Bright red land barge

[Mad_Aussie]

http://i.imgur.com/d4X7y.jpg



So I've been driving around a late model Focus for quite some time, whilst saving the pennies for something that had a few more quicks, extra fruit, and more red on it.

So I present:

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/196314_10150107134631379_696921378_6557059_2320815 _n.jpg
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/197040_10150107134521379_696921378_6557054_1982184 _n.jpg
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/189682_10150107134346379_696921378_6557048_7482675 _n.jpg

2005 MPS 6
2.3 AWD turbo
Totally stock

There's a few little things that need to be done to it, the dash needs cleaning up after I took the old man spec dash mat off (Velcro tabs all over the fuckn place), and I'm going to debadge the rear... I've already got the obligatory Cactaur and Domu-Kun dolls on the back. Got some extra Japanese novelties coming for it too..
On the list of parts is an emblem-less front grille, AEM intake kit, some better rims (I'm hoping to find something by BBS) and an exhaust.. But for the most part I plan to just drive it as is until it's warranty period runs out. Then it might get a little bit more insane.

For now though, it's a fairly quick cruiser, and after driving a lot of other stuff in the price range, I couldn't be happier...

Just slapped some new wheels on the car, Rota Grid 18x7.5 (lols) +45. Cheap rims were cheap, so I'm not complaining. They've got paint missing here and there from mistreatment while they were being stored, so at some point I'll either get them touched up, or recoated in white. Apologies for the rubbish quality photos...

http://i.imgur.com/WO07k.jpg
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/309895_10150289493821379_696921378_8029520_8676653 79_n.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/1HRoL.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/lZX6Q.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/N69JF.jpg

[possibly.mitch]

i like it!!!:D:D

[Buckets]

Heli's?

Seriously nice cruiser mate, would have got a black one myself but the red looks okay.

[Sfidz]

Nice car dude.
These rims would look sweet I think...

http://blowneuros.com/ptgallery/M5/nov3001.jpg

[Lonewolf]

a lot of car for the money these days

p.s. really needs the suspension dropped!

[monk_13]

Dumped, black BBS rims (as pictured above), dark tint and debagded = FUCKING BOMBED.....

Nice pickup!

P.S
http://www.body-kit.com/maz0406aex01.jpg

??????

[Mad_Aussie]

Cheers guys... Yeah what I also forgot to put on my list is either Tein or Cusco coilies, the car will be slammed and will have offset to boot... I'm wanting to find a set of EVO X bbs rims, or ones similar to the style coFF33 is selling currently - mesh and dish. Until I have the coin though, I am half considering powdercoating the stock rims in gloss black.. Haven't decided yet. Tint will come in the next few weeks, and I'm thinking of getting the roof wrapped in gloss black as well, but rims need to be done at the same time I think else it'll look a bit wanky.

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa171/rogwick/ozMPS%20Photoshoot%2020101107/DSC_0069_70_71_tonemapped3.jpg


Also have to learn how to launch it properly, I must come across as a bit of a moron lurching off the lights, this series one clutch is almost like a button. But it's only the first day I've had it - I'm sure I'll learn it pretty quick.

[RS_Gav]

I have a soft spot for these. Very nice mate.
Those huge guards are beggin' for something nice under there!

[magic1]

I have a soft spot for these. Very nice mate.
Those huge guards are beggin' for something nice under there!

sell the tarago and buy 1.......2 :)

[RS_Gav]

LOL! Sif' only. Practicality>>Want. :(

[Lonewolf]

Also have to learn how to launch it properly, I must come across as a bit of a moron lurching off the lights, this series one clutch is almost like a button. But it's only the first day I've had it - I'm sure I'll learn it pretty quick.

Its also a bit tricky given is a reactive AWD system, so torque is shuffled around a bit (rather than the locked front/rear distro on say a WRX)

[MISS 13B]

P.S. Right side of the dash just next to the steering wheel column is the button you use to turn ASC off :D

[thrtytwo]

fuck me, didnt realise these were AWD.. very nice! could mod one into such a sleeper

[kurbn]

some came FWD but I think thats just the Mazda 3 MPS.. hairdressers car.

4wd is a win, the Mazda 3 goes quite well in NA form let alone strapping a turbo do it. Modified these things can pull some decent times down the straight

[lysdexia]

nice work az, looks rad!

[reNEGade]

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu212/shakespearez1/Serpentine%20Cruise%20Jan%2010/PICT0098a.jpg
http://liveimages.carsales.com.au/private/carsales/11212794.jpg
http://liveimages.carsales.com.au/private/carsales/10356144.jpg

[mitchy]

Goot cars... Old lady had a Mazda 6 luxury sports, and I've been for a few laps in Alicia's, goes harder than I expected!

[Fukushima]

I think these are shit hot.

Should be an interesting car to mod.

[dmwill]

CX9 20s?
http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr71/georgeeuro/IMG_7749.jpg
http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr71/georgeeuro/IMG_7756.jpg
http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr71/georgeeuro/IMG_7754.jpg

[siamak]

Nice car man. I particularly like the simplistic steering wheel.

[TJ]

some came FWD but I think thats just the Mazda 3 MPS.. hairdressers car.



No 6 MPS is fwd.

Good buy man, would have taken this over the 100 too!

[Buckets]

6 MPS is AWD but part time AWD it only kicks in when it's needed. FWD the rest of the time.

CX9 20's don't look bad, would look better black.

[MISS 13B]

I've been for a few laps in Alicia's, goes harder than I expected!
It didn't struggle at all with 5 people in it at Kye's birthday. They go hard when required.

[Mad_Aussie]

Yeah I've been running around with all five seats full today, it still manages to make me giggle even with all the weight in it.
Not really a fan of 20's at all, but the black roof on that car has definately sold me on it, hopefully do that this week if I'm not slack about it. Will probably order an intake this pay too, would be nice to actaully hear some induction noise..
http://www.aemintakes.com/search/product.aspx?Prod=21-491C

[Halle Terry]

Different open grill,
Exhaust,
Wheels, coilovers, on the deck.


http://carjunkies.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/mazda-atenza-wagon.jpg

[RS_Gav]

Yessss. That front splitter transforms the front end. Carbon is a plus!

