Just as important as power mods, non-power mods can make a big difference in how your mazdaspeed drives and handles. These modifications can be upgraded as standalone mods, therefore you can upgrade one or any part in any order.
1. Motor Mounts
Pros: Easy to install, improve handling and grip, minimize wheel hop.
Cons: NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness)
Buy: EdgeAutosport.com
The mazdaspeed motors are suspended by three motor mounts at the rear, passenger, and transmission (drivers side). The rear motor mount is the most common upgrade, as the stock rear mount has a lot of give, causing a large amount of wheel hop. The rear motor mount is easy to change, and will only add minimal NVH(noise, vibration, harshness).
Next, the transmission mount is usually upgraded. This upgrade will make a noticeable difference in your shifts. I would occasionally miss the 2-3 shift before I upgraded my transmission mount.
Lastly is the passenger motor mount. Upgrading this mount will result in the most NVH. The stock passenger mount is known to leak and will need to be replaced. Beware that upgrading all three motor mounts will cause quite a lot of vibrations in the car. While this is a matter of personal preference, I recommend going for a ride in a fellow mazdaspeed with all three motor mounts upgraded to decide for yourself if you are OK with all three upgraded mounts.
2. Solid Shifter Bushings
Upgrading your shifter bushings is a simple and inexpensive upgrade that will improve the feel of how your mazdaspeed shifts. Upgrading the stock bushings with solid shifter bushings will remove play in the shift cage. Therefore, your shifts will feel crisper and more solid.
3. Rear Sway Bar
If you enjoy taking the windy road home to have fun in the curves, you will love the difference in handling with an upgraded rear sway bar. Being a common issue in most front wheel drive cars, the mazdaspeed is not immune to understeer. Stiffening the rear sway bar will help change the bias of the suspension, improving turn in and reducing understeer.
4. EGR Block Off/Delete
Pros: Reduce carbon buildup, increase oxygen in combustion
Cons: need to clear code in tune to prevent CEL
Mazdaspeed have an exhaust gas recirculation (egr) valve. It’s purpose is to route some of the exhaust gases back into the manifold to reduce emissions and increase fuel efficiency. The downside is a lot of carbon is routed back into the manifold, and will stick to the intake valves. There are aftermarket parts to block exhaust gases from the intake manifold: a Block off plate, or an EGR valve delete. The first option is basically a plate that covers the port into the manifold. The second option will block the port and remove the valve, opening up a bit of space in the engine bay.
5. Bypass Valve
The stock bypass valve is known to leak past stock boost levels. Upgrading the bypass valve will enable you to hold all the boost your turbo worked so hard to make. There are options on the market for upgraded bypass valves. One appealing option for many is an adjustable bypass valve, such as the GoFastBits bypass valve. With an adjustable valve, you can route some of the air to vent to atmosphere (VTA) , giving an audible “woosh.” Just note that professional tuners recommend no more than 50% VTA to prevent stumbling between shifts and maintain a proper Air Fuel ratio.
Additional Non-Power Mods
- Oil Catch Can – you can purchase sealed or vented cans to reduce crankcase pressure, and prevent oil from entering the intake.
- Throttle body coolant bypass – mazdaspeed throttle bodies have a passage for coolant to flow through the valve, preventing freezing/sticking valves in really cold weather. This can add heat to the intake air, which you want to keep as cool as possible for the most power.
- Battery Box – some aftermarket intakes cannot fit with the stock battery box, and require an aftermarket box to relocate the ECU, and/or to fit a smaller battery (51R).
- Short Throw Shifter – reduce the throw between shifts.
- Brakes – Going fast is fun, but only if you can stop afterwards.
- Power! Check out my article on the first five power mods for mazdaspeeds.
Conclusion
Making more power isn’t the only way to get more out of your mazdaspeed. These non-power mods will drastically improve the way your car will handle, keeping that smile on your face every time you get in the driver’s seat.
