in 5th gear, and 3500RPM in 6th gear. The car will boost very quickly and easily in all gears, especially at a low RPM in 4-6th gears, so having this installed is helpful to possibly prolonging the life of your engine. Boosting at low RPM's puts much strain on your engine.

Scan Tool
There are several of them out there. DashHawk, DashDaq, ScanGauge, etc. Highly recommended to purchase one to be able to monitor engine parameters, check & clear CELs, and have some fun with performance times. These also provide datalogging capabilities that are necessary for tuning. Some tuning devices also have datalogging & diagnostic tools in them so simply do some research to see what will be best for your plans.

Oil Catch Can (OCC) System
The oil and unclean vapors that once contaminated the intake tract, are captured by the catch can. By doing this, cleaner air enters the engine, octane rates are not reduced by oil contaminants, and less detonation occurs
There are many OCCs out there. If you pick one up you'll want one with an inlet & outlet of 5/8".

Turbo Timer
What this does is keeps your engine running after you turn the key off, get out, lock up, etc. Especially recommended if you drive it heavy (lots of boosting), then quickly shut it off. This allows the turbo to spool down and cool by continuing to run oil through it. OR YOU CAN JUST SIT IN YOUR CAR FOR 30 seconds or so to allow the turbo to cool down some.
* For GT models, the doors will not lock automatically, you must "drop window, get out, reach in and manually lock, pull auto-window up, and remove hand."

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ENHANCING YOUR MAZDASPEED'S PERFORMANCE
Now you want to start getting some more power out of the DISI motor?? These are just some basic mods to get you started, research/search when you get to learn the car.
NOTE: Most items under “FIXES” are recommended before you start POWER modding!

Motor Mounts: - One of the first mods to be done.
The Motor mounts Thread

Intake - The most basic of mods
Official Intake Thread

Exhaust - The other most basic of mods
MS6 Exhaust Thread
Gen 1 MS3 Exhaust Thread
THE Gen2 MS3 Exhaust Thread

Downpipes
THE Downpipe Thread

Blow Off Valves (BOV)
The BOV Thread

Differential Mounts (MS6 Only) - Upgraded bushings, or upgraded mounts - you will need these eventually.
The Official Diff Mount Thread

Fuel Pumps - Upgraded Cam Driven Fuel Pump Internals
The Official HPFP CDFP Fuel Pump Thread

Intercoolers - TMIC, FMIC - kit vs custom?
The MS6 Intercooler Thread
The Official Gen 1/2 MS3 Intercooler Thread

Tuning Devices - AP, HyperTech, Versa-Tune, StandBack? Which is best for you? (hint: it's the AP)
The Official Tuning Devices Thread
And on the subject ... there are a growing number of shops out there that are becoming capable of tuning the DISI. None have matched PERM Tuning with their use of the AP. Created from one of our very own pioneer members - Dustin aka @djuosnteisn - has gathered the best tuning minds of MSF and set up methods of getting your MS3/MS6 tuned to its highest potential, regardless of where you live! More about PERM Tuning here: PERM Tuning

Suspension - lowering springs, shocks & springs or full coilovers?
The Official MS6 Suspension Thread
The Official MS3 Suspension Thread

Brakes - Big Brake Kits, slotted vs. drilled, rotors & pads
MS3/MS6 Brake Database

Wheels/Tires
This has become a deadly topic the past few years. I will warn you ahead of time & say this is a function minded forum. HellaFlush and Aggressively Stanced Rides aren't the cool thing around here. That being said, there IS a thread for aggressive wheel fitments and it can be found here: Official Aggressive Offset Thread. Functional guys stay the fuck out of this thread.
The Ultimate "Will They Fit" Thread - Functional Fitment questions. Covers Wheels, Tires and Spacers

By the time you get thru all of this stuff and you're ready for some big boy mods - manifolds, big turbo kits, meth, etc. - you should have a much deeper knowledge of the Mazdaspeed DISI platform and modifying cars in general and should no longer be needing this thread.

Thanks to @cfdp for the original thread used as the basis for this one which was updated, enhanced, and upgraded-Raider.

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