This is a common question and there is a relatively simple answer. Without a tune, most, if not all bolt-on modifications will actually be detrimental to the performance of the motor. Mazda has tuned these engines so well and so efficiently that any alteration tends to make minimal to no gains. Some may actually reduce power. Plan on spending a few bucks on Orange Virus (seems to be most popular) or some other system plus a tune.

 

Thanks!
I read that AEM air filters are the best (a bit better than K&N). Is it gonna be ok to just buy one of those and drop it in? (since I need to get a new one anyways)

 

bought a washable AEM air filter. only engine mod I have done lol. i wash it at every oil change and for about a week afterwards, I feel like it has more pep! could be my mind playing tricks on me.

 

K&N owns AEM. You will not notice any difference between the OEM, K&N or AEM air filter after installing it.

https://www.knfilters.com/search/product.aspx?prod=33-2480&pcid=ADDCABINAF
https://www.aemintakes.com/search/product.aspx?prod=28-20480
CK

 

+1 stick to OEM filters. Nothing at all to gain by swapping out.

 

If you want more pep get the orange virus tune with throttle map. or just a throttle map controller like the one from Pedal commander.

 

There ARE some things that can be done to make minor improvements in performance, without getting a new tune. The first thing I did was switch to a higher octane gas and I DID see my mpg improve, plus the acceleration was better. I can out run other stock 3's in my area.

 

I have a 1.5 liter version of the M3 with comes with a whopping 110 hp I agree with OVT suggestion. I will mention that from what I've read from their blurb is that depending on the octane rating of the fuel you use, they'll have a different tune for you. From what I gather, a higher octane rated fuel will allow for a high tune. Currently saving up for the OVT tune. Not sure if it'll be wise to tune for a high octane fuel though.

 

the sport mode of the 17, is super good... vs my 15 that does not have that mode....

 

AEM filters is nice to have mainly because they can be cleaned, but I never noticed any difference in engine performance at all.

 

The answer is tune, yes, it is, no other "small mods" will net you anything whatsoever. Premium gas DOES NOT HELP YOU, without a tune. Get a tune or just enjoy the car as is powerwise. Try a rear swaybar, makes a big difference, way more fun to drive.

 

My opinion has changed as I've got older. As far as I'm concerned, if you want to mod a car, buy a performance car first. Don't mod a regular car, it just causes issues and will kill your resale value.

If you want a regular car with more performance, buy one that has what you want. In the Mazda 3 case, buy the 2.5L instead of the 2L if that's what you want.

I'd recommend spending money on good car wash and detailing kit instead of money on mods for performance you won't even notice.

 

Modifying/Customizing/washing/wax the car is fun. A high end fast car is just driving & wax/washing.

 

I agree it's fun, but working on a regular car you're more likely to make it worse than making it any better.

 

Especially when auto manufacturers are squeezing their cars more than ever before to get the right balance of MPG and performance. It's a new ball game now, these new cars are not like the Honda Civics of old, even the new base Civics will be just as difficult to squeeze extra performance from. It was said best in one of the above posts, know what you want for performance, and buy it right out of the box. Then you can customize it all day long and not be worried about needing to squeeze any extra performance out of it. This is why I got the 2.5L motor, and when my warranty runs out I will be getting the OV Tune for premium gas.

 

Mazda ECM Tuning Package
Regular price
$ 519.99
OrangeVirus Tuning

Interesting info:

Mazda ECM Tuning Package
Mazda 2.5L Skyactiv 2014-2016 18 - 25 HP with 91 Octane 6900 RPM
Mazda 2.5L Skyactiv 2017-2018 20 - 30 HP with 91 Octane 6900 RPM

https://www.ovtuned.com/products/mazda-ecm-tuning-package?variant=8293464571991


Quick way to void warranty

 

OrangeVirus Tuning @ $520usd

Interesting info:

Mazda ECM Tuning Package
Mazda 2.5L Skyactiv 2014-2016 18 - 25 HP with 91 Octane 6900 RPM
Mazda 2.5L Skyactiv 2017-2018 20 - 30 HP with 91 Octane 6900 RPM

https://www.ovtuned.com/products/mazda-ecm-tuning-package?variant=8293464571991


Quick way to void warranty

Maybe, maybe not, depends on whats wrong. Mazda has been pretty good about this sort of stuff in the past.

 

Replaced my OEM with this: JBR SKYACTIV Dry Flow OEM Panel Filter 2012+ [SKY-PNL-FLT] - $55.00 : James Barone Racing, Aftermarket Performance

Using it on my second M3 4 years later. No performance difference, just saves money on filters.

 

my intuition is.... for the 2.0 the best bang for the buck is heat shield the stock airbox and sealed it, so it works better..
I saw way better temps running in this caribbean heat, and use a better flow filter...

Wy because I preffer -6C vs SRI... in normal driving
heat soak is way slower.

That is my take with intakes...

 

a cheap one, I have not done it, its to put one of those accelerator ebay things to sharpen up the response

80-130 usd. depending on options

the OVT does the same, but maybe a person does not have the 520usd....

 

No, an ecu tune such as OVT is not the same as those eBay mods that play with pedal calibration or do absolutely nothing and make false claims. With a proper ecu tune, you get calibration of sensors, VVT timing, ignition timing, AFR, DI timing, rev and speed limiter, etc. Have yet to see the equivalent on eBay for skyactiv Mazda 3 models.

 

Im very aware of that.... those cheap things only trick the signal to the pedal to the ECU....

I was referring that OVT also tunes your accelerator response, maybe I did not explain myself well. + all other parameters.

 

OVT optional add-on Tune

Mazda Skyactiv Throttle Calibration Update (tune)
Regular price
$ 59.00

 

Can this be done without the tune, just $59 for the throttle fix?

 

I have the 2.5 liter manual and there is Definite improvements in performance using premium or even midgrade fuel versus regular. The engine runs much smoother and throttle response is more agressive.

 

I ran premium for 1 month, zero difference. Maybe the regular you ran really sucked?

 

Here's another tuner company. The prices are a fraction of OVT.
I've been reading @ Mazda3forums a guy got a tuning from Dynotronics and used regular 87 Octane Gas. The engine was knocking hard, light surface piston damage and blamed the tuner about not specifying (Tuned for Octane 91-93)

dynotronicstuning.3dcartstores.com/TUNING_c_724.html

* Below is a OVT tune for 2015 Mazda 3 2.0 Skyactive-G *

 

If you do the tune now is free, if you have done the tune and need that accelerator tunning you just pay that extra... in OVT.


going to check that other company.... I just need a tune and be done with it.

thanks

 

IMO the best way to get a few more hp is trade for a 2.5

The money you spend and end up with less power than a 2.5 and potentially less reliability does not make sense to me

I see the same kind of questions on focus, civic, mustang etc. boards. If the manufacturer offers a larger engine most of the time it is more economical to get it if more power is your goal.

That is what I did. IIRC the 2014-2016 hatchbacks I was looking was maybe 1-2k more for the 2.5, well worth it IMO

 

some markets do not offer 2.5 and some the 2.5 is way more expensive

 

True. I am speaking to my experience in the US market. I missed it or the OP didn't state where they are from.

 

driven both, never the 2.0 will be a 2.5, but you get a bit more fun...