[dmwill]

http://www.corksport.com/autoexe-mazdaspeed-6-front-lip-spoiler.html

I believe that MPSGarage over east can get hold of these.

[31-EVO]

Stepping up in the world Azza, you baller you.
Totally rad car though, I love the interior scheme of the new Mazda's, well done man, great buy.

[Buckets]

http://carjunkies.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/mazda-atenza-wagon.jpg

^ This, fuck me these things look awesome with a few simple mods

[mys1]

Now these if I recall corectlly have the disengaging centre diff when the handbreak is enabled (no drive to rear) so full throttle handbreak turn ins/drifts are possible!

are you or Al able to confirm?

[Mad_Aussie]

Now these if I recall corectlly have the disengaging centre diff when the handbreak is enabled (no drive to rear) so full throttle handbreak turn ins/drifts are possible!

are you or Al able to confirm?

Kekekeke, I will have to test this theory.
I have been made aware that it has a rear diff clutch-pack, so possibly...

[Mad_Aussie]

mys1, I can certainly confirm that the car can go sideways.
Very sideways.

[VEE KA]

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa171/rogwick/ozMPS%20Photoshoot%2020101107/DSC_0069_70_71_tonemapped3.jpg



very nice cars i reckon!

see the above almost everyday on way to work, looks nice, black wheels look great and it seems to get up a go quite well.

[mys1]

mys1, I can certainly confirm that the car can go sideways.
Very sideways.

Likes this!

[dmwill]

^^^ I know the owner. Goes very hard. Induction noise aloe is awesome.

Front lip is just rubber from a garage door seal :)

[MISS 13B]

Is that Rogwick's white one?
If so, I see it pretty much every day in the morning. He must work around the area.

[Lonewolf]

very nice cars i reckon!

see the above almost everyday on way to work, looks nice, black wheels look great and it seems to get up a go quite well.

spotted this when I was in the city yesterday, looked bombed in person.

[VEE KA]

Is that Rogwick's white one?
If so, I see it pretty much every day in the morning. He must work around the area.

see yours quite often too, a few times near/close to the white one, yours looks really neat too!

[Mad_Aussie]

Keen to meet the owner and listen to its induction noise... I hate the fact you can't hear the turbo spooling with the stock airbox. This pay it shall hopefully change.

[Stealthed]

Interesting car, wasn't aware the 6 MPS was AWD.

Will be following build thread. +1 on getting a front splitter too :D

[MISS 13B]

see yours quite often too, a few times near/close to the white one, yours looks really neat too!
There's quite a few daily regulars around West Perth. I know of 2 others that are the same colour as mine, 1 gunmetal grey one & 1 black cherry one.

Aaron, a FMIC should give you a good spooling noise.

[Mad_Aussie]

Doesn't a CAI do it well enough without a FMIC? Don't really want to go down that path... yet.
Also, do you still have that zorst for sale?

[RELEASE]

Nice pick up aaron!

[mitchy]

Doesn't a CAI do it well enough without a FMIC? Don't really want to go down that path... yet.
Also, do you still have that zorst for sale?

i'm guessing it has a rubber intake? a lot of new turbo cars do to stop engine noises (surprisingly... not everyone wants to hear them)
a metal intake pipe and pod will give you lots of induction noise...

[dmwill]

Is that Rogwick's white one?

Yep. AKA Andre.

[V70R]

Nice car!
2.4L AWD turbo > 2.3L AWD Turbo.
Im such a pingpingpingping :D

[Jaak]

mys1, I can certainly confirm that the car can go sideways.
Very sideways.

+1 i had a few entertaining nights in mine . I love driving this , except for the huge ALM banner in the back it goes pretty much unnotice by the coppers.

PS. had mine now for about 7 months and still sometimes look like a douch setting off at the lights :)

[Mad_Aussie]

PS. had mine now for about 7 months and still sometimes look like a douch setting off at the lights :)

LOL I just find turning DSC off and letting it chirp makes it jump around less... But yeah, the clutch has a pretty steep learning curve...

[Mad_Aussie]

So the parts whoring has begun.

Little shitty things like a bov and a boost controller got, also these

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/200406_10150140647646379_696921378_6715725_1323857 _n.jpg

Derp.

[duste]

Brembo covers ftmfw! Going to send them to Tokyo Motorsports for refurbishment?

[Mad_Aussie]

Yeah more than likely... Going to buy a second hand front strut to dummy fit these and work out what disk I need (I have the stock evo disks, but not too sure if the offset will be right.. Going to find someone to make up dogbones to fit them, any suggestions?)
I also need to work out if it's going to bork up my warranty entirely if I fit these...

[Mad_Aussie]

The other night I discovered a bit of trans oil around the rear of the engine, too much crap around the engine bay to have a proper look, but it *may* be a transfer case leak. Apparently these cars built before the end of '06 had an issue with the gaskets, and it'll just end up being a warranty job. But it's not like it's pissing oil out, but considering the wet patch that's forming I'd say i'm losing a few mL a day.

Turns out the stock disks on the car are 320mm, same as my evo8 disks, so the brake upgrade is looking positive.

Also managed to pull out a big intake restrictor/resonator from under the airbox (prick is about the size of the airbox itself...) and now makes a slightly noticeable spooling noise. The resonator was full of a beaches worth of sand, and didn't have any other purpose than to quieten the intake noise. I doubt there's any performance/ reliability increases gained by doing it, but it was such a huge piece of shit, I'm glad it's out.

[V70R]

Check carefully for the Brembo mounting points. Disc and caliper size isn't always plug and play.

[Mad_Aussie]

Well on Wednesday night during that big ol lightning storm, I was sitting behind stopped traffic on Tonkin/Kwedale intersection at a red light, and an Indian fellow decided that my rear bar was a better set of brakes than what he had on his Camry, so he used that to slow himself down from 80.
Now I've got to wait and see if the RAC wants to pull the car back out straight, or if it's going to be a total loss.

The whole rear looks like it's shifted left, and it's split the rear quarter from the boot floor. Impact was enough to pop the side skirts off the car. So I don't have high hopes for getting it back, but in saying that, the RAC are just as likely to bandaid it up and give me a gigantic ongoing headache.

