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Thread: Now driving a Mazdaspeed 3: Introduction

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    Default Now driving a Mazdaspeed 3: Introduction

    Figured I should do a formal re-introduction. Met a bunch of people here and been on this forum for a few years.

    For anyone that doesn't know me, my real name is Frankie, retired president at toprotege.ca., most people call me Junior or Snips. I love Italian cuisine, long walks on the beach, my favourite colour is red... wait, that's not the kind of intro you want....

    Seriously though, I've driven two Mazda Proteges in the past (and a slew of other cars) ... but the proteges were my pride and joys, as well as my toys, and since everyone like pictures I'll share some of what I had.

    My 2002 Protege 5



    My 2002 Protege Sedan



    Sold my sedan 2 years ago and finally sold the protege5 a few weeks ago. To replace the car(s), I ended up purchasing a White 2012 Mazdaspeed 3. I've been driving it for almost 2 months and I firmly believe that it has restored my love of driving. Coming from heavy-modding on my last two cars, I'm trying as hard as I can to keep this one stock. I don't have pictures of my new car - since it looks exactly like any other one you'd see at a local Mazda dealer. Nothing special.

    Anyway, looking forward to meeting more people and new experiences with the new whip.
    Frankie Snips | Westside | 2012 Mazdaspeed 3 | 2016 Mazda 3 | DOP3


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    Sr Member schmat66's Avatar
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    Default Re: Now driving a Mazdaspeed 3: Introduction

    Welcome bud! Met you at seches!
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    Jr Member turtle's Avatar
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    Default Re: Now driving a Mazdaspeed 3: Introduction

    Congrats, nice Proteges, love the look of the RX-8's on the sedan
    #HATCHTAG

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    Default Re: Now driving a Mazdaspeed 3: Introduction

    Quote Originally Posted by schmat66 View Post
    Welcome bud! Met you at seches!
    Yup. Thanks for the welcome.

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    Default Re: Now driving a Mazdaspeed 3: Introduction

    Quote Originally Posted by turtle View Post
    Congrats, nice Proteges, love the look of the RX-8's on the sedan
    Thanks! Yea, the RX8's looked good, but there was a lot of blood, sweat and tears to get them to fit. Had to run spacers, stretch tires and camber to get it not to rub. The 3 inch drop didn't help.
    Last edited by Junior; 07-25-2012 at 01:28 PM.

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    Jr Member turtle's Avatar
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    Default Re: Now driving a Mazdaspeed 3: Introduction

    Quote Originally Posted by Junior View Post
    Thanks! Yea, the RX8's looked good, but there was a lot of blood, sweat and tears to get them to fit. Had to run, spacers, stretch tires and camber to get it not to rub. The 3 inch drop didn't help.
    I bet lol. Looked dope tho, well worth it.

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    Member Elusivellama's Avatar
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    Default Re: Now driving a Mazdaspeed 3: Introduction

    Best intro so far, welcome to TM3. That red protege looks good. Did you get the tech package?

    As for mods on your new MS3, I doubt that anyone can keep it stock. For one thing, the stock RMM is too soft and you may want to upgrade that to drastically cut down on engine slop. For another thing, the stock shifter has throw lengths which are a bit too long, IMO, a JBarone short shift plate will fix that up right quick. There are a lot of other performance mods you can do to the car, but the aforementioned two easy and cheap mods address some of the shortcomings of this car.

    Also, this may be a bit much, but ditch the stock floor mats and get Weathertech Digitalfits - if you don't already have them. I've had mine in my car for the last 1.5yrs and the carpeting still looks and feels like new. If you do any highway driving, get the clearbra protection - another thing that will pay off as the years go by.

    Okay, I'll stop now

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    Sr Member rzapata's Avatar
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    Default Re: Now driving a Mazdaspeed 3: Introduction

    This sounds more like a professional introduction.

    Congrats on the new zoomer! I guess a welcome is not necessary since you've been a member since '05.

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    Default Re: Now driving a Mazdaspeed 3: Introduction

    Welcome! I also registered to TOP and your car looks familiar. Glad to see you at TM3!
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    Default Re: Now driving a Mazdaspeed 3: Introduction

    Quote Originally Posted by Elusivellama View Post
    Best intro so far, welcome to TM3. That red protege looks good. Did you get the tech package?

    As for mods on your new MS3, I doubt that anyone can keep it stock. For one thing, the stock RMM is too soft and you may want to upgrade that to drastically cut down on engine slop. For another thing, the stock shifter has throw lengths which are a bit too long, IMO, a JBarone short shift plate will fix that up right quick. There are a lot of other performance mods you can do to the car, but the aforementioned two easy and cheap mods address some of the shortcomings of this car.

    Also, this may be a bit much, but ditch the stock floor mats and get Weathertech Digitalfits - if you don't already have them. I've had mine in my car for the last 1.5yrs and the carpeting still looks and feels like new. If you do any highway driving, get the clearbra protection - another thing that will pay off as the years go by.

