[Learjet45]

Hello! I'm new here. I'm Jonathan. Or Learjet45. Or Learjet. I don't really care
Joined a bit ago, but this is my first post. I'm currently driving a 2005 Mazda 6i AT (or is it ATX, or are they the same?) and I absolutely love it. For 4 cylinders, it's one fun car to drive! But I've gotta admit, my dad's TL can be a bit more fun That V-6 is amazing. I really wish I had a MS6 (more power! Not to mention AWD for the snow ^_^).

I would love to make some changes to it as I will probably be driving it for at least another year and a half before I go off to college (current a junior in HS, got my license about 5 months ago ).

Just want to get started with a couple general questions.

If I understand correctly from what I've been reading on the different boards, the MS6 uses the same 2.3L inline-4 engine as my 6i, correct? So this means I would be able to get a MS6 turbo and put it on my '05 6i? Just trying to be sure as the MS6 was made after my 6. Also apparently I need a transmission cooler as well? How much does one cost/where can I get one? The turbocharger is probably more of a fantasy, but hey I can dream can't I?

Second, I've been wanting to get a better sound system for a while (I've got the non-Bose system). It doesn't take a genius to realize that aftermarket radios won't fit in the Mazda without some form of modification. I also understand that the main option to solve this issue is the Metra dash kit. From my browsing of the forums, it seems as though the main issues with the Metra is the difficulty of using the hazard flashers with the dash kit, as well as a possibility of the kit fitting properly. Is it also the general consensus that the Metra kit looks bad? I'm not as worried about it looking bad as making sure it will work (I believe I have manual climate controls? The twistable dials for temp, speed, and mode where it blows) and be worth it. I'm thinking that I would get a new deck from Crutchfield (Alpine CDE-102 is the one I was looking at IIRC) because it comes with the Metra for half price. I would probably get a good set of speakers from Best Buy (got about $30 in RZ certificates I would use). Is the Metra really worth it? Are there alternatives?


Anyways, thought I would post here because it says post here first!

-Jonathan

 

[flipper66]

welcome

Trans cooler= any auto parts store ~40 bucks

the block is the same on the MS6 as the NA I4, but the fuel and ECU are entirely different. Yes a MS6 turbo manifold, and all those goodies do work, but you would need to figure out a way to properly tune for the increase in power.(the difficult part) You would also need to add a bit larger injectors.


there are other options other than the Metra kit, but most of them are ugly as hell IMO. then again I'm not an audio guy.

enjoy

 

[tuckNroll]

I have an idea what you are talking about. TL > M6. But I'm sure your dad payed thousands more!

My dad is rolling in a TSX and for thousands less than he payed, my 6 is very comparable feature and spec wise. My 6 even gets better gas mileage by +2-3 mpg and thats taking that I floor the thing way more than he floors his tsx.

As for the stereo, I gotta agree with flipper, the metra looks like poop, and what you pay for it, its a total rip. I will suggest this; when you buy speakers make sure you buy a components set for the front speakers, it makes a world of a difference.

 

[MonoxideChild]

im with you guys. the metra unit makes the whole interior look cheap.

 

[flipper66]

Mono you run one of those JL clean sweeps dont you? If I was going to do new components, that would be the way I would go.

 

[MonoxideChild]

yea. i have it mounted to the underside of my passenger seat since i just tapped off the stock wiring that went to the original amp. its a little overkill for most people. but is pretty sweet.

for those that dont know. the JL cleansweep makes my headunit nothing more then just a source. the cleansweep handles all the sound processing. i wanted a higher quality sound. and bass that didnt get turned down as the stereo was turned up (like the factory processor does).

 

[Speed135]

I suspect this is your first car and want to improve it. We have all been there. Just keeping up with maintenance, a new set of tires when needed, new battery and other replacement parts with a car five years old can keep your wallet hurting. Keep it sharp inside and out, nice radio and read alot, there is a lot to learn in these forums about your car.

 

[Learjet45]

Correct, this is my first car. Luckily, I don't have to pay for the upkeep. Parents are covering tires, oil changes, gas, insurance, and just about everything else. However I am on my own for any mods The car has been pretty well maintained and still runs great for 140k miles.

 

[Speed135]

The engine, transmission, CV joints, on and on have been working for a long time, 140K. My 07 Speed GT only has 36K on it. Years ago I learned by reading a lot car magazines and asking questions. There is a lot of good information on this club sight.
Just keep your car looking good, in and out. A good sounding stero that you are working on now and maybe nice set of wheels will set it off. If you push it to hard and starts breaking down you will hate the car. Repairs can become very expensive, Good luck with it.

 

[MonoxideChild]

man. my parents never covered squat. i had to buy my own cars, insurance. everything. if the car broke down, and i couldnt afford to fix it. then i had to ride my bike to work.

