This is my 2011 Mazdaspeed 3, bought her brand new about 2 months ago after trading in my 2007 black mica speed 3. Im going to periodically post photos and eventual use this thread as my build thread when i have the money. My twin brother is responsible for these pics. He is trying to start a little photography business so all comments and feedback on his pictures are welcome. I am not in the least bit picture savy, but i think these pics are pretty good. Enjoy!
So, just a little update. I ordered a CBE from Ultimate Racing tonight, looking forward to receiving it in a few days. I will post pics, vids and such after i install it.
Havent had time to update this thread... so far i have installed the CBE. It sounds awesome! I just ordered BC coilovers tonight. I loved them on my last gen 1 speed 3. Im looking for a 1.5" to a 1.75" inch drop. Due to lack of funds i will be rolling the stock wheels for alittle while. I have a hook up that can supply me with wheels from japan at a fraction of the cost (im talking about volk wheel sets for $600 brand new and other high end wheel brands) so we will see what happens. Im excited to get this build started. Unfortunately no engine mods for me. ill stick with the CBE. I will post pictures as soon as i can.
Just a few pics i took after the BC coil install. I am happy with the height so far. Right now it is slightly lower then what is depicted. tell me what you think? Ill have more pics soon!
Thank you sir! Everyone keeps telling me to go lower and the peer pressure is kicking in a little. I might go another 1/4 inch. I live in the city so going any lower would be an awful idea.
haha that is weird! Im surprise I havent seen your car around yet, from what i remember you live around my area. I like the blue wheels, they pop for sure!
I think it would look cool if you had a decal or something on one of your windows that matched the rim color to tie it all in. I like your car and really like the area you live in (really green in the background of your pics!).
I like the wheels so much I wanna know their specs so I can buy them and copy yooouu! Jk. But for real wheel and tire specs? Looks like you got the setup just right(drop, wheel/ tire ratio). I'm debating 17s vs 18s right now to run a 225 tire but I kinda like some tire you know what I mean? Don't want 18s w/ rubber bands. And as far as the color I'd rather be out there than boring. 2 thumbs up.
Just playin, really. They're pretty sweet looking to be honest. All track-lookin'. I personally wouldn't colorize, but I've seen some done right, like yours, and they're always a treat to see.
I get the monster thing all the time! Haha. I'm not really the biggest fan of the wheels. The color has to much pop for me. But they do turn heads, and the ladies love them. My next wheel set up, which is in the works, will be better. More aggressive offset, wider rims, it is going to look tits!
Thanks man!
I know most hate the drop but I think it compliments the car nicely. It's tastefully done.
As for the wheels... Those are gone. It was more lust than love, just wanted to give them a shot. New wheels are on the way tho. They aren't as bright but they will add some color.
They are Fifteen52 Tarmacs, 18x8.5 ET45. As far as I am aware this hasnt been done before. They even told me this is the first set they sold for a mazda. So consider me the lab rat, and fully prepared to take some heat for it.
The blue is alot brighter then I had thought but I think they will look good once I get some tires on them and a few blue accents. Im looking at Hankook v4, but i am unsure as to what size I will get. Probably stock size, 225/40. that should be a very slight stretch (which is what I am looking for)
Update...
So the wheels do not fit the front. The inner barrel of the wheel is too large and rubs against the caliper bracket. I spoke with Fifteen52 and they are now aware of the issue. I am going to have to get the wheels machined. Luckily my neighbor machines wheels. Once I do that I will update them of what I did and they will make the appropriate changes to their wheel production for our cars.
What are you going to machine? Machining the barrel or the spokes weakens the wheel. Machining the hub is possible but that just moves the wheel inward but if the barrel or spokes are rubbing that won't help anything. I'm confused.
I might have used the wrong word but when I said barrel... I meant the hub. I'm machining around the hub if that makes sense. The offset will not be effected. The diameter is just to big and hits the caliper bracket. I can post a pic later to better explain.
I got my wheels back from the machine shop.
Warlord... maybe now you can understand what i was trying to explain.
I had a 1/4" taken off of the diameter and drilled 1/2". there is still plenty of meat on the wheel if i needed to remove more material. I will be running a 5mm spacer just to make sure I dont run into anymore clearance issues.