I just recently sold my 7 and would like to do something to the 8... mod wise that is. I know on the 7 since it's turbo and all and the injectors get maxed out pretty quickly, there is a 3 mod rule and then you have to upgrade the ecu and injectors etc.

How is the ecu and the injectors on the 8? Can you install the exhaust, intake etc before messing with fuel and ecu? What about midpipe and headers?

Thanks a lot.

 

Turbo, injectors good for up to 9 PSI ish, depending on RPM, ECU is a bitch...NA mods don't do much to VE but also typically do not require any tuning.

Check EMS forum here under Major Horsepower Upgrades.

 

i'm not planing on going turbo on it anytime soon... I just want to do the regular stuff: full exhaust, intake, etc. minor stuff... I won't need ecu upgrade or some kind of fuel management will i?

Thanks

 

with stuff like exhaust and intake you should be fine without any ECU upgrades, though if you wanted there are a couple options:

1) racing beat PCM flash: http://www.racingbeat.com/FRmazda4.htm
They have information on their site about what all it does, it might help improve upon what little the mods like intake and exhaust have added

2) COBB AccessPort: http://www.cobbforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31354
Not out yet but looks very promising, and from what I've read, the version made for WRXs was very popular and good. Gives you a little more control than the reflash from RB.

Edit: fyi, I have a cat-back, supercat and intake with no issues and most recent flash from mazda for the ECU with no issues. So from what you've mentioned, you would be fine, but the 2 options above could possibly help a little, though I havnt personally tried either.
Hope this helps! Good luck with the modding

 

bolt ons net you very little actual horsepower. They won't require any tuning, but it won't hurt to do by an EMS like the Emanage Ultimate or Interceptor-X and maximize some extra power. Stock fuel system can support around 300-rwhp, but you're on the max duty cycle at that point.

 

+1 on the bolt-ons. All you'll really do there is change the way the car sounds. I doubt you'll even pick up 20hp. Maybe with the right tune, but you'll sink around 2 grand or more and not net very much useable HP. Waste of money IMO. Save your money then put all the mods on along with the turbo.

 

what is the ecu flash that is done by mazda? Do i just ask for that and is that under warranty?

Also, i read a lot about zex nitrous system on here that Charles Hill did. It sounds like it's good mod for the money. Frankly on the 7 Nitrous was a big no no for me, so since this is N/A would zex system be beneficial?

It seems like it's cheaper then the turbo system itself and if it can be rigged to work through TPS then it could be pretty interesting setup.