 

[Speed135]

I worked in gas stations when they were still gas stations and tune ups and grease jobs were every 10-12K miles during and after grad high school. I also paid for all my car expenses, while going to aviation school in Miami a long time ago, got my upgraded parts from junk yards which are no bargin these days.
Short note on the Mazda pleated paper oil filters they use now. Ford went to spin on filters in 1957, the deal just like now was to get adapter from Ford to use spin on type. Air filters were reverse flow oil bath air cleaners. The crud couldn't make the reverse turn and flew into oil bath ring. Sorry about this post being off subject.

 

[Learjet45]

The car makes a bit of a rattling noise while turning that I can hear. Been that way for a while. Not quite sure what it is.

I drive, well quite aggressively Call me your stereotypical teenage male driver. I floor it. A LOT. I'm way ahead of anyone when I'm first at a stop light. I'm going faster than most cars already on the highway when I merge into traffic from the on-ramp. I've broken 100 at least a dozen times in the past month. (Side note: Was driving to school last week, floored it in the exit lane as there were no cars for a good ways, got up to about 105, started slowing down as I went to veer off the exit, looked over and there was a cop next to me while I was still going about 90 and the highways are 65 here ). I've got myself a laser/radar/whatever they are now detector (well, took it from my dad's car, he never used it and hasn't noticed lol). I speed. A LOT I constantly hit 85 on the one of the roads thats a 40 driving to school (never any traffic really). I've freaked out quite a few people while driving. I had one girl pretty freaked out saying we we're going to die It's so much fun to drive the 6. No tickets yet Thank God for the laser detector.

Found a promising looking shop about 45 mins from where I live if I have any work done
Revolutions Performance

 

[6Y MAZDA]

The car makes a bit of a rattling noise while turning that I can hear. Been that way for a while. Not quite sure what it is.

I drive, well quite aggressively Call me your stereotypical teenage male driver. I floor it. A LOT. I'm way ahead of anyone when I'm first at a stop light. I'm going faster than most cars already on the highway when I merge into traffic from the on-ramp. I've broken 100 at least a dozen times in the past month. (Side note: Was driving to school last week, floored it in the exit lane as there were no cars for a good ways, got up to about 105, started slowing down as I went to veer off the exit, looked over and there was a cop next to me while I was still going about 90 and the highways are 65 here ). I've got myself a laser/radar/whatever they are now detector (well, took it from my dad's car, he never used it and hasn't noticed lol). I speed. A LOT I constantly hit 85 on the one of the roads thats a 40 driving to school (never any traffic really). I've freaked out quite a few people while driving. I had one girl pretty freaked out saying we we're going to die It's so much fun to drive the 6. No tickets yet Thank God for the laser detector.

Found a promising looking shop about 45 mins from where I live if I have any work done
Revolutions Performance

Simmer down, junior.

 

[Learjet45]

That's highly unlikely

 

[Speed135]

I got a lot of tickets when I was your age, but "they" have come down on this type of driving a lot harder these days. The speed and agressive driving is a thrill, still get it my self but you have to be smart about it. The law of averages will up catch with you, detector or not. Read that as expensive in either tickets or car repairs. Don't forget you have a license plate number on the back! You will develop a rep and the cops will lay for you-you can't beat em.
Short story, years ago when I had motor cycles, then a 1989 Suzuki Katana 750 my self, the owner of the shop I traded with told me he sold a turbo charged 1200 Suzuki to a guy, I saw it before it was sold, anyway the guy never made it home, to much speed with an inexperienced driver, couldn't make a curve and tried to knock down a big tree with the bike-the tree won-he lost his life. Slow down before something bad happens. You don't often get a second chance, if you kill some one driving aggressivly, your life will never be the same.
The noise could be a CV joint, don't know that they rattle, maybe you didn't describe the noise properly.

 

[Dart]

The car makes a bit of a rattling noise while turning that I can hear. Been that way for a while. Not quite sure what it is.

I drive, well quite aggressively Call me your stereotypical teenage male driver. I floor it. A LOT. I'm way ahead of anyone when I'm first at a stop light. I'm going faster than most cars already on the highway when I merge into traffic from the on-ramp. I've broken 100 at least a dozen times in the past month. (Side note: Was driving to school last week, floored it in the exit lane as there were no cars for a good ways, got up to about 105, started slowing down as I went to veer off the exit, looked over and there was a cop next to me while I was still going about 90 and the highways are 65 here ). I've got myself a laser/radar/whatever they are now detector (well, took it from my dad's car, he never used it and hasn't noticed lol). I speed. A LOT I constantly hit 85 on the one of the roads thats a 40 driving to school (never any traffic really). I've freaked out quite a few people while driving. I had one girl pretty freaked out saying we we're going to die It's so much fun to drive the 6. No tickets yet Thank God for the laser detector.

Found a promising looking shop about 45 mins from where I live if I have any work done
Revolutions Performance

I know I am new here but I have been in the car scene for a long time. Mostly older stuff and Jbodys. I really hope this kind of attitude isn't the norm on the board.