So yeah... Sucks a bit.

[Joe]

Fek :(

Doesn't sound good.. as soon as the floor is compromised, you're looking at serious damage.. and any "movement" in the vehicle means chassis.

Could be a write off brah.

[TJ]

Fark, unlucky man.

[Jumanji]

So unlucky! was keen to see this thing done up!

[Fukushima]

bloody hell :(

was keen to see this do helis

[Mad_Aussie]

If someone can get an address for

-Details removed as address sorted-

It would be hugely appreciated. Apparently the pingpingpingping hasn't submitted his own claim to his insurance, so his insurer won't give the RAC his home addy for me. Typical, the one thing I forgot to grab off him, lesson learned.

[Fozzy]

Surely thats RAC's Problem not yours.. Isnt that why you pay them?

[Mad_Aussie]

It's starting to dawn on me that you get very little for what you pay for.
They can't get the rest of his details until either he submits a claim, or the police get around to investigating the crash report.

Car is going to be repaired, however I'm pretty concerned considering that they didn't know it had a diff in the back until I told them, and then argued with them that it also has a clutch pack in that diff. Hard to imagine I'm going to get a quality job done when they didn't even realise it was turbocharged.

[mitchy]

how does panel work differ if it's turbo..?

that's like not trusting a mechanic because he doesn't know your paint code.

[Mad_Aussie]

Could have worded that better - what I'm getting at is that they were treating the car as a Mazda6, not an MPS. They aren't coming across as sounding particularly thorough.

The fact that the exhaust popped off every mount up to the manifold should indicate to them that maybe the turbo/exhaust system should be looked at, but no. Same with the diff in the back, I would have thought a solid smack to the rear and a shove into the kerb would warrant those parts being inspected.

[TJ]

With the boot smashed in to all buggery, and thus not being able to see a MPS badge, they probably had no idea it was a MPS.

[VEE KA]

shouldn't it be listed as an MPS on the policy? the assessor should have all that info when they come to look at it?

hope ya get it sorted, i recently had to go through the same, rear ended while waiting at lights, but luckily for me it was all painless and i had the car back within a few weeks but in saying that, the damage done to mine doesn't sound as bad as yours.

[MISS 13B]

Message sent on FB with the guy's address Aaron.
Hope it gets sorted!

[Mad_Aussie]

Thanks so much again Alicia.
Yeah ITGRIPS, I would have thought so too, but its coming across like they don't give a shit about it really.

[TJ]

shouldn't it be listed as an MPS on the policy? the assessor should have all that info when they come to look at it?

hope ya get it sorted, i recently had to go through the same, rear ended while waiting at lights, but luckily for me it was all painless and i had the car back within a few weeks but in saying that, the damage done to mine doesn't sound as bad as yours.

99% of people out there wouldnt have a clue as to what mps is.

[ForgedV6]

Ive always liked these. Really sorry to hear it was rear ended but im glad to see the forum hookups have scored you his address. Hopefully the repair is thorough and to your standards.

[VEE KA]

oh yeah for sure, i know a lot of people have no idea but insurance assessors?? dealing with it every day you'd think they'd know the difference. i was also remembering what the assessor had when he came out to inspect my car, had the iPad type do-hicky with all the details of my policy, the car and diagrams with a rough area of damage ( what i told them over the phone ).

[Slip_]

Repairer of choice? take it somewhere that will write it off.

[Mad_Aussie]

RAC didn't give me the option :-/

[V70R]

Sorry to hear dude! I know you had big plans for the MPS.
Such a nice car too. :(

Remember:
1. Get other driver details.
2. Call cops and make police report
3. Call insurance and say what happened (without admitting guilt)
4. Wait for tow truck organised by insurance
5. Nominate repairer or holding yard.
6. Put up with potential arrogant TEG if they arrive
7. Get back on Carsales.com.au while you have time to kill.

[Mad_Aussie]

Well I should be picking the car up from Tokyo Motorsport on Wednesday. Everything is apparently back to business as usual.
In the end, Maddington Smash got the colour matched extremely well, and the overall quality of the work is pretty decent.

I also had my Apple Mac die on me on the weekend, so I swapped it's carcass for a set of Rotas, 18x7.5 +45's. Not exactly the most baller rims by any stretch, but hopefully should look alright for a set of wheels swapped for a dead computer....

[Fukushima]

Lol that's cheap even for rotas. They're not the ones stolen from droplip? (aneharas housemate)

[Mad_Aussie]

Nah, these came off a mates rolled VR4. Grids I think they are.
Totally not the style I had in mind for the car, and these aren't even concaved... But they were practically free, so meh. Better than the stock grandad spec shoes.

[Skitzo]

Are they white?

[Mad_Aussie]

Nah, black with a red lip. I'm half thinking white might need to be on the cards depending on how it looks.
Down the track I'll find the coin to get a set of dishy BBS 18's on it.

[Mad_Aussie]

Apologies for the iPhone spec photos... Time for more low.

http://i.imgur.com/WO07k.jpg
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/309895_10150289493821379_696921378_8029520_8676653 79_n.jpg

[Mad_Aussie]

Just ordered a few bits and pieces for the car, including it's first real mods!
Managed to find a Whiteline rear sway bar for $250 delivered, figured I might as well start spending coin in sensible places on it since it's already got well enough poke to get me into trouble... Going to be booking it in to somewhere for it's rear guards to be rolled as even though it's got it's dakar spec ride height going, the rears scrub out in corners.
Also picking up an ally turbo inlet pipe this-afternoon, hopefully free up the restrictive rubber intake it currently has..

People are recommending AutoFX to get the guards done, yeah?

[Mad_Aussie]

Just installed my new turbo-to-intake piping, and far out, it's made a noticeable difference immediately. Much smoother leadup onto boost, and slightly more open feeling top end... Also a lot more angry noises coming from it.
The factory unit was extremely restrictive - it had almost a square entrance to the turbine, and flattens out around the battery box to be pretty much half the diameter of this new one.

