New to mods...are mods even for me?

[eliminator]

I'm getting all excited about possible mods for my MS3, but I'm starting to wonder if mods are even for me. I dont track my car or drag every stoplight and think the car has enough balls to keep me happy.

What I'm looking for are mods that:
-dont void warranty (especially if I extend to 84 months)
-wont hurt resale
-easy to install with no CELs (easy remove)
-arent too expensive
-more robust than stock.... so I can justify the purchase to wife (honey, we NEED those upgraded motor mounts so the engine doesnt fall out leaving you stranded on the side of the road in a snowstorm

so, with these factors in mind, am I limited to visual upgrades only?

thanx

[philipfreire]

If I was in your situation:


Honey, I need my car lowered with sway bars to maneuver around corners in case of an emergency. it also helps stop a tad better.


But Baby, HID's lets you see more of the road in front of you. Its safer and you'll feel safer!


Sweetheart, I put the intake, headers and exhaust to give me that extra power so when I decide to play batman I can get to the scene of the crime faster!


Honey. I am putting my foot down when I say I want TURBO.

[kjmckenz]

^ Psht!

If I was married and my guy came up to me and tried to pull that crap on me, I'd be like "Erm, OBVIOUSLY! We can't lower it and NOT add sway bars!" Lol.

Maybe you need to show her how awesome cars are when you see them from a prized possession point of view. =D

[horto]

She'll never know there's a short ram intake under the hood if you don't open it up to show her. She'll never find the upgraded rear motor mount either. But when she says your stock horn is gay, it's okay to upgrade to hella supertones and tell her about it!

[Nextmod]

welcome =) tot he modding world =P

but ya HID's would be pretty easy as a starter lol

[RECREATIONAL_ANXIETY]

^ Psht!

If I was married and my guy came up to me and tried to pull that crap on me, I'd be like "Erm, OBVIOUSLY! We can't lower it and NOT add sway bars!" Lol

You are the perfect wife...lol :chuckle

[kjmckenz]

You are the perfect wife...lol :chuckle

Bahaha! It may seem so at first glance, but when my guy were to realize that I:
a) hog the car
b) use it as a second closet
c) do burnouts for no good reason
d) hang out at Tim Horton's late at night to converse with other guys
e) etc...

He may not be so happy about having what you may consider "the perfect wife" lmao

[Donutz]

If you are afraid of voiding warranty don't mod your car. Done. You ALWAYS run the risk of having warranty issues with a modded car. CELs, well you get used to them. MM's you definitely need; you will realize this most after you install one!

At the end of the day modding can be an expensive hobby that can void your warranty, ruin your car, and potentially your relationships. It can also get expensive.

To me it sounds like you want to try and make power without risks, but I don't think that is possible. Your best bet is to go get HID's, rims, and a lip. Maybe some vinyl and be happy with a trick looking car. BUT, if you really want the extra oomf then mod for power and accept the risks and consequences.

Happy modding!

[stevenma188]

Easy to remove mods include HIDs, rims, interior/exterior bulbs (to LED/blue/chrome dipped ones), shaving the door molding strip.

Also, maybe you should look into the AccessPort, as it will boost the performance of the car, without visibly altering anything.

[Turok]

She'll never know there's a short ram intake under the hood if you don't open it up to show her. She'll never find the upgraded rear motor mount either. But when she says your stock horn is gay, it's okay to upgrade to hella supertones and tell her about it!

lol

This is the best way to go :) unless she is keeping track of the books

[Noodlemier]

Bahaha! It may seem so at first glance, but when my guy were to realize that I:
a) hog the car
b) use it as a second closet
c) do burnouts for no good reason
d) hang out at Tim Horton's late at night to converse with other guys
e) etc...

He may not be so happy about having what you may consider "the perfect wife" lmao


Are you kidding me, that IS the perfect wife lol! Oh, and seperate cars are a must.....how else could you compare burnouts! Luckily my wife is totally into modding our new 3! WooHoo!!

[aZuMi]

Your best bet is to go get HID's, rims, and a lip. Maybe some vinyl and be happy with a trick looking car. BUT, if you really want the extra oomf then mod for power and accept the risks and consequences.

+1 and maybe lower it. Just tell your wife how nice it will look. You can always go back to stock height and sell the springs if she doesn't like it =)

[Default User]

just keep popping the clutch and say the shocks and springs need replacing.

[spd frk]

Based on your first 3 qualities I would say mods aren't really for you. Even the best quality mods are fairly expensive, and not as robust as stock. Everything except mazdaspeed parts sold through Mazda will void your warranty. Generally speaking mods reduce the resale value of your car too because a) people percieve you drove the car harder and b) not everyone wants the same mods you have.

Personally I think the best for you would be Mazdaspeed parts from Mazda such as the CAI (if you can still get one) and springs. They will improve sound and stance a little, but not noticeably. Really to unlock the potential of your 3 you need a downpipe and ECU (at least a Cobb AP). But those will break your requirements.