Mazda 3 tuning

CARPHOTO-3488

The Amazing Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 replaced the previous 323 and was aimed very much like a small family car. The range of options and engines are limited nevertheless the larger engined models give you a good basis for tuning.

We might recommend the two. or better still if you can source a 2.3 litre model there is a better grounds for your tuning project.

Sadly the smaller 1.4-1.6 engines do not have a lot to give without spending significant amounts of money on them.

Mazda 3 Tuning

(The European/Canadian and American market models 2.3 had a turbocharger, and set out around 260bhp as standard that is pretty good for the car with this size. This would be the ultimate straight engine swap. if you can source a 2.3 turbo engine)

The Mazda 3 is a stunning package, pretty powerful and agile from the factory. With some tuning mods you can make it even better.

Handling mods should be your priority. We will advise you to obtain some poly urethane bushes (bushings) and fit slightly stiffer suspension.

Adjustable shocks enable you to try the settings until you have it right. Regardless TorqueCars would recommend a drop of 35mm all round for optimum handling.

Tuning articles and tips

Turning our awareness of the engine you really want to find the 2.3 litre engine performing at its peak efficiency. Adding a Mazda 3 induction kit using a cold air feed pipe will do much to improve the breathing. Match this with a sports sport and exhaust catalyst and you will have a much better breathing engine.

Getting good advanced you would be looking to start some internal engine mods. If you can source a set of fast road cams for your Mazda 3 these will add another 10-15bhp. Many cam specialists can provide you with a regrind and improve the profile of your standard cams.

Receiving the engine head gas flowed and ported will also allow bigger power gains. Incorporating larger valves with the other head work will add an additional 5-10bhp for your engine.

You need to look at the addition of forced induction if you want the highest power gains. A supercharger on a modest boost level would give a great power gain. Lowering the engines compression ratio will allow you to boost the boost further and you can push the NASP 2.3 engine to around 230 bhp. The turbo 2.3 can hit around 290bhp with a bit of careful tuning.

For larger power gains you will need to uprate the fueling so get a good fuel pump and larger injectors to suite your tuning load.

Finally obtaining a remap done is the best way to tie every one of the mods you might have done together and allows you to get the maximum return from using it. If you find that a remap will not be possible on your engine, an aftermarket ECU can be fitted which takes over your ECU. We do not however recommend tuning boxes or piggy back devices on the Mazda 3.