As a result of my impatience last night though, I managed to break the hose nipple off the stocker boost solenoid on the non-pressurised side. I've glued it up and it works fine, but decided to order an aftermarket solenoid. The one I've chosen (Grimmspeed USA) plugs straight into the stock loom, and can be programmable down the track when I get a tune.

http://www.maperformance.com/products/grimmspeed_057028.jpg

[Mad_Aussie]

So the new boost solenoid has arrived, need to grab some 4mm silicone tube to mount it further away from the factory location (hidden away behind the turbo in friggen Narnia). It's a very well made piece of kit, and Grimmspeed in the US got it to me in four days flat over the weekend, in a hand-packaged box that had the fabricators signature in it... They obviously have a passion for their work. I also didn't really want to plug the thing in without being able to read boost pressure, so I've ordered an OBD-II scanning unit that displays up to 70-odd gauges (60 available for the MPS apparently), so that should save the need to pop an air-vent out and stick a boost gauge in.

http://ultra-gauge.com/ZC/images/UG_Box_Contentsc.jpg

Video someone's taken of it set up in their mps.. http://www.flickr.com/photos/68464979@N05/6229070437/

These are $110AUS delivered... Apparently they work really well, and will plug into any OBD-II compatible vehicle... The links http://ultra-gauge.com/ZC/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=8&zenid=mmhgn7pdjbve6iofnmp10g3tm6 if anyones interested.



I've also got some weather-guards for the windows coming... I don't think they're the four-piece jap snow shields though, I think they're Aussie-spec front-door-only ones. It'll be a case of test fitting and seeing how they look I suppose.

[duste]

srsly needs more performance mods.

Suspension sorted yet?

I don't think I've seen heli's yet either.

[Mad_Aussie]

Haven't worked out what I want to do with the car in terms of track days and stuff yet, so haven't made a real plan about whether I want coilovers or just a good spring/shock combo. The sway bar is the first thing to get done in that area, then I'll put some coin aside to lower it. As far as performance mods go, I've got a 600x300 cooler kicking around, though it might be too big for the size of the engine/turbo, but it'll be getting some more boost once I work something out there. I've heard people running 18-22psi in these without too many dramas, but I'm going to be a bit conservative with it for the time being...

Got Adz to help me with the rear guard rolling, now it's not scrubbing out in corners.. Looks neat as too, though the wheels sit inside the guards now, which also isn't really a bad thing.

[duste]

the wheels sit inside the guards now, which also isn't really a bad thing.

Get the fuck out, now.

Some people have put 600x300 coolers on their turbo Lasers with the stock IHI VJ20 turbo (basically the size of a large hand) and a fair bit of lag is seen due to a) the size of the cooler, and b) the size of the piping they smash on with it. Sell off the 600x300 and get a 450x300 or smaller perhaps? I'd imagine a 600x300 wouldn't be all that more effective in terms of cooling over a 450x300 or smaller anyway, because I doubt you have a huge gap in your front bumper allowing 100% flow.

[Mad_Aussie]

Yeah, I'm looking at a few 450x300's.
Just got this thing in the mail.. two seconds to set up, and works really well.. Would reccomend to anyone with a car that has a OBDII port.

http://i.imgur.com/9bmim.jpg

[mys1]

Spotted you driving down Cannign Yesterday - Needs more low!

[Mad_Aussie]

Yeah... Low is coming, just need to save the pennies for coilies... Pretty sure I saw you too, in the Evo?

[mys1]

Negative - I was in the Terrifying Territory getting Pasta Cup for Lunch :)

[skinkis]

The OBDII thing is awesome, I´m using a similar setup in my ute, however, going via bluetooth to my phone instead..
Was like $30 off ebay :)

http://www1.garaget.org/gallery/images/4/3106/3106-3538619f8cb4585462b5cde6d717cc89.jpg
http://www1.garaget.org/gallery/images/4/3106/3106-70878730e21c77ead7ba5f55f5cff1cf.jpg

[R3N]

Which app is that, I have that OBDII module somewhere but couldn't get it to work and gave up

[180SXTCY]

haha thats pretty cool!

[skinkis]

I use Torque for Android. Works brilliant.

[Torquen]

Very cool app/unit!

[V70R]

DOES NOT WORK WITH NEW IPHONE 4S :(
- Bluetooth fail

[Mad_Aussie]

That's a neat looking app! Though I don't like having the phone running the whole time while I'm driving - it's only a 3GS shitter so wouldn't work either.

[Passage GT]

does that obd2 port thing have bluetooth built in?
was looking at a scanguage for the old mans triton, then the ultraguage but now i think this is a winner, should work fine on his gs2

[Tom]

The OBDII thing is awesome, I´m using a similar setup in my ute, however, going via bluetooth to my phone instead..
Was like $30 off ebay :)

http://www1.garaget.org/gallery/images/4/3106/3106-3538619f8cb4585462b5cde6d717cc89.jpg
http://www1.garaget.org/gallery/images/4/3106/3106-70878730e21c77ead7ba5f55f5cff1cf.jpg

Just bought one of these, $30 inc postage from AU stock.

[V70R]

does that obd2 port thing have bluetooth built in?
was looking at a scanguage for the old mans triton, then the ultraguage but now i think this is a winner, should work fine on his gs2
Yes, it communicates via bluetooth to any receiver / smartfone. (just not the new iphone)
Awesome device which also can check/scan and erase error codes ;)

[Jaak]

Yeah, I'm looking at a few 450x300's.
Just got this thing in the mail.. two seconds to set up, and works really well.. Would reccomend to anyone with a car that has a OBDII port.

http://i.imgur.com/9bmim.jpg

Soooo I just buy it for $110 bucks and stab it into the OBDII port ?
Where is the port located?

[Mad_Aussie]

Soooo I just buy it for $110 bucks and stab it into the OBDII port ?
Where is the port located?

Literally as easy as that. The port is just under the steering wheel, and there's enough of a gap between the dash and the door sill to be able to poke the cable down inside without disassembling anything. Took me less than two minutes :)

[Jaak]

Fuck yeah , ordering one now
btw what did you pay for the Air-to-turbo?

[Mad_Aussie]

Under $100 ;)

[Jumanji]

Didnt realise the potential of these, they look great!

[stumps.]

