Shadowden's Mazda3 Build thread

[Shadowden]

I have created this thread to track the work I have done to my Mazda 3.

The plan is to make it more of a show car, since, although the NA 2.3 l engine is quick enough, it will never be a monster. There may or may not be some bolt on "performance" mods done in the future (with an emphasis on cosmetics and sound since power gain is so minimal).

Plans:
Tint (completed by Jazz it up in Centennial)
Carbon Fiber Vinyl on door Pillars and rear plastic triangle window (completed by Jazz it Up in Centennial)
Sharkfin Antenna (Currently, there is some CF Vinyl under the antenna to cover a paint repair, which will likely be removed when the car is painted and not redone)
Lower on springs (Completed using Eibach Pro Kit)
Change door fabric color/material (done twice. DIY first, then completed by Auto Weave in North Denver)
Custom Shift Boots from Redline Goods (Completed)
Seat Covers (most likely Full Pipe Wet Okole--Black with Red piping)
Custom headliner and wrapped pillars
custon rear cargo deck to house an amp, subwoofer, and additional lighting
Paint (Black Cherry Pearl is at the top of the heap)
Painted Calipers
Lights (LED front runners, engine bay, and some F&F style...what can I say, I like them)
Clean Engine Bay, eliminate plastic as much as possible, blue convoluted tubing for electrical, red silicone for vacuum lines, Paint remaining plastic if neccesarry) (In Progress)
New Carpet (Mazeuro)

[Shadowden]

Here are some photos of the tint and some CF Vinyl.

This will track the order in which things were done as well.

20% on all but the rear triangular windows, which was done at 5%


The rear trinagular piece behind the rear door windows as also done.

[Shadowden]

[Shadowden]

There is a thread on here(CMZC) about those.

[Shadowden]

I thought these would be straight forward installs, and they were for the most part. The armrest cover is well fit, so it is a bit arduous to get it put into place. The e-brake boot is pretty simple (you will also notice a Mazdaspeed CF e-brake handle). However, because I ordered a four panel boot for the shifter, the installation was more involved (meaning a dremel had to come out).

I used a small sanding bit to recess each of the four corners of the shift boot retaining hoop. I opened each side up about 1/2" and took the edge down to the same level as the hole tabs for the mounting screws. When i put my new shift knob on, I will dissamble the hoop and take some pictures with a more detailed writeup.

[Shadowden]

RX7_Chris helped me run a live power outlet to the armrest for the ability to have 24-7 phone charging capabilities. I also ran the Denison Icelink Ipod integration cable into the armrest.
(Pictures to come)

[Shadowden]

I bought a Sharkfin Antenna frome Elite 130. I am having some issues with te adhesion of the fin, but Visual Garage is working great with me. This is a photo of the pre-final mount (you can see the seperation of the gasket from te fin).

[Shadowden]

I don't have a very good before picture. I'm going to be adding pictures as this comes along as it is a rather big investment in time, more so than materials.

Picture of Battery Area (Dirty)


Picture of Engine with degreaser sprayed on it



Picture after washing all Degreaser off (Initial rough clean)

[Shadowden]

Fogot to include that I had some flat black vinyl added beneath my rear license plate. On the 2005 MZ3, the plate overlaps between body color and some black trim. It annoyed me, and I think the flat black vinyl creates the lines I was looking for.

You can also see the sharkfin. I had it very close to body color, but i attempted to fix some paint, and it didn't match at all, so I painted the fin black and had some vinyl put down to cover the attempted paint repair until the paint is all redone. Might look into having it touched up at a place nearby though (I 'll let them repaint the fin too since i got tired of color sanding, then all of the sanding on the clear coats).

[Shadowden]

I have a slew of parts coming in shortly.
Centric plain rotors front and rear, Hawk HPS Pads front and Rear, red g2 caliper paint, and Koni Yellow rear shocks.

Also, to be installed in the next month or so:
Simota CF SRI
Mazdaspeed short shifter

[RX-7 Chris]

I can help with the brake install if you are willing to wait till after the new year.

[Operator]

You have a lineup of wheels, you're thinking of?

[Shadowden]

You have a lineup of wheels, you're thinking of?

These (enkei):


Chris, That would be great. I may have them done by then, but will see. Traveling over Christmas, so its a short month for me (especially since I have my Dynamics Final on the 15th).

[RichB]

I like the Vinyl on the door Pillars. I have marks on mine that won't come off....

[Shadowden]

I like the Vinyl on the door Pillars. I have marks on mine that won't come off....

It is an inexpensive fix that can make a big difference. That is why I did mine. If you don't like the CF, the flat black Vinyl will look really good too. I'll have to get a picture of the rear end on mine so you can see what I mean.