Today we will meet the man behind the youtube channel Whitezilla. His gen2 mazdaspeed 3 has come a long way from simple bolt-ons to the monster it is today. I was able to get in touch with Ariel and ask him a few questions. Check out what he had to say.
When and how did you get interested in the mazdaspeed platform?
Funny enough in 2012 I was looking for a turbo car. Originally, I was checking out dealers for used EVOs and STIs. So, I found this nice looking STI at a Mazda dealer but after inspecting it, it was leaking oil out of every seal with bald tires. I didn’t have a good feeling about it so as I was leaving the dealership the salesperson told me that if I wanted a fast turbo car, I needed a speed3. I laughed non knowing any better. So, I took it for a spin and here I am 9 years later with the same car!
In early Whitezilla youtube videos, your mazdaspeed3 just had basic bolt-ons. Can you explain the process of how evolved into what it is today?
Back in 2012 I didn’t really know what I was doing with the platform, so I just followed the usual mods like intake and exhaust. After hearing about some friends blowing up, I started doing some research in the forums and found out about Cobb Accessport and the importance of the HPFP. From a simple stage1, it evolved into a stage 2. So, at this point it was pretty much full bolt-ons on a custom tune. Made about 300whp. After a few months I got used to the power and went seeking for more. It quickly turned into a Big turbo, stock internals. Then I built the engine with an even bigger turbo. That’s the point I made nearly 800whp. I ran this set up for about 3 years until the engine had enough. Here I’m 2 years later building my dream car!
What are you plans with Whitezilla moving forward? When can we expect to see the car on the dyno?
At the moment the car is been built for ½ mile events. My goal is to break the ½ mile speed record of 213mph for 4 cylinders. Current record is held by Gringotegra (Acura Integra). To accomplish this the car is fully gutted, chassis stich welded, 6 point roll cage, tubing front end, tubular subframe, custom suspension. All this should ensure the chassis is rigid and lightweight. Power wise? It’s a built engine with a precision 7275. Hoping to make 1000 to 1200 whp.
Tell me about the products you make for the mazdaspeed platform, and how can people purchase the parts.
The products I am making are mainly for my use with the added benefit of people interested in them. I’m just trying to improve the platform as well as make it as simple as possible. I’m basically applying what I know from experience and try to build on it. Some things work, some others don’t. But hey that’s what testing is for! And I couldn’t be happier and more thankful with the support of the community and the willingness to try and test these products.
I've been amazed with how meticulous your build is, and how you have taken on fabricating nearly every part on the car yourself in your own garage. How long have you been fabricating?
My fabrication days are very young. I’ve been a bolt on parts installer for most of the time. 2 years ago, when I decided to go all out on this build is when I started to build/fabricate my own parts. Mainly out of necessity. If I where to pay someone to do all this work for me, it would cost me a fortune. So, I decided to get some tools and give it my best. I thought of fabricating parts for sale to whomever is interested but I just don’t have the time. I really would like to finish up my project before I try anything. Hopefully one day I could open a shop where I can go wild building cars!
What is one piece of advice you have for someone getting started in modifying their Mazdaspeed 3 / 6?
To anyone getting started on the Mazdaspeed platform I would say…Make sure you do your research. These cars can be very picky with mods. There are tons of websites, forums full of information. Also, many experience people in the platform that you could reach on social media and ask as many questions as you would like. My DMs are always open! Feel free to contact me with any questions.
Ariel is very humble about his talents and the progress on his car. To follow along with the Whitezilla build, please go check out the build series on his youtube channel mazdaspeed3 build series. Show the channel some love and don’t forget to like and subscribe!