I roll this gauge in the commo, not as cheap as yours but the info you get from them is amazing

http://www.aeroforcetech.com/action.html

[Mad_Aussie]

Fitted up the new boost solenoid... The car comes on boost a little sooner, but really this was just to replace the stocker that I'd broken and glued back together..

http://i.imgur.com/8IlSZ.jpg

[31-EVO]

MATSUSPEEDO

[Mad_Aussie]

Trial fit some wheels today, if I'm going to go this route I'll need to bore out the centers as nissan hubs are too small. But this is the idea I'm wanting to go with (Only the fronts on, obviously photoshopped the rear on in this picture.) Will need massive guard work to fit the 9"s in the rear. That's not a bad thing. Just need to find a decent set now.
Springs are ordered too, should be here in a week or so.

http://i.imgur.com/eH440.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/N0Jcb.jpg

[dmwill]

Different choice of rim for an MPS.

I like.

[Gleeso]

Interesting choice indeed. What size are they? They just look really small is all.

[Mad_Aussie]

Well these are a mates set, but 17x8/9 +35. I'll be looking for a set in the very near future, but the hub diameter was wrong so we couldn't get a good idea of the fitment. But it'll be mexican without more guard rolling. I don't mind a smaller wheel on it to be honest, but we'll see what else'll come up that will fit over the brembos when those go on. I do like the way the stock rotors fill those 17's though...

[Gleeso]

Was gonna say the rims sit extremely close to the rotors, makes me wet ;) haha

I just chucked my CST's with +15 offset on my S13 and they are sitting extremely Mexican. This will look fucking hot with a bit of rim/tyre sticking out, and dumped of course.

[Mad_Aussie]

Yeah, well I've got king lows on their way, so it won't be stance low, but it'll be practical enough.
Just needs some bolt on flares
http://i.imgur.com/kVl9B.jpg

[dmwill]

Hmm, I found a pic of a MPS6 with Evo X rims not long ago....gotta find it again.

Edit: Found it: http://www.mazdaspeedforums.org/forum/f319/evo-x-wheels-my-mazdaspeed-6-a-48732/

http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab74/poezest67/evo%20wheels/newrims2.jpg?t=1265959942

[DCIEVE]

I have the above wheel combination - it pokes a little but doesn't rub. It would look pretty odd with any more offset!

[Lonewolf]

evo wheels look awesome (and will obviously have clearance for brembos), dont like the white ones

[mys1]

Evo Rims over The old school whitwe things!

They actually look pretty fucking sweet!

[Mad_Aussie]

To be honest, the LMGT1's aren't the final plan, but I don't want to go down the same path as a fair few other mazda guys have gone now with the evo wheel... Want to make it as different as I can. The Rays are pretty much spot on for track day rims, don't want to be forking out for 18" rubber to flog out, and they make it look a lot angrier than most MPS's.

[DCIEVE]

I get comments the 18" evo wheels look small on my mpa so 17's would just look odd imo. As far as I know there are no other 6's running around with evo wheels in Oz?

[Mad_Aussie]

There's a heap in the US, but you're right, not many in Aus. The thing is though, people still want drug dealer money for evo X wheels.

Just organised a COBB 'short ram intake' from over east - should get here within the decade if Aus Post do their job as well as they generally do. Comes with a K&N filter instead of the magnificent china one normally supplied.
Apparently you need some sort of air-diffuser thing to house the MAF sensor in else it throws CEL's, so it's not just a case of smashing some 45degree mandrel bend in there with a pod screwed on. Sigh. I miss r31 parts prices :P

https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRJnxe-zuEFHrZEyu6pEi86b3CIiwamyqgysXp-9Nw-kOmTw7pK

Springs should have arrived Monday, so that's set back my low-by-the-weekend plan it seems.

[Mad_Aussie]

Update

Wheels are machined, two repaired, fantastic job done on them. Sorry for the crap iphone photos. The last one I've got here is a quick chop of it lowered, I've got the springs sitting next to me here to go in... These wheels will make a lot more sense when it's low.
Sits pretty angry on the front, at least a cm hanging out lol

http://i.imgur.com/hV792h.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/4YWNt.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/L9CTr.jpg

[Gleeso]

Fuck yer, looks the goods.

Hurry up and chuck those springs in! :p

[D3FEKT]

I do like the rims but they do appear a bit small compared to the car.

[hako]

What are the tyre sizes?
Appears to be over-tyred, especially the front. If they poke 1cm as suggested I would be stretching a narrower tyre on to it and dropping more.

[4A10SHN]

The OBDII thing is awesome, I´m using a similar setup in my ute, however, going via bluetooth to my phone instead..
Was like $30 off ebay :)

http://www1.garaget.org/gallery/images/4/3106/3106-3538619f8cb4585462b5cde6d717cc89.jpg
http://www1.garaget.org/gallery/images/4/3106/3106-70878730e21c77ead7ba5f55f5cff1cf.jpg


How good is this setup for andriod.

Also lower your car already

[Mad_Aussie]

What are the tyre sizes?
Appears to be over-tyred, especially the front. If they poke 1cm as suggested I would be stretching a narrower tyre on to it and dropping more.

Cheers mate, they're 235's. I was running 225's previously, but you're right - they only look odd due to the amount of guard room I've got. I've already picked up some springs that'll knock 30-40mm out of it.
It certainly grips better with wider rubber on it, and the extra sidewall softens the ride a fair bit. While some people have commented on the photos that the wheels do look small in the photos, they do look pretty good in the flesh. But honestly, they're pretty much spot on for the look I'm wanting to go for.

[hako]

Are they 235s on the rear too? Would explain the look if so.

If you think they are spot on then that's all that counts!

[Buckets]

It's certainly a different look. It should look much better lowered.

[Mad_Aussie]

Yeah Hako, 235's all round... And cheers buckets :)

My COBB intake rocked up over the holidays. Only guessing from the 'seat-of-the-pants-dyno', but it feels like its picked up some torque, or at least opened up the power band slightly. Pulls harder and makes some entertaining noise.

http://i.imgur.com/ECxPm.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/sfmV0.jpg

[dmwill]

Headlights look as if they have been well raped by the sun etc.

[Gleeso]

Headlights look as if they have been well raped by the sun etc.

Was going to say the same.

Coming along nicely besides that.