If you want to do this kind of stuff take it to a track. My moto if someone is trying to race me on the street "and yes some idiot in a silverado and another in a honda already have" I just say to my self, whats the point in proving something I already know.

I know as a teenager when you start driving your racing every god damn thing in site "OMG THAT WOMAN JUST WALKED ACROSS THE STREET FASTER THAN ME!" *Floor*. Like speed135 said, slow it down. You never know who your going to hurt, you or yourself. Or at least don't brag about it on a public forum... ever hear about the the guy that lost his license for bragging about speeding on facebook?


And if this is the general attitude on this forum my stay here might be pretty short.

 

[Learjet45]

I know I am new here but I have been in the car scene for a long time. Mostly older stuff and Jbodys. I really hope this kind of attitude isn't the norm on the board.

If you want to do this kind of stuff take it to a track. My moto if someone is trying to race me on the street "and yes some idiot in a silverado and another in a honda already have" I just say to my self, whats the point in proving something I already know.

I know as a teenager when you start driving your racing every god damn thing in site "OMG THAT WOMAN JUST WALKED ACROSS THE STREET FASTER THAN ME!" *Floor*. Like speed135 said, slow it down. You never know who your going to hurt, you or yourself. Or at least don't brag about it on a public forum... ever hear about the the guy that lost his license for bragging about speeding on facebook?


And if this is the general attitude on this forum my stay here might be pretty short.

I'm not trying to justify anything I've said I do with this post. I'm just clarifying.
I don't ever speed to try and beat anyone or anything for any reason. I only speed when there isn't much traffic (which there generally isn't about 6:30 in the mornings when I'm driving to school, ugh. At least, not on the stretch of highway I drive on). I know speeding isn't safe, and never really is. However, that isn't going to stop me. I'm aware of the risks I'm taking, and not just risks that could affect me, but other drivers on the road as well. I'm not trying to pretend they don't exist. I know they do now and always will. However, I will still speed when I think I "safely" can (as I said, I know speeding is never safe, but there are times when it can be considered less dangerous than at other times imo). So I do appreciate your intentions and your post. However, I will still speed, whether it be 5 over or 25 over.

And I haven't been here long either, but I have browsed the forums for a while, and AFAIK, I don't represent the general attitude on the forums very well

 

[Mz6GreyGhost]

And if this is the general attitude on this forum my stay here might be pretty short.

Trust me, it's not. We don't tolerate any street racing posts, and if we want to brag, we take 'em to the track.

Having said that, I'm guilty as much as the next guy about driving aggressively sometimes, but I don't do it often, and if I do, I don't brag about it on a forum.

With age comes wisdom. After getting a few speeding tickets and attending defensive driving courses to lower my points and insurance, I've learned to slow it down over the years.

Oh, and I've also discovered that radar/laser detectors aren't 100% effective either.

Just saying...

 

[Dart]

I'm not trying to justify anything I've said I do with this post. I'm just clarifying.
I don't ever speed to try and beat anyone or anything for any reason. I only speed when there isn't much traffic (which there generally isn't about 6:30 in the mornings when I'm driving to school, ugh. At least, not on the stretch of highway I drive on). I know speeding isn't safe, and never really is. However, that isn't going to stop me. I'm aware of the risks I'm taking, and not just risks that could affect me, but other drivers on the road as well. I'm not trying to pretend they don't exist. I know they do now and always will. However, I will still speed when I think I "safely" can (as I said, I know speeding is never safe, but there are times when it can be considered less dangerous than at other times imo). So I do appreciate your intentions and your post. However, I will still speed, whether it be 5 over or 25 over.

And I haven't been here long either, but I have browsed the forums for a while, and AFAIK, I don't represent the general attitude on the forums very well

good to know. I do understand where you are coming from. I have had cars with nitrous and now this MS6. Its addicting. And trust me there are times its nice to have the 280hp around here.

Anyways didn't mean to lecture you, sorry if it came across like that.

On a side note if you are looking for some bang for your buck in your car have you considered nitrous? I am not sure how these engines are built... but the nice thing about something like say a zex wet kit, is you tune the KIT and build the engine. So your engine stays drivable for daily driving. And you don't need to run premo gas either until you go to use the bottle. Depending on HP shot on the bottle as well you might not need premo. Think of it as a turbo in a bottle. And if you find a used kit they usually go for $300ish. Just check the seals on the solenoids when you get it. A rebuild kit is always recommended for a used nitrous kit. Don't want that thing sticking open on youlol

Biggest thing with a Nitrous kit *not nos... nos is a brand name* is a WIDEBAND a/f sensor... narrow bands are useless and just for ricer show. Another way you can monitor for lean conditions is a pyrometer but those aren't near as accurate.

 

[MonoxideChild]

an EGT (pyrometer) is used for alot more then just to monitor air/fuel. its a very useful gauge to be used along side a wideband. i have both in both my built turbo cars running megasquirt.