I have a Speed 3 and noticed that it has a lot of carbon build up in the exhaust (which I clean every time it wash), also a lot of condensation at cold start ups... so much so that I thought it was smoke at first and thought 'aw shit! bad turbo seal' but it's just steam even on a warm day in the 60-70s... Is this normal? Do you guys experience the same thing? I don't drive hard at all, not yet at least. Still breaking it in.

I also have a CX-7 which supposedly has the same motor and turbo but just smaller inlet... but it doesn't have that much condensation or carbon build up. I've just never have any cars that I've own have THAT much build up or 'steam' on a warm day.

What do you guys think?

sadly its completely normal... its always going to be black back there..

Yes, I too have noticed that it get's a little black in that spot. I've also noticed if I touch that spot, my hands get dirty...Josh, is this normal?

Your suppose to wipe before you get up....didnt ur mother teach you better?

There is no such thing as a perfect seal. I always found that I would get the start-up "puff" after short drives. If I had a nice long cruise, then parked overnight, there would be no "puff" at next day start-up. That was with Saabs. That black crap is fine. It is from running rich... usually during boost, I believe.

Its normal. Mine is pretty much solid black. And when i let the car warm up in the morning it seems like it billows condensation after a little.

well said ^^^

Pretty much I dare anyone to find a Speed3 without a sooty / black exhaust that didn't just get cleaned within the last 48 hours.

How much of this is caused by oil blow-by that might be remedied with a catch can?

dommo_g wrote:How much of this is caused by oil blow-by that might be remedied with a catch can?

+1...my CC is in the mail...Saikou Michi FTMTW!!!

WHOA Batman has a Speed3?!?! nice! good to see ya again (from the CSC days)