[Lump]

best get some oil on that k+n

[mys1]

Also make a nice air box for your intake - She be sucking more heat in now! more cool air will mean more benifits from blue balls hanging off motor!

[Mad_Aussie]

Yeah Í'll be making an airbox for it shortly, there's some simple enough templates floating around the net that'll make it easier.
Headlights copped a beating from a buffer when the rear end got knocked in, the shop after much fucking about with the paint decided to buff the car for me, and did that to the lenses. Shouldn't be too hard to repair.

[Mad_Aussie]

So last night we put the King Springs in, still waiting on my diff mounts to arrive before I pull the entire rear subframe and sort that out. But took us just an evening and a bottle of whiskey, and the car is heaps stiffer, turns in better, and doesn't look so much like a tractor now.

Obviously it's still got to settle further, but I'm actually pretty happy with it. Looks factory low, not kebab low.

Time to wash it now... lol

http://i.imgur.com/ZUrs5.jpg

[Mad_Aussie]

So these arrived yesterday.

http://i.imgur.com/P4AC3.jpg
Front and rear braces for the rear diff.. I'm actually really impressed with the packaging and the finish of the parts. Seems like nice gear.

Should have time next week to drop the rear cradle and fit these, along with the sway bar.
Then, skids

[duste]

Fuckkkkkk dreadnaughts, nice!

[Jaak]

Then, skids...

LOL

[Mad_Aussie]

Well I went to inspect the diff again last night, and have found that one of the forward mount bolting points on the front diff housing has broken off.
The stud has sheared in the hole closest to the prop shaft, but the second one on this mount has actually broken the tab on the diff case.

http://i.imgur.com/O5LEq.jpg

The new mount has bolting points in extra areas, so it should hold well enough for the time being once the new ones are in. However, is there any way to repair this (even welding a stud in place?), or for a worst-case scenario thought, anyone know how much I *might* be looking at to get a housing made out of steel?

[dmwill]

Ah fuck.

Seems to such a common fault too.

[magic1]

Check with mazda for a recall

[Mad_Aussie]

Yeah, there's no service notice that's been released about this unfortunately.
Been given a few ideas on how to fix it, and am going to be talking to mazda this week about prices for a new housing. Might end up cheaper/ just as expensive to get something custom made out of ally or steel.

[S133LTR]

http://i.imgur.com/ZUrs5.jpg

dude those rims look terrible.. get some evo wheels stat.

[Shaggy]

Each to there own

[Mad_Aussie]

dude those rims look terrible.. get some evo wheels stat.
Thanks, to be honest I'm building the car to appeal to my tastes, not everyone elses... The whole plan is to steer away from the common curve. That's part of the reason why I bought the 6 in the first place...

[Gleeso]

Might end up cheaper/ just as expensive to get something custom made out of ally or steel.

Say no to ally. Just make it rambo spec out of steel.

[Mad_Aussie]

http://i.imgur.com/CkzrBh.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/B27joh.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/n8OG3h.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/aZewbh.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/nHHfGh.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/c9nZI.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/wdi0S.jpg

Also had shaggy copy me (haha!)

http://i.imgur.com/z2dshh.jpg

[[Jacek]]

Nice oil collection

[FitzyB]

Did you manage to fix the cracked bolt thread? those Sure mounts look far to nice to hide away from the world, felt very sad after I installed mine.
Much nicer to drive when the diff isn't moving around.

Got any shots of the car with the rays when they are clean btw?

[Mad_Aussie]

Cracked mount has been sorted with a much longer bolt, lol. Going to see how she goes at this stage, got 55 newtons into it, and about 3cm of thread beyond where the crack is. So it might be a gamble, but it's not like I go around doing limiter launches or anything with it.

New mounts have caused a variety of other knocks, whirrs and assorted noises due to them being so stiff... So the list of things to modify has now grown lol. But yeah, completely new car to drive, and with the whiteline sway bar, the turn in has been immensely improved. Far more bite into the corners, feels like a much quicker car just from that. Money very well spent I reckon.

And lol, the cars hardly been clean since I put those wheels on... so... no. Lol.

[South]

Only way to get rid of those noises is to strip interior, fit cage and race seats, then shit load more noises will take over your attention. Solid mounts = race car

Is the front half paint slightly different shade than the rear half? looks odd in the pictures

[FitzyB]

I looked at the swaybar and figured at this stage it would cause a lot more swearing than it was worth, maybe in the future. Been told that lowering them improves the turn in as well, i really need to do that, just cause it has AWD doesnt mean it needs to look like a 4WD :(

Hopefully that bolt holds, another great idea by mazda...

The main noise I got following the swap was a constant hum from the diff that starts just beyond 70.

Changing all the gearbox/transferbox/diff to redline this weekend, that might shut it up a bit, if not no worries.

[Mad_Aussie]

lol South, yeah that will probably be the plan. The front bumper has been repainted at some stage, and its had an impact in the rear since I've owned it. It's no showroom model.

The sway bar is areally good upgrade, and for $180 or whatever I paid for it the value for money is definitely there. It was a total pingpingpingping to get in there, but if I was to do it again I reckon I've got enough of an idea to do it differently. One of the control arms could be dropped, you rotate the diff forwards and it might be able to come out around it with the cradle in the car.
The springs have helped the turn in too, but I'm almost thinking that the shocks should be done to match the spring rate. It's firm, but I think it might be too bouncy.

Gearbox fluids are going to happen this pay for me too, I don't want to use that smurf blood stuff though. I've been sticking with Penrite so far, but if anyone else has input on diff and transfer oils I'm open to ideas.

[Turbo2.6L]

Genuine fluids for transfer & box would be my recommendation. Redline will make them noisier & need to be dropped more regularly

[duste]

Cracked mount has been sorted with a much longer bolt, lol. Going to see how she goes at this stage, got 55 newtons into it, and about 3cm of thread beyond where the crack is. So it might be a gamble, but it's not like I go around doing limiter launches or anything with it.

Clearly never heard of crack propagation! Once that crack starts, it's going to continue.