    Okay, I'll stop now
    Great tips, thanks. I actually ended up getting the all season mats (rubber ones) - dealer threw them in when I purchased the car, so the stock ones are in a sealed bag. I'll scoop up the weather tech ones for the winter. I don't do too much highway, so I may skip the clear bra thing for now. Ended up buying the rubber trunk mat too. That helps for when I want to just throw bodies, err, i mean things in the trunk with spilling anything. Take it out, hose it off and throw it back in.

    I've heard a few mentions on the RMM and the short shifter. Those maybe things I'll consider first, when I decide to mod.

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    Default Re: Now driving a Mazdaspeed 3: Introduction

    Welcome to the TOP -> TM3 transition trend. lol


    I think I met you once at Aimco/Dixie at the ToPro meet few yrs back.


    Also, start saving money for the HPFP if you plan to go on power mods.
    Last edited by SKYMP3; 07-25-2012 at 02:18 PM.
    1994 Mazda MX-6 Mystere - SOLD
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    BYE MAZDA


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    Default Re: Now driving a Mazdaspeed 3: Introduction

    welcome to TM3!

    I am pretty sure I met you a few years ago at vaughan mills when I spotted your protege with the RX-8 rims. Unless yours wasn't boosted then it was probably someone else.

    Miss the protege days....just a little. lol

    Anywho guranteed you will be modding the speed3! LOL! For sure fun cars to drive!!

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    Member Elusivellama's Avatar
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    Default Re: Now driving a Mazdaspeed 3: Introduction

    Quote Originally Posted by Junior View Post
    Great tips, thanks. I actually ended up getting the all season mats (rubber ones) - dealer threw them in when I purchased the car, so the stock ones are in a sealed bag. I'll scoop up the weather tech ones for the winter. I don't do too much highway, so I may skip the clear bra thing for now. Ended up buying the rubber trunk mat too. That helps for when I want to just throw bodies, err, i mean things in the trunk with spilling anything. Take it out, hose it off and throw it back in.

    I've heard a few mentions on the RMM and the short shifter. Those maybe things I'll consider first, when I decide to mod.
    Yeah, I've had the dealer all season rubber mats in my old 2007 Mazda 3. They can be charitably described as 'inadequate' since they lack a lip, so water/slush/snow just flows right off of it into your carpets. When you do start modding, read this first: http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/sh...ow-information

    and also this:

    http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/sh...ne-Oil-Threads
    Last edited by Elusivellama; 07-25-2012 at 04:20 PM.

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    Member Junior's Avatar
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    Default Re: Now driving a Mazdaspeed 3: Introduction

    Quote Originally Posted by homieG View Post
    welcome to TM3!

    I am pretty sure I met you a few years ago at vaughan mills when I spotted your protege with the RX-8 rims. Unless yours wasn't boosted then it was probably someone else.

    Miss the protege days....just a little. lol

    Anywho guranteed you will be modding the speed3! LOL! For sure fun cars to drive!!
    That would be me. Sedan was boosted.

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    Default Re: Now driving a Mazdaspeed 3: Introduction

    Quote Originally Posted by SKYMP3 View Post
    Welcome to the TOP -> TM3 transition trend. lol


    I think I met you once at Aimco/Dixie at the ToPro meet few yrs back.


    Also, start saving money for the HPFP if you plan to go on power mods.
    I've met a lot of people over the years and it's hard to remember all the names. But I'll do my best to remember now.

    I've read about the HPFP upgrade, but plans of power gains are not in my immediate future. (I hope)

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    Default Re: Now driving a Mazdaspeed 3: Introduction

    long walks on the beach eh?
    You just got passed by a girl.

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    Default Re: Now driving a Mazdaspeed 3: Introduction

    Quote Originally Posted by Marta View Post
    long walks on the beach eh?
    Hah!

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    Default Re: Now driving a Mazdaspeed 3: Introduction

    Welcome

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    Default Re: Now driving a Mazdaspeed 3: Introduction

    palo respresent!

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    Default Re: Now driving a Mazdaspeed 3: Introduction

    Thanks for the shout outs. Good to see some familiar board names.

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    Default Re: Now driving a Mazdaspeed 3: Introduction

    I won't believe it's your car till I see the DIABLO plate.
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    Default Re: Now driving a Mazdaspeed 3: Introduction

    Welcome! I use to have a P5 and was on the toprotege forums. Enjoy the MS3, you'll be modding it in no time I'm sure.
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    Default Re: Now driving a Mazdaspeed 3: Introduction

    Quote Originally Posted by Lockdown View Post
    I won't believe it's your car till I see the DIABLO plate.
    Thanks for the welcome. I think.

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    Default Re: Now driving a Mazdaspeed 3: Introduction

    Quote Originally Posted by Turok View Post
    Welcome! I use to have a P5 and was on the toprotege forums. Enjoy the MS3, you'll be modding it in no time I'm sure.

    Everyone is telling me the same thing, but in all honesty... I'm holding out as long as possible.

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    Sr Member rzapata's Avatar
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    Default Re: Now driving a Mazdaspeed 3: Introduction

    Quote Originally Posted by Junior View Post
    Everyone is telling me the same thing, but in all honesty... I'm holding out as long as possible.
    Once you get used to the car, you'd probably (most likely would) want more power.

    Then that's where it will all begin......

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