[Shaggy]

Clearly never heard of crack propagation! Once that crack starts, it's going to continue.

http://i.imgur.com/c9nZI.jpg

You have to look close, but it's broken a piece off. Not a crack. It hopefully will hold. And the new mount has to more mounting points on it. When it broke, it was the only bolt holding the front up.

http://i.imgur.com/z2dshh.jpg

Likes this!

[Mad_Aussie]

Ordered a CP-e rear engine mount, I know it's not exciting sounding stuff, but it's going to be a massive improvement.
Also, after test fitting the brembos, we're fairly confident it'll be an almost straight bolt-on upgrade, lol!

[Mad_Aussie]

http://i.imgur.com/Y1sRE.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/VRCSm.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/eKCbk.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/7MWnr.jpg

She stops now!

[Gleeso]

Fark! Talk about cutting it close.

Also, I really wish your rims were at least 1" bigger, they would look a little more proportional to the car. Not trying to offend, I love seeing updates on this.

[Lump]

Also, after test fitting the brembos, we're fairly confident it'll be an almost straight bolt-on upgrade, lol!
LOL indeed!
such a lucky brake.

[Mad_Aussie]

such a lucky brake.

lol

Yeah, thanks for the offer on making up the dogbones dude, I was tossing up ideas before jumping in on this conversion and holding off until I had every avenue covered. There was absolutely no help on this available on the net whatsoever, so we just jumped in and had a crack at it, and just out of sheer luck it all pretty much lined straight up with only minor modification. So it seems to be a success. I need to get some hub-centric spacers made up for it, so that's the next step now.

[Lump]

:)
no worries, glad you got it sorted so easily!

[Shaggy]

I was amazed at how easy this was.
After sorting the centre hole in the disc's and slotting the bottom caliper mount.
Bolt it up, bleed it and drive.

We stood in the garage and had a couple beers, just looking at the finished product.

+1 for backyard mods.

[Mad_Aussie]

Well the Brembos seem to be going fine, and have stirred up a shitload of interest in the US over the conversion. So that's pretty interesting to see, as no one else has done this conversion yet. Still blowing my mind at how little development is going on for these cars.

I've ordered some more chassis bracing, that should be here soon, and I may have arranged some coilovers as well. I'm going to try to hunt down more braces as the funds become available, and am hoping to get it tinted in the next week or two.. So a few changes happening soon :)

[Mad_Aussie]

So yeah, things that have been happening with the car.. Went out and got some braces, an air box, adjustable tie rod ends, screw-on oil filter conversion (so I can run a cooler and a relocator), race spec engine mounts and a few other bits and pieces.

http://www.dentalspecialistsofny.com/images/photos/ortho-faqs.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/WANq6h.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/vfvnch.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/aYJiM.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/ouFpzh.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/uLjDw.jpg

And no I still haven't washed the pingpingpingping
http://i.imgur.com/FMyDRh.jpg

[31-EVO]

Needs more carry van

[dmwill]

Noice.

Coming on the OzMPS cruise next Saturday?

[Mad_Aussie]

I might attempt to, car now sits in the shed all week due to me landing a different job, so taking it on a cruise sounds good.

Now, can anyone recommend the best place to get evo rotors online?

[180SXTCY]

if you want RDA ones pm me and ill get you a price as i can get them cheap

[Turbo2.6L]

Bart @ SW Brakes

[Mad_Aussie]

Cheers both of you.

Just installed the rear engine mount, and the front H-brace. Wow, having a solid engine mount changes the dynamics of the car a bit. You know the engine is running now, lol!

H brace eliminates a shit load of understeer, if you look at the picture you'll see that the stock subframe isn't connected in the middle there from factory. The car feels a shitload stiffer.

http://i.imgur.com/fOOEM.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/ek6OA.jpg

[mys1]

For the lo've of god please get better rims! Stock ones would be an improvment!

[Shaggy]

For the lo've of god please get better rims! Stock ones would be an improvment!

Because looks are everything...

[Mad_Aussie]

I thought this was where performance matters. Rims were chosen for easy/cost effective access to track rubber while being super light and with better width, and increasing track.

It's not Antilag - where circlejerking about $4000 rim sets for wank factor matters. Or did I miss the memo?

[stumps.]

I thought this was where performance matters. Rims were chosen for easy/cost effective access to track rubber while being super light and with better width, and increasing track.

It's not Antilag - where circlejerking about $4000 rim sets for wank factor matters. Or did I miss the memo?

Flawed argument. Stock rims will take good tyres. these rims stink.

Get some black rotas.

[Marti]

I saw your on the freeway yesterday,looks good

[poombah]

clean the bloody wheels..

[Mad_Aussie]

Hardly. 18x7 does not make a good track rim. Maybe for a Commodore.

Russ, lol.

[V70R]

Why didn't you clean the Brembos before installing?

[Mad_Aussie]

They were clean. What they weren't is repainted.

Washing rims, painting brakes etc can happen down the track. Right now it doesn't help in my development of the car.

What the more visually-obsessed here will be happy to know that rims may change soon, as I'm about to pull the hubs off the car and getting them machined to EVO spec (no more custom rotors and rims). So new wheels will probably be needed as these won't be hubcentric.

[Kaido]

very interesting that the nismo lmgt2 clear the brembos, what width and offset are they?

[Mad_Aussie]

Heh, they don't... 6mm spacers ;)

[stumps.]

Hardly. 18x7 does not make a good track rim. Maybe for a Commodore.

Russ, lol.

I will bite back here, your car does not have the power a good semi slick 225/235 can't handle.

So again argument invalid.

Tell me more about your track duties....

[-Luke-]

Are they the same rims as your Avi? if so they look gunmetal/silver in the avi pic and look 100% better IMHO

[Mad_Aussie]

I will bite back here, your car does not have the power a good semi slick 225/235 can't handle.

So again argument invalid.

Tell me more about your track duties....

I do run 235s on it... don't get all serious about it dude :P
I get 235/45 17s cheaper than 18s.
It's the 'better rim' argument that's invalid. I don't want to go with the bandwagon modifying this, and I don't want to have a car that everyone sits around flapping off at. I want some people to hate it. it makes it more fun.

And yes they are Luke, and yeah I agree, silver would be the go.

[c.rusli]

very interesting that the nismo lmgt2 clear the brembos, what width and offset are they?

it this your old rims that i tried to put on the evo back in the days?


Heh, they don't... 6mm spacers ;)

Taught so.. you might need a longer stud dude.


I will bite back here, your car does not have the power a good semi slick 225/235 can't handle.

So again argument invalid.



Tell me more about your track duties....

LOL...

+1 on this...

You might need 17x8 thats minimum on 235 semis

to IMHO the 17 looks midget for your car =/ and its... NISMO...


I do run 235s on it... don't get all serious about it dude :P
I get 235/45 17s cheaper than 18s.
It's the 'better rim' argument that's invalid.

Semis slicks are not "semis slick" Road tyre that the manufacturer advertised...

Proper semis Re55, R888 etc are wider then a "Road semis" - ku36, RSR.

[Mad_Aussie]

Yeah I've got ARP extended studs to go on the front... and they look fine in the flesh, but its beside the point. they are primarily round metal things to put sticky round rubber things on. I don' have the cash to roll expensive rubber on expensive wheels, so I compromise.

and yeah cheers rusli, will be aiming for a set of advans by mid year. at this stage I'm still getting it ready to play with without it breaking on its first outing.

[Turbo2.6L]

What happened to your stock wheels? Keen to sell??

[Mad_Aussie]

Sold them aaaaages ago sorry. what did you want them on? Sets go for $2-400

[Turbo2.6L]

SP23 daily

[Mad_Aussie]

I have a mate with a MPs3 who may be selling rims soon

[c.rusli]

and yeah cheers rusli, will be aiming for a set of advans by mid year. at this stage I'm still getting it ready to play with without it breaking on its first outing.

Lol, just get it out there, and know where to improve on.

i know few guys that said "i will go to track after this and that.."but never sees them on the track for years from the day they said it....

at least you know the improvement parts can shave seconds of your PB .. ;)

[Turbo2.6L]

Cool, let us know if/when & we'll take it from there.

[Kaido]

Heh, they don't... 6mm spacers ;)

was going to say. they look like my old rims. i had 6x nismo lmgt2 for sale ages ago from my r33 (4x white and 2x silver), i had AP Racing caliper on the front i couldn't get the rims to clear the brakes without spacers :(

ohh and screw semi, start off with a good road tyre AD08 or similar in 235 and will be a good base to learn the car at the track

[poombah]

Aaron i've got some oz racing 17x7.5 ( or maybe 8) from Evo VI spare - you can fit a 235/45 rcomp on them no worries... at least you know they clear the brakes :)

The rims just need a decent clean and maybe polish and they should be ok - end of the day it's function over form... at least theyre not tempe tyre specials!

[Mad_Aussie]

Russ, am keen.

[Mad_Aussie]

Lol, just get it out there, and know where to improve on.

i know few guys that said "i will go to track after this and that.."but never sees them on the track for years from the day they said it....

at least you know the improvement parts can shave seconds of your PB .. ;)

that's it dude - but don't worry. I'm itching to take it out!

[Lump]

Aaron i've got some oz racing 17x7.5 ( or maybe 8) from Evo VI spare
stock evo6 is 7.5 wide

[poombah]

that's it dude - but don't worry. I'm itching to take it out!

Don't see yours or shaggys names down for track day?

Still saving for more braces?

You were going to show up my piece of crap evo?

:)

[Mad_Aussie]

putting dollars aside for new rotors. Shaggy, well he's keen but he drives a CA. so probably won't be going ;)
AFARCC day is actually being budgeted for, hoping to have my name down this pay if spots still exist by then. I think shaggys in the same boat.
Very keen to see how it lines up against a real awd hey.

[Mad_Aussie]

Just fitted a custom 88 duro trans mount and engine mount, whole engine is secure now. Car feels immensely more connected to the road, no more whining from the stuffed trans mount. Vibes are a bit higher, but its fine to drive.

http://i.imgur.com/YD5qw.jpg
One cooked mount

http://i.imgur.com/JV07C.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/K25Jb.jpg
(Yellowing is from my weird flash)

[c.rusli]

Is it a poor built quality of mazda? or the car has been driven really hard?

as i read through your post, looks like you have broken most of the bushes and mounts of the car.........

[Mad_Aussie]

They were mostly flogged out when I bought it, she has 150,000kms, and Mazda is notorious for making shit mounts.
This is what I meant by getting the car sorted before going on the track ;)

[Shaggy]

was going to say. they look like my old rims. i had 6x nismo lmgt2 for sale ages ago from my r33 (4x white and 2x silver), i had AP Racing caliper on the front i couldn't get the rims to clear the brakes without spacers :(

ohh and screw semi, start off with a good road tyre AD08 or similar in 235 and will be a good base to learn the car at the track

I bought those off you. 2 of them are your old wheels. I bought another set in white and Azz bought the 8's off me. I then bought another pair of silvers in 8's.
For some reason the 9's clear big brakes, but to run the 8's I have had to run spacers too and thats to clear 34gtt's.


They were mostly flogged out when I bought it, she has 150,000kms, and Mazda is notorious for making shit mounts.
This is what I meant by getting the car sorted before going on the track ;)

And you drive it hard....

[poombah]

Better see you and Shaggy at our track day - shaggys had more than enough time to collect chassis braces! :P

[Shaggy]

Better see you and Shaggy at our track day - shaggys had more than enough time to collect chassis braces! :P

LOL. It seems that I haven't. I have 2 coming from japland atm.

That will make 8 in total...

[poombah]

I cant talk really - got 5 in the evo - 6 if you count the rollcage :P

[Shaggy]

Update?!?!........

Needs more mods!!!!!!!!!!!

[Mad_Aussie]

Hey guys,
Just been lurking for a while, changing jobs and shit lately, just haven't been on many forums.

http://i.imgur.com/d4X7y.jpg

So the car now has 25mm Ichiba bolt-on spacers in the rear, which make the wheels sit with almost the same offsets as the front.
It's fairly dramatically changed the look of the car, and has made a marked improvement in it's stability through the turns.. Feels a lot more planted now than when the rears sat in like some sort of custom built autokhana car.

I took it out to the RAC centre yesterday with the AFARCC crew, so here's a video of me not driving any decent racing lines... Enjoy!

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5UHiNEws0